Mark Ruffalo has sparked excitement about the potential return of the Hulk to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026 with the upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The new Spider-Man installment, part of MCU’s Phase 6, is currently in production, marking Tom Holland’s return as Peter Parker within the evolving franchise.
Filming began in early August under the direction of Destin Daniel Cretton, known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Despite limited details about the plot, it is reported that an original Avenger will join Holland’s new Spider-Man adventure, fuelling speculation about which familiar face might appear.
In a recent interview with ET Online, Ruffalo was questioned about headlines suggesting he would reprise his role as Bruce Banner, the Hulk, in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. At 57, the actor responded with cautious optimism and a hint of excitement but avoided confirming anything outright.
“I don’t know, I’m still waiting to hear. I haven’t read a script yet. Well, if it does happen, it would be [Laughs] incredible. I grew up with this, and it’s changed my life in the best ways. Each time, it’s a new director, a new world, and it’s so exciting. There’s nothing else like it. A TV show doesn’t change its world from one director to the next, and that’s what is exciting.”
—Mark Ruffalo, Actor
Interpreting Mark Ruffalo’s Comments on His MCU Role
Ruffalo’s vague statements are typical of Marvel actors who often maintain secrecy due to the studio’s strict confidentiality rules surrounding upcoming projects. The absence of any direct denial suggests that Ruffalo’s involvement remains intact but heavily protected from public disclosure.
The fact that he has not yet seen a script likely indicates plans to film his scenes later in the schedule. Marvel is known for imposing rigorous security on scripts to prevent spoilers, distributing them only when absolutely necessary. This approach helps explain his tentative remarks and lack of concrete information.
Behind the Scenes: Casting Updates for Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Alongside potential Hulk appearances, the cast includes several familiar and new faces. Jon Bernthal and Michael Mando will reprise their roles as Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher, and Mac Gargan, the Scorpion, respectively. New cast additions include Sadie Sink, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Tramell Tillman, though details about their characters have not been disclosed.
Tom Holland returns as Spider-Man, continuing his journey after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, in which his identity was erased from public memory. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon also reprise their roles as Michelle Jones and Ned Leeds, respectively, maintaining the core group of allies around Peter Parker.
The Impact and Anticipation Surrounding Ruffalo’s Possible Return
Fans have seen Ruffalo accidentally reveal spoilers in the past, making his current discretion notable and emphasizing Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures’ commitment to preserving Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s plot surprises. Hulk’s reappearance would be significant, marking Bruce Banner’s first MCU film presence in four years and potentially expanding the story’s scope in unexpected ways.
As production continues, further set photos and official updates are highly anticipated, offering clues about Hulk’s role and how the character might intersect with Spider-Man’s narrative. With the movie scheduled for release in 2026, audiences eagerly await more information on this intriguing crossover.
