Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu teases Shang-Chi is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe sooner than fans think. Liu made his debut in the 2021 release that served as the second Phase 4 movie, and it quickly established Shang-Chi as one of the best new characters in the franchise. Marvel Studios did not wait long to ensure fans that Simu Liu would return as Shang-Chi, as Shang-Chi 2 was put into development. It is also expected that Shang-Chi will appear in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, but both those movies are still years away at this point.

As the two-year anniversary of Shang-Chi and the legend of the Ten Rings' debut approaches, Simu Liu indicates that Shang-Chi could return as part of a superhero team-up sooner than expected. He briefly talked about his MCU crossover hopes for Shang-Chi in a recent interview with People. After sharing his admiration of the characters and actors that are part of the MCU and expressing his excitement to work with more of them, Liu dropped an intriguing tease about Shang-Chi's MCU return, saying, "And who knows, [fans] might see something sooner than you think. We'll see."

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Where Shang-Chi's Next MCU Appearance Could Happen

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The implication of Simu Liu's quote is that Shang-Chi's next MCU appearance will be a bit unexpected. This could mean that he is not referring to Shang-Chi appearing in Shang-Chi 2, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, or Avengers: Secret Wars. All three upcoming MCU movies are expected to include Shang-Chi in some capacity, but they also are not happening for at least two more years, which is not soon. That opens the door for Shang-Chi to make a surprise appearance in an upcoming MCU project.

The MCU Phase 5 slate has some good options for Shang-Chi's next appearance. Simu Liu could be part of the cast for Captain America: New World Order, allowing Shang-Chi to be part of a new Avengers team that Sam Wilson forms. That is the most sensible MCU movie for Shang-Chi to appear in, but cameos in The Marvels or Deadpool 3 could also happen unexpectedly. It is also possible that Liu is teasing a Disney+ appearance, such as through Loki season 2's multiverse story. Shang-Chi is also confirmed for What If...? season 2, so that could be another possible answer to Liu's tease.

Wherever Shang-Chi appears next in the MCU, it has been somewhat surprising he has not been seen since Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The film's post-credits scene sparked speculation of a possible appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which did not happen. Despite his popularity, Marvel Studios is not rushing to bring back the MCU's newer heroes, Shang-Chi included.

More: Shang-Chi Could Be The Key To The Multiverse Saga

Source: People

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