Simu Liu as Shang-Chi and John Boyega as Finn

An intriguing conversation between Simu Liu and John Boyega has sparked speculation about Star Wars and Marvel roles. When it comes to franchises, Star Wars and the MCU are still some of the biggest. Both are faced with massive questions going forward, though, because the MCU has replaced Kang with Doctor Doom as the great villain of the Multiverse Saga, while Star Wars‘ upcoming movie slate is kicking off with The Mandalorian & Grogu, ahead of a New Jedi Order film featuring Daisy Ridley’s return.

Actors Simu Liu and John Boyega – who play Shang-Chi and Finn in their respective franchises – have shared an exciting conversation on social media that has left viewers speculating. It all began when Liu shared an image of himself training, prompting Boyega to post an image of Shang-Chi; it didn’t take long for that to escalate, with Liu teasing an image of Finn and Boyega responding with winking emoticons. You can see the full exchange here.

What John Boyega & Simu Liu’s Banter Could Mean For Star Wars & Marvel

What’s really going on?

Finn in Stormtrooper armor in Star Wars The Force Awakens

This is just banter, of course, but it’s nevertheless exciting. Simu Liu looks particularly ripped, and Boyega’s response strongly suggests he’s aware Liu is soon to return as Shang-Chi. Shang-Chi & the Legend of the Ten Rings released back in 2021, and the hero hasn’t been seen since, although there have been hints he’ll be a power player soon. Avengers: Doomsday isn’t expected to start production until March next year, though, so it’s possible Liu is teasing a cameo before then.

Liu’s response to Boyega is even more exciting. Some are speculating Boyega will be playing a recast Kang the Conqueror in Avengers: Doomsday – he’s a popular recast for Kang after Jonathan Majors was fired. The explicit Star Wars gif, though, raises the possibility Liu simply knows of another project; that Boyega is set to appear in Lucasfilm’s New Jedi Order movie, playing the role of Finn. Lucasfilm failed Finn as a character, and it would be thrilling to see him redeemed with a better arc.

Our Take On John Boyega & Simu Liu’s Teases

Two much-anticipated returns

Shang-Chi using the Ten Rings in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

The MCU’s rapid rate of expansion means it’s far too long since we’ve seen Shang-Chi. What’s more, the end of Shang-Chi – which saw the hero team up with other celebrated MCU figures to discover the truth behind his Ten Rings – set him up as a central figure in the Multiverse Saga. It really is about time he came back.

As regards Boyega, either option is exciting. There’s a reason he’s a popular recast for Kang; he really is perfect as the villain. But a Star Wars return would be an opportunity to put matters right, with the former stormtrooper Finn continuing his journey to become a Jedi. Daisy Ridley hopes for Boyega’s return, and it would be a shame to see those hopes dashed. Either way, the truth will become clear with time, and we’ll eventually find out whether Boyega is joining Star Wars or Marvel – or if these tweets meant nothing at all.