Simu Liu, who debuted as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2021, will join the Avengers team in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in December 2026. As this film marks a key part of The Multiverse Saga’s conclusion in 2027, there is growing curiosity about the Simu Liu Shang-Chi future in the MCU.
In a recent interview with ComicBook, Liu expressed his willingness to continue portraying Shang-Chi for as long as possible.
I would keep doing [Shang-Chi sequels] as long as I as I physically could.
Simu Liu, Actor
Joining Established Marvel Icons Presents Challenges and Inspiration
At 36 years old, Liu spoke about acting alongside Marvel veterans who have inhabited their roles for decades. Reflecting on the experience, he said,
I was just in like quite a large Marvel movie with a lot of these actors, some of whom have been playing the same role for like over 20 years.
Simu Liu, Actor He added the sense of stepping into a well-established world and characters was both daunting and motivating:
And I’m stepping into their world. I’m stepping into their characters, who they’ve owned and honed and developed for so long.
Simu Liu, Actor
Liu also shared the internal struggle of dealing with self-doubt on such a high-profile set.
And it’s everything I can do just to like stop myself from shaking. But the thought that kind of powers me is this: you’ve still got to show up and you’ve got to try your best. Try your best to get something usable in there and get out of your own way. I feel like a lot of times we use impostor syndrome or insecurity as an excuse not to show up.
Simu Liu, Actor
Focus on the Work Over Self—A Way Forward in the MCU
When discussing his mindset toward long-term success in the MCU, Liu emphasized prioritizing the character and the work above personal concerns. He explained,
If we can just not make it about ourselves for a second and just focus on the work that you have to do. What is the objective? What is my objective as this character? Then you just take it a step at a time, and then hopefully when you do it for 40 years, someone will be looking at you and being like ‘Holy crap, what I would give to do work like that.’
Simu Liu, Actor
Avengers: Doomsday Film Update and Anticipation
The filming of Avengers: Doomsday concluded on September 19, 2025, with Marvel Studios confirming a partial cast so far. Kevin Feige revealed at CinemaCon 2025 that additional casting announcements will arrive in the future, leaving some mystery around the full ensemble. The film is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who will also return to direct Avengers: Secret Wars, the final chapter in The Multiverse Saga.
Expectations are high for the film’s December 2025 trailer, which may uncover some of the unrevealed cast members. The known lineup includes Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing), all familiar faces eager to make an impact in this pivotal installment.
What Lies Ahead for Simu Liu and Shang-Chi in Marvel’s Expanding Universe
With Avengers: Doomsday poised to be a central event in Marvel’s cinematic timeline, Simu Liu’s commitment to continuing as Shang-Chi signals the character’s potential prominence beyond this saga. As Liu faces the pressures of joining a legendary group of superheroes, his focus on the craft rather than ego underlines the dedication needed to thrive in such an iconic role. The film’s release in December 2026 will be a major milestone not only for Liu’s career but also for the future direction of the Shang-Chi character and the MCU at large.
