Simu Liu Says 'Avengers: Doomsday' Is a "Love Letter" to Superhero Cinema

Get ready, Marvel fans! Simu Liu, our very own Shang-Chi, is dishing out some exciting details about Avengers: Doomsday, teasing a film that sounds like a heartfelt tribute to the entire superhero genre.

TL;DR

• Simu Liu calls Avengers: Doomsday a "love letter to the entire genre of superhero movies," promising an emotional journey for fans.
• The film, directed by the Russo Brothers, is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, and boasts a massive ensemble cast.
• Liu's comments suggest Doomsday could be the "cultural reset" the MCU needs to reignite passion after a period of mixed reception.

Imagine being on set, surrounded by heroes you grew up watching, some of whom have been embodying their iconic characters for over two decades. You're trying your best not to shake, but the sheer weight of the moment is palpable. That's the kind of "dream come true" experience Simu Liu, known to us as Shang-Chi, recently described when talking about filming the upcoming MCU behemoth, Avengers: Doomsday.

In a period where the Marvel Cinematic Universe has faced its fair share of criticism for losing some of its magic and direction, Liu's enthusiastic comments feel like a much-needed jolt of optimism. Could Doomsday truly be the turning point fans have been hoping for?

Simu Liu's Enthusiastic Take on What Makes This Avengers Movie Special

Speaking with ScreenRant, ComicBook.com, and The Hollywood Reporter, Simu Liu expressed palpable excitement for his return as Shang-Chi in Avengers: Doomsday. Beyond the personal "dream come true" aspect of working alongside actors he idolized, Liu offered a powerful descriptor for the film itself: "It feels, in a lot of ways, like a love letter to the entire genre of superhero Movies. And I think there’s something really fun about that."

"It feels, in a lot of ways, like a love letter to the entire genre of superhero movies. And I think there’s something really fun about that."

– Simu Liu, on Avengers: Doomsday (Source: ScreenRant, ComicBook.com, The Hollywood Reporter)

This "love letter" concept is particularly telling. It echoes what made recent MCU hits like Deadpool & Wolverine and Spider-Man: No Way Home resonate so deeply with audiences. Those films successfully embraced the broader superhero genre and its on-screen history, weaving together major crossover stories with narratives that felt authentic to the spirit of comic books. If Doomsday follows suit, it could truly be the "cultural reset" the MCU needs after some more divided receptions to recent entries.

The MCU's Recent Journey and the High Stakes for Doomsday

Let's be honest, the road since Avengers: Endgame has been a bit bumpy for the MCU. While there have been undeniable successes, some installments have faced criticism for their direction, perceived lack of connection to the overarching Multiverse Saga, and even a touch of superhero fatigue. Projects like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels, intended as significant turning points, didn't always hit the mark with audiences or critics. Even well-received films like Liu's own Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings haven't always felt seamlessly integrated into the larger narrative in the years since their debut.

However, the studio isn't blind to these challenges. Marvel has been subtly, and sometimes not-so-subtly, addressing these concerns. We're seeing creative changes like a more streamlined release schedule (fewer movies and TV shows each year) and a conscious effort to win back goodwill. For instance, this year’s Thunderbolts highlighted practical effects and stunts in its smaller-scale story, a direct response to criticisms of over-reliance on CGI. Tom Holland has also spoken about how the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day feels different, with more real locations and stunt work.

The MCU has even started to poke fun at itself. Deadpool & Wolverine famously featured the fourth-wall-breaking Deadpool pointing out the MCU's current state, and the trailer for the Wonder Man series directly discusses the idea that there might be too many superhero movies. These nods suggest a self-awareness that bodes well for a film aiming to be a "love letter."

A Legacy of Directors and a Multiverse of Stars

A major reason for optimism around Doomsday is the return of directors Anthony and Joe Russo. These are the masterminds behind some of the MCU's most beloved and successful films, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Endgame. Their ability to balance massive ensemble casts and complex, interconnected storylines is unparalleled. Bringing them back for what's described as one of the "last superhero projects" (before Secret Wars) suggests a desire to infuse Doomsday with the emotional depth and narrative punch that defined their previous Avengers films. (Source: CBR, November 3, 2025)

Liu's comments also hint at a truly epic scale, mentioning that there are "just so many actors in it." He even dropped a tantalizing clue about unannounced cast members, saying he didn't "want to say the wrong name if they’re not announced [already]" but then excitedly recalled seeing "Sir Ian McKellen... wearing his superhero costume" on set. This suggests that Doomsday isn't just about bringing back current MCU favorites but also reaching deep into the history of superhero cinema, much like Spider-Man: No Way Home did for Spidey's cinematic legacy.

