> At a Glance
> – Simu Liu will reprise Shang-Chi in Avengers: Doomsday (Dec 18, 2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (Dec 17, 2027)
> – A Shang-Chi sequel is officially “happening,” though timing remains under wraps
> – Channing Tatum, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Patrick Stewart, and Ian McKellen are among the confirmed castmates
> – Why it matters: Marvel fans get concrete dates for the next cosmic saga and confirmation that the Ten Rings hero is central to it
Simu Liu has ended months of speculation by confirming both his upcoming Avengers appearances and the long-promised Shang-Chi follow-up.
Marvel’s Next Phase Locked In
Speaking exclusively to News Of Los Angeles at New York Comic Con, Liu stated that audiences will next see his martial-arts master in Avengers: Doomsday when it opens December 18, 2026, followed by Secret Wars exactly one year later. “I was lucky enough to be part of Doomsday and will be lucky enough to be part of its successor in Secret Wars,” he said.
While plot details remain secret, the actor revealed that the ensemble includes:
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Pedro Pascal
- Chris Hemsworth
- Anthony Mackie
- Patrick Stewart
- Ian McKellen
Sequel Still on the Horizon
Liu reiterated that a second Shang-Chi film remains in active development: “I sound like a broken record, but it is happening.” The 2021 original earned $432 million globally, making a follow-up likely, yet Marvel has not announced production dates or release windows.
Set Friendships and Hero Worship
On the Doomsday set, Liu formed a close bond with Channing Tatum, calling him “one of my favorite human beings” and praising their on- and off-set chemistry. He also gushed about sharing scenes with Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, actors he “grew up watching and idolizing,” likening the experience to “turning on your TV on a Saturday morning.”
Key Takeaways
- Shang-Chi will appear in back-to-back Avengers epics, cementing the character’s MCU importance
- Avengers: Doomsday arrives December 18, 2026; Secret Wars follows December 17, 2027
- A standalone Shang-Chi sequel is confirmed but undated
- Liu’s enthusiasm for his castmates signals a fun, ensemble-driven shoot
With dates locked and the hero’s future mapped out, fans can circle their calendars for the next chapter of the Ten Rings saga.
