Phase 5 has only begun, and it already appears that the projects will become much more interconnected than previously. The Multiverse Saga is in full swing, and while we don’t yet know who will make a comeback, it appears that Simu Liu, who played Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, has hinted at a sooner appearance for his character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Kang the Conqueror is likely the first possessor of the mysterious ten rings in Shang-Chi, which granted Tony Leung’s Mandarin a variety of abilities. It has caused many MCU fans to speculate that Kang will attack the rings in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, which debuts on May 2, 2025.

As Cretton begins work on Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, rumors of a Shang-Chi sequel continue to circulate. Shang-Chi 2 has reportedly “been put on the Marvel Studios production calendar,” which suggests that Marvel’s martial arts prodigy could soon make a comeback to the big screen. This information was provided to fans by insider KC Walsh in a previous interview.

With all of the speculation flying around, Shang-Chi star Simu Liu has hinted that the upcoming sequel could hit theaters sooner than anyone anticipates.

Shang-Chi Is Returning Soon!

Marvel Cinematic Universe star Simu Liu hosted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Scientific and Technical Awards last Friday.
Liu had the opportunity to speak with PEOPLE after the award event and discuss what it’s like to be a part of this vast universe full of amazing performers and creators who each add their own unique touch to a world that operates according to its own set of laws.

Shang-Chi’s titular character, Simu Liu, has hinted that MCU fans may see Shang-Chi sooner than they think.

I’m such a big fan of both the characters and the performers that play them, so any collaboration is an opportunity for me to work alongside someone who, in their own way, is breaking barriers and at the very top of their game. I think that’s what excites me the most as a performer, [and] also as a fan. And who knows, they might see something sooner than you think.

Is Shang-Chi 2 Actually Happening?

Destin Daniel Cretton, who directed the first Shang-Chi, will direct a sequel, with Liu returning to reprise the title character, although Marvel Studios has not yet set a release date for the film.

During a conversation with ComicBook.com’s Brandon Davis at BoxLunch’s Christmas Gala for Feeding America, Liu confirmed that a proper followup to The Legend of the Ten Rings is on the way.

“I think I know as much as anyone else, right? There’s going to be a sequel, I think that part was obvious but it was also made official,” Liu explained. “As far as when I think that’s just a question of timing and how well my back holds up through the years. I’ll make 40 of them if we can.”

During the conversation, Liu also revealed that Cretton has signed an exclusive contract with Marvel Studios to produce not just a Shang-Chi sequel but also a Disney+ TV series. It was also recently confirmed that he would direct Kang Dynasty.

When the sequel was first announced in December 2021, Marvel CEO Kevin Feige said:

“Destin is an amazing collaborator who brought a unique perspective and skill to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings… We had a fantastic time working together on the film, and he has so many intriguing ideas for stories to bring to life…”

The sequel was confirmed in December 2021, but no release date has been set and it is not currently mentioned on the MCU’s Phase 5 or 6 slate.
The fans are, however, thrilled by Simu Liu‘s latest hints, and if they are true, the sequel may be closer than we think.