Fans have been waiting a long time to see the Avengers reunite in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, the team has only appeared briefly in Thunderbolts introducing the New Avengers. The pandemic and 2023’s Hollywood strikes delayed further developments, but Marvel Studios is now set to reunite its iconic heroes along with new faces in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in December 2026. The upcoming movie has sparked attention and anxious excitement around Simu Liu Avengers Doomsday and what it means for both longtime fans and the franchise’s future.
Simu Liu Shares His Excitement for Avengers: Doomsday
Simu Liu, who will return as Shang-Chi, recently spoke about the upcoming movie in an interview. Asked to describe the film in three words, he called it a “dream come true,” reflecting the excitement of working alongside actors he admired growing up.
“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.” – Simu Liu, Actor
Liu emphasized the film’s homage to superhero movies, describing Avengers: Doomsday as a heartfelt tribute to the genre.
“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, Actor
He also highlighted the movie’s significance for fans who have often felt like outsiders.
“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.” – Simu Liu, Actor
Shang-Chi’s Role and New Additions to the Avengers Universe
In Avengers: Doomsday, Shang-Chi is expected to be a key figure in Sam Wilson’s team of Avengers. The character’s Ten Rings are anticipated to hold critical importance to the plot, potentially targeted by the movie’s antagonist, Doom. This focus suggests Shang-Chi will have a more prominent presence than he has since the original film, marking a significant return after the initial success of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings during the pandemic.
The cast of Avengers: Doomsday includes a vast roster of familiar and new faces. Main stars returning include Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Winston Duke, Tom Hiddleston, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, and Robert Downey Jr. Fresh to the franchise are Wyatt Russell, Simu Liu, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Florence Pugh, Danny Ramirez, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Lewis Pullman.
Expanding the Marvel Universe: Crossovers and New Stars
Adding to the ensemble’s scale, members of The Fantastic Four’s cast, including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, are joining the film. Also debuting in the Avengers world are prominent X-Men franchise actors such as Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, along with Channing Tatum known for Deadpool and Wolverine roles.
Reported appearances include Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, and Ryan Reynolds, making the cast one of the most loaded in MCU history. The sheer number of notable actors highlights the movie’s ambition but also raises concerns among fans, especially given some leads’ recent box office struggles.
Behind the Scenes: Returning Creators and Scriptwriters
The Russo Brothers are returning to direct Avengers: Doomsday, working again with Stephen McFeely, who has previously co-written notable Avengers and Captain America films. Michael Waldron, known for his work on Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is also involved in crafting the screenplay, adding to the high expectations for the story and its execution.
Looking Ahead to the Future of the MCU
Avengers: Doomsday is slated for a December 18, 2026 release, setting the stage for the next phase of the MCU. It will be followed by Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for December 17, 2027, signaling Marvel’s continued expansion and willingness to unite its multifaceted characters on screen. Given the promising cast, creative team, and the importance placed on this film, it may well define the direction of the MCU for years to come, especially for fans eager to see the legacy cast alongside new heroes.
