Shang-Chi’s Evolution in Avengers: Doomsday: Simu Liu Spills the Beans (Exclusive)
When Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings hit theaters a few years back, it felt like the Marvel Cinematic Universe had found its next big star. The film was a critical and commercial hit, raking in $432.2 million globally—no small feat during a time when cinemas were still recovering from the pandemic. Shang-Chi quickly became a fan favorite, but despite the buzz, a sequel has yet to materialize. Instead, the character is set to return in Avengers: Doomsday, marking Simu Liu’s long-awaited comeback to the MCU. And here’s the kicker: Shang-Chi isn’t the same hero we last saw—he’s evolved, and how he’s evolved is the part most people are missing.
In a recent interview with ComicBook, Liu opened up about his role in Doomsday while promoting his new show, The Copenhagen Test. He hinted at a more mature, self-assured version of Shang-Chi, saying, ‘Time has passed. Both he and I are older, which brings a new layer of confidence—something Shang-Chi desperately needed as the ‘fish out of water’ in his origin story.’ Liu added, ‘There’s a time jump, so we’ll meet him at a point where he’s more comfortable in his skin and his responsibilities.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this growth enough to justify skipping a sequel? Fans have been clamoring for more of Shang-Chi’s story, and Doomsday might not give him the spotlight he deserves.
Liu also shared why he’s treading carefully when discussing Doomsday. ‘One wrong word, and it’s everywhere,’ he admitted. ‘I remember being on the Empire State Building rooftop, freezing, and someone asked about his costume. I said, ‘It’s new,’ and suddenly it’s a headline. Now, I’m more reserved about what I reveal.’
And this is the part most people miss: Doomsday wasn’t just a new chapter for Shang-Chi—it was a different experience for Liu himself. Coming off The Copenhagen Test, where he was an executive producer deeply involved in every aspect, Liu relished the chance to step back and trust the process. ‘It was refreshing to surrender to such a massive production,’ he said. ‘Shang-Chi is just one piece of a huge puzzle, and that was liberating.’
Doomsday has a lot riding on it, but Shang-Chi’s return is undoubtedly one of its most exciting elements. His solo film was all about self-discovery, but now, he’s embraced his identity—and that means a more confident, powerful hero. But here’s the question: Will his role in Doomsday do him justice, or will he get lost in the shuffle of an ensemble cast?
Rumors suggest Shang-Chi might join Sam Wilson’s Avengers team, as hinted at a Disney marketing event. With Captain America rebuilding Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, a seasoned Shang-Chi wielding the Ten Rings would be a game-changer. But without a sequel, his character development feels rushed. Is Marvel doing Shang-Chi justice, or is he being sidelined?
It’s a shame his sequel hasn’t materialized, as it would’ve been the perfect platform to explore his growth. In Doomsday, there’s a risk he’ll be overshadowed, despite Liu’s enthusiasm about working with legends like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. Still, Liu had ‘fun’ on set, which bodes well for his performance.
What do you think? Is Shang-Chi’s evolution in Doomsday enough, or does he need his own sequel? Share your thoughts below and join the debate in the ComicBook Forum!
