Release Date: December 18, 2026
Starring: Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and more
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton (for Shang-Chi series) / Marvel Studios
Franchise: Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Simu Liu is gearing up to suit up once again as Shang-Chi, Marvel Studios’ first Asian superhero lead, in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release on December 18, 2026. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Liu described working alongside the legendary Marvel cast he “grew up idolizing” as a dream come true.

Shang-Chi’s Return to the MCU

Fans have been eagerly awaiting Shang-Chi’s return since his debut in 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Liu admits that reprising the role is “everything” to him:

“It’s such a privilege to have played a character that resonated with so many different people,” Liu shared.

Since his original MCU debut, Shang-Chi has become a fan-favorite, inspiring audiences worldwide with his martial arts prowess, courage, and relatability. Liu also acknowledged the fan support that has propelled his career, saying:

“And part of that is like getting to put the suit back on again, except with these incredible legendary actors, many of whom I grew up idolizing and worshiping. Now, I get to call them my co-workers.”

Avengers: Doomsday Cast and Characters

Much like past ensemble Avengers films such as Infinity War (2018) and Endgame (2019), Avengers: Doomsday promises a massive lineup of characters from across the MCU. Key cast members include:

• Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom (villain)
• Chris Hemsworth as Thor
• Chris Evans as Captain America
• Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow
• Mark Ruffalo as Hulk
• Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye
• Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright and more

The film will also feature appearances from the Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and X-Men characters, making it one of the most ambitious crossovers in MCU history.

Simu Liu Reflects on Shang-Chi’s Impact

Despite being introduced four years ago, Shang-Chi has not appeared in other MCU films since his solo debut. Liu addressed the character’s absence and the fan demand:

“You’re not the only one that’s kind of felt that absence… Some people tell me every single day of my life, oftentimes multiple times a day.”

He also revealed that the original Shang-Chi cast remains close-knit, keeping in touch via group chats and sharing a deep bond from their unique filming experience.

“The Shang-Chi group text is still very active just because it was such a unique experience. So is something like Avengers: Doomsday, which is just a gargantuan production… I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

Liu described the role of Shang-Chi as life-changing:

“[Shang-Chi has] given me absolutely everything in my life… I would go as far as to say that I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.”

Simu Liu’s Other Projects

Before reprising Shang-Chi, Liu stars in Netflix’s animated film In Your Dreams (2025), where he voices the father. The film also features Cristin Milioti, Craig Robinson, Omid Djalili, and Gia Carides. Directed by Alex Woo, In Your Dreams is now streaming on Netflix.