Simu Liu has addressed speculation that Marvel Studios may be dropping Shang-Chi 2 from its upcoming release schedule, putting viewers’ minds at ease.

Simu Liu as Shang-Chi in front of dragon scale cage in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Marvel Studios star Simu Liu has addressed rumors that Shang-Chi 2 could be canceled, as Liu’s titular hero hasn’t been seen since 2021. Simu Liu debuted as Shang-Chi in Phase 4’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, a powerful and representative project that provided answers to questions from the beginning of the MCU. Xu Wenwu was revealed to be the leader of the Ten Rings, the organization that took Tony Stark captive in Iron Man, and the introduction of the MCU’s real Mandarin and his ancient weapons, the Ten Rings, expanded the franchise in some very interesting ways.

Not much has been revealed about Shang-Chi’s MCU future following his debut in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, leading some to speculate that the highly-anticipated sequel may be canceled. After Disney CEO Bob Iger’s recent comments, this may have become even more likely, but during a recent exchange on Threads, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu confirmed that the sequel is still in development. Liu stated, “I proooomiss it’s happening,” confirming that Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi 2, which will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, is still in development for the MCU’s future.

When Could Shang-Chi 2 Realistically Release?

Shang-Chi with his dragon scale staff in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

A sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was confirmed to be in development in December 2021, shortly after the original project’s release. Director Destin Daniel Cretton was revealed to be returning for Shang-Chi 2, as well as taking on Marvel Studios’ Wonder Man series under his production company, Family Owned. Since then, however, not much has been revealed about Shang-Chi 2’s production, though Simu Liu is expected to reprise his role in the upcoming project, and he will likely be joined by Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang and Benedict Wong, returning as Katy, Xu Xialing and Wong, respectively.

It’s possible that Destin Daniel Cretton will move straight onto Shang-Chi 2 after the MCU’s Wonder Man series is complete. Filming for Wonder Man concluded in April 2024, so more news regarding Shang-Chi 2 may be confirmed soon. This could set Shang-Chi 2 up for a potential release before the Multiverse Saga’s ending, which could see Liu embark on a new solo adventure, as well as potentially appearing in Phase 6’s Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars. The former was originally set to be directed by Cretton, though he departed the project following Jonathan Majors’ arrest and conviction.

Currently, the MCU’s Multiverse Saga is set to conclude in 2027 with Avengers: Secret Wars, and Marvel Studios has several empty release slots for unannounced feature films prior to Secret Wars’ release. While the release schedule for 2025 is full, there are empty slots available for February 13, July 24, and November 6, 2026. Any of these could be filled by Shang-Chi 2, and while this means at least a five-year gap between Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and its sequel, it will be great to see Simu Liu reprise his exciting role in the MCU’s future.