In September 2021, Marvel Studios delivered one of its best-reviewed and most highly-praised outings of the year in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the franchise's first dip into the world of martial arts. Coming in with an impressive opening weekend exclusively in theaters and continuing to make its mark on Disney+, Simu Liu's titular hero appears set for an extended run in the MCU's future.
In an unexpected twist, the mid-credits scene from Shang-Chi sent Liu's martial artist to an all-star meeting with Wong, Captain Marvel, and Dr. Bruce Banner as he learned that there's more to the Ten Rings than he ever knew. This inclusion in the new Avengers line-up along with plans for multiple Shang-Chi-based projects means it should only be a matter of time before Liu dons the red-and-black dragon-scaled suit once again.
The biggest question that remains now is when that next appearance will come, especially with potential major crossovers coming in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Liu has even had to answer direct questions about a potential casting in that film, although he recently attempted to shut down that conversation once and for all.
Simu Liu Aggressively Addresses Doctor Strange Rumors
In his latest Instagram story, Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu readdressed the rumors of him reprising his role in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
While celebrating everything he accomplished in 2021 and looking forward to 2022, he asked fans to "please stop asking" about him being in the highly-anticipated Doctor Strange sequel:
"To the most incredible year of my life.
Let’s do it all over again in 2022.
Also please stop asking me if I’ll be in Doctor Strange I honestly do not know how much more clear I can be.
I love you guys though. Best fans ever."
The full story can be seen below:
Simu Liu Clear on Questions about Shang-Chi Return
After a successful theatrical run in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, including a meeting with the Avengers, it was only natural for fans to wonder where the expert fighter would show up next. Particularly with his ties to Benedict Wong's newly-minted Sorcerer Supreme in the story, the Doctor Strange sequel immediately shot up to the top of fans' lists of potentials.
With many characters and plot points already coming to fruition in Multiverse of Madness, it may be a challenge to fit Shang-Chi in alongside at least a trio of powerful magicians in Doctor Strange, Wong, and the Scarlet Witch. However, looking at recent behind-the-scenes MCU history, this could simply be another round of intense denials for the purpose of keeping Marvel Studios' secrets.
Fans recently saw this with Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield, who denied his inclusion in Spider-Man: No Way Home for the better part of a year before playing a key supporting role in the threequel's third act. Liu's inclusion in Multiverse of Madness wouldn't necessarily be as shocking since he's already firmly implanted in the MCU, but should it happen, there are certainly similarities between both actors' methods of denial.
Regardless of what ends up happening, it shouldn't be too long before Simu Liu suits up as the increasingly-popular Shang-Chi for a second round with Marvel Studios.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is now available to stream on Disney+. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will premiere in theaters on May 6, 2022.