What Simu Liu's Insights Mean for the MCU's New Beginning

Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, has previously hinted that Avengers: Secret Wars, the follow-up to Doomsday, will be about "new beginnings" and could potentially reboot parts of the franchise. If that's the case, then Doomsday will logically be about "endings." It's poised to usher in a new era by concluding many character arcs, perhaps even for beloved heroes like Chris Hemsworth's Thor or Tom Hiddleston's Loki. This emotional weight, combined with the "love letter" approach, promises a film that will be especially rewarding for long-time fans who have journeyed with these characters for years.

The film is also set to introduce the Fantastic Four into the mainline MCU, featuring Robert Downey Jr. in a new, villainous role as Doctor Doom. This casting, while generating excitement, has also caused some debate among fans. The sheer scope of integrating established Fox X-Men characters (like Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Ian McKellen's Magneto) with new and existing MCU heroes is a colossal undertaking, requiring the delicate balance of storytelling that the Russo Brothers are known for.

Addressing Fan Concerns and Lingering Questions

While Liu's enthusiasm is infectious, it's fair to acknowledge some of the concerns circulating among fans. The Multiverse Saga has been accused of feeling rushed in its build-up compared to the carefully laid groundwork of the Infinity Saga. There's also the question of Robert Downey Jr.'s controversial casting as Doctor Doom, with some fans expressing reservations about the choice. (Source: CBR, November 3, 2025)

However, the "love letter" approach could be Marvel's way of addressing these critiques head-on. By crafting a film that celebrates the entire genre, it can both acknowledge past issues and deliver an experience that feels earned and impactful. The decision to bring back the Russo Brothers, known for handling massive casts and emotional stakes, is a clear move to reassure fans that this crucial cinematic event is in capable hands. The movie's success will largely depend on its ability to deliver a satisfying narrative closure while also setting up compelling new directions.

Example: Imagine a scene where a veteran hero, perhaps Thor, shares a quiet moment with a newer hero like Shang-Chi, reflecting on the weight of their legacy and the countless battles fought across different realities. This kind of interaction, steeped in the history of the genre, is exactly what Liu's "love letter" suggests – a film designed to make long-time fans feel seen and appreciated, reminding them why they fell in love with these stories in the first place.

Then there’s Shang-Chi's future beyond Doomsday. While Liu is "committed" to playing the character "as long as I physically could," a formal announcement for a Shang-Chi 2 is still notably absent. His first solo film's director, Destin Daniel Cretton, is currently busy with another MCU project, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This leaves Shang-Chi's solo trajectory a bit up in the air, a common tradeoff in a universe focused on massive crossover events.

Practical Takeaways for Anticipating Doomsday's Arrival

So, what does all this mean for us, the fans, eagerly awaiting Avengers: Doomsday?

• Prepare for a Heartfelt Finale: Expect a movie steeped in superhero history, offering emotional nods and possibly poignant farewells to beloved characters.
• Get Ready for a Star-Studded Extravaganza: The cast is massive, blending current MCU heroes with legends from past Fox X-Men films and exciting new additions.
• Hope for an MCU Reset: This film has the potential to reignite fan passion and course-correct the MCU's direction, setting a fresh stage for the Multiverse Saga's grand finale in Secret Wars.
• Mark Your Calendars: The journey culminates on December 18, 2026. Get ready for a cinematic experience that aims to be truly special.

FAQs About the Upcoming Avengers: Doomsday

When is Avengers: Doomsday releasing? Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. Who is directing Avengers: Doomsday? The film is directed by the acclaimed Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo. Who are some of the confirmed cast members for Avengers: Doomsday? The confirmed cast includes Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm / Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm / Human Torch), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm / The Thing), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Robert Downey Jr. (Doctor Doom), Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Pedro Pascal (Mister Fantastic), among many others. What is the main villain of Avengers: Doomsday? The primary antagonist for Avengers: Doomsday is Doctor Doom, reportedly played by Robert Downey Jr. Sources

• ScreenRant (Various articles on Simu Liu's comments about Avengers: Doomsday)
• ComicBook.com (Interview with Simu Liu on his MCU future and Doomsday)
• Deadline (Reports on Simu Liu's teasers and Doomsday production)
• CBR (Articles discussing fan concerns and implications of Doomsday's plot)
• The Hollywood Reporter (Interview with Simu Liu discussing unannounced cast members)
• Devdiscourse (News on Avengers: Doomsday's release and cast)
• Cinemablend (Article on Simu Liu's post-Doomsday future with the MCU)
• Den of Geek (Article discussing Doomsday's plot and connection to Multiverse Saga)