The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for one of its most ambitious chapters yet, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. Set to release on December 18, 2026, the fifth Avengers film promises to unite fan-favorite heroes from across the multiverse in what could be the most explosive Marvel event since ‘Endgame’.
From old Avengers returning to Fox’s X-Men stepping into the MCU spotlight, ‘Doomsday’ seems to be more than just another superhero blockbuster. Now, Simu Liu, who plays Shang-Chi in the MCU, shared heartfelt insights about his experience being part of this cinematic milestone.
Simu Liu On Working With His Heroes In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
In an interview with SR, during the press tour for his new film ‘In Your Dreams’, Simu Liu was asked to describe ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ in three words. His response was simple yet powerful: “dream come true.” The actor elaborated with genuine enthusiasm, saying, “I mean, there are just so many actors in it, and getting to work with those people as peers is really incredible because I grew up watching so many of them.”
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For Liu, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ isn’t just another Marvel movie; it’s deeply personal. His journey from being a Marvel fan to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with cinematic legends like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Hugh Jackman feels like a full-circle moment. Marvel Studios officially announced Liu’s return as Shang-Chi during their surprise live-stream event on March 26, 2025, unveiling part of the ‘Doomsday’ cast.
The reveal sent waves through the fandom, confirming that the Master of the Ten Rings would be fighting alongside both familiar faces and powerful newcomers. Liu described the movie as more than just a crossover; it’s a heartfelt tribute to everything the superhero genre represents. “It feels, in a lot of ways, like a love letter to the entire genre of superhero movies,” Liu said. “And I think there’s something really fun about that.”
His words capture what many fans have been feeling for years. “This movie is for all the misfits and the weirdos and the underdogs that grew up reading comic books and feeling like there was hope for them somehow. That it didn’t matter if they didn’t fit in. I think there’s just always a special place in my heart for that entire genre.” His words highlight what makes Marvel’s storytelling resonate so powerfully.
Why Former Jean Grey Actress Will Not Return For ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
One of the most exciting elements of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is the return of Fox’s X-Men. It’s a monumental crossover that fans have dreamed of for years. With the Multiverse Saga in full swing, this marks the first true merging of Marvel’s cinematic universes. Actors Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming, and James Marsden are all confirmed to reprise their roles. The news, revealed during Marvel’s 2026 live-stream, was met with a lot of excitement.
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However, not every familiar face from the classic X-Men trilogy will return. In a recent EW interview, Famke Janssen, who famously portrayed Jean Grey, revealed she was never approached. “Every time I do an interview, it’s mentioned,” she said. “It’s interesting. I didn’t realize that was such a big part… But when directly asked if I had been approached by Marvel Studios, I can say, never. Never ever.”
Janssen’s absence might disappoint some longtime fans. However, even without her return, the film’s mutant representation will be massive and perhaps more significant than ever. Adding to the excitement, Channing Tatum will finally appear as Gambit, reprising his role from ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. After years of development limbo, this long-awaited debut will fulfill another fan’s wish.
