'Avengers' finale cast grows as 'Doomsday' star is officially confirmed for 'Secret Wars' return
Marvel Studios' upcoming epic 'Avengers: Secret Wars' is continuing to take shape as its cast list grows ahead of production. With just two Avengers films left before the current overarching storyline concludes, anticipation is building around which heroes will assemble for the Phase 6 finale. And one major fan-favorite has now been officially confirmed. Simu Liu has revealed that he will return as Shang-Chi in 'Avengers: Secret Wars'. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Liu confirmed that after appearing in 'Avengers: Doomsday', he will also suit up again for its direct follow-up.
Reflecting on his MCU future, Liu said he felt "lucky enough" to be part of 'Doomsday' and "its successor in 'Secret Wars'," effectively confirming Shang-Chi's role in both films. The news comes as Marvel Studios prepares for a busy production schedule. 'Avengers: Doomsday', the first of the two-part finale, wrapped principal photography in September 2025, though additional filming is planned for this spring. Meanwhile, cameras are expected to roll on 'Avengers: Secret Wars' this summer, putting the film firmly on track for its December 2027 release.
With Shang-Chi now officially locked in, Liu joins a growing roster of confirmed stars for 'Secret Wars'. Among them is Robert Downey Jr., who is set to return to the MCU in a radically new role as Doctor Doom. Downey will make his full debut as the iconic Marvel villain in 'Avengers: Doomsday' before reprising the role in 'Secret Wars'. Another hero confirmed for the Phase 6 finale is Shuri, also known as Black Panther. In December 2025, Letitia Wright revealed in an interview with ScreenRant that her Wakandan leader will appear in 'Avengers: Secret Wars'.
Liu also shared insights into his experience filming 'Avengers: Doomsday', highlighting the collaborative and energetic atmosphere on set. He spoke warmly about the friendships he formed during production. Liu said, "I came away from 'Doomsday' with like, a lot of, a lot of really fantastic friendships. Channing Tatum ... I wanted to shout him out because he's just one of my favorite human beings. And, um, I just had such a phenomenal time with him, on-set, off-set. He's just, you know, such an admirable person." Marketing for 'Avengers: Doomsday' is already underway, despite the film not arriving until later this year.
Marvel Studios and Disney have begun screening a new teaser trailer exclusively in theaters ahead of 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. That footage notably confirmed Chris Evans' return as Steve Rogers. Recent teaser material has also spotlighted Chris Hemsworth's Thor, along with several X-Men characters. Behind the camera, Marvel is leaning on proven talent to steer the franchise toward its conclusion. Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously directed 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Avengers: Endgame', are returning to helm both 'Avengers: Doomsday' and 'Avengers: Secret Wars'.
