Could Simu Liu have been the next face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? A new report reveals the Shang-Chi star almost held a leading role in the canceled Avengers: Kang Dynasty.
Now that Avengers: Kang Dynasty is officially dead in the ground and replaced by Avengers: Doomsday, reports have begun to come out about the studio’s original plan for the capstone to the MCU’s most recent saga. While many assumed the newest heroes of the franchise such as Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi would return for the project, he may have had a bigger role than expected.
A new report from Inverse reveals that Simu Liu was originally intended to lead Avengers: Kang Dynasty. This tracks with what fans knew about the movie, as Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton was originally set to helm the project before departing it late last year. This, of course, led to the Russo Brothers making their return to the MCU to direct Avengers: Doomsday.
Simu Liu’s Future In The MCU As Shang-Chi
Many fans were worried that the lack of news about a Shang-Chi sequel might have meant that Simu Liu was already getting kicked out of the MCU. However, knowing that the star was originally set to lead Avengers: Kang Dynasty, it’s possible the studio put the sequel on hold to make sure that the character’s arc was kept consistent in the massive crossover movie that is now Avengers: Doomsday.
That being said, it’s unclear if Simu Liu will continue to stand in a leading role for Avengers: Doomsday, or if the actor’s involvement will be lessened from the original plan in Avengers: Kang Dynasty. Regardless, it seems Marvel has big hopes for Shang-Chi in the near future, even if the studio’s plans were diverted by decisions outside of its control.
Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters in May 2026. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!
