Simu Liu in Abu Dhabi at MEFCC: Why his Shang-Chi is a 24-year-old who does karaoke
Abu Dhabi: Months before Avengers: Doomsday brings him back as Shang-Chi, Simu Liu told fans in Abu Dhabi how the character was reworked for the big screen, away from a comic-book version he said could feel like a caricature of Bruce Lee. Liu spoke on the Beyond the Multiverse panel at Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) 2026 on Friday, 11 September, alongside Pom Klementieff, who plays…
Simu Liu appeared at Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) 2026 in Abu Dhabi, where he discussed his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Liu explained that director Destin Daniel Cretton wanted Shang-Chi to be a relatable 24-year-old who enjoyed activities like karaoke and staying out late, rather than a caricature of Bruce Lee.
Liu also shared that he recently revisited the comics on his own and was excited to see the changes made in the film, including the ten rings each controlling a different element. When asked about the Avengers: Doomsday movie, Liu joked about the agony of waiting for a call and said he was crying when he received the call. He and co-star Pom Klementieff, who plays Mantis, joked that their characters would get along and possibly even take over the universe together.
The two also discussed meeting in San Francisco and playing padel, a sport Liu highly recommends trying.
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