While the March casting announcement for Avengers: Doomsday brought many notable names to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) lineup, it also highlighted several surprising omissions, including Mark Ruffalo. Known for his portrayal of Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, since 2012’s The Avengers, Ruffalo’s absence raised questions given his long-standing role in the franchise. Despite this, he is anticipated to return as Hulk in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set for release next summer.
Ruffalo Addresses His Omission in a Recent Interview
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Ruffalo was directly asked why he was not listed among the confirmed Avengers: Doomsday cast. He responded with a joke, saying,
“They decided that it was better to get rid of me than for me to tell the end of the next movie,”
before the topic was quickly shifted by the host.
This lighthearted comment reflects Ruffalo’s well-known tendency to accidentally reveal key spoilers. Before the release of Avengers: Infinity War, for example, he prematurely disclosed that
“everyone would die at the end of the movie,”
a slip that alarmed his co-star Don Cheadle. Additionally, Ruffalo once inadvertently live-streamed part of Thor: Ragnarok through his pocketed cell phone, further underscoring his accidental spoiler reputation.
Ruffalo’s Thoughts on MCU Criticism from Established Filmmakers
In a separate discussion, Ruffalo responded to critiques from prominent filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, who have expressed skepticism toward MCU movies. He emphasized his personal enjoyment of the work rather than external opinions, stating,
“I don’t know, it’s acting to me. It’s all filmmaking. It’s storytelling. I like to do it all.”
He continued,
“I don’t give a shit. I’m gonna please myself as far as my art goes. I’m having the best time.”
Ruffalo also contrasted audience reactions to MCU films with those at traditional art-house cinemas, sharing,
“For all of the criticism we might get from the high-brow directors, I’ve never sat in one of those movies where I’ve seen people literally screaming, crying, beating their chests. When I went to see [Avengers: Infinity War] with my son, no one knew who I was, and at the end of the movie, they jumped up, they were on their seats like, ‘Start a riot!’”
Possible Roles for Hulk and She-Hulk in the MCU’s Future
Though Ruffalo was left out of the official Doomsday announcement, it is likely the Hulk character will still appear in some form. Leaked concept art has suggested the inclusion of both Hulk and Tatiana Maslany’s She-Hulk, although those images are believed to relate more to the subsequent Avengers: Secret Wars project. This upcoming story will reportedly explore the Greenland area on Doctor Doom’s Battleworld, hinting at significant developments involving these characters.
Overview of Avengers: Doomsday Cast and Production Details
Avengers: Doomsday is set to feature an extensive cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Winston Duke, Tom Hiddleston, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, and Robert Downey Jr. Several actors will make their Avengers franchise debuts, such as Wyatt Russell, Simu Liu, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Florence Pugh, Danny Ramirez, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Lewis Pullman.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn have joined this ensemble, alongside prominent X-Men actors like Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, and Channing Tatum, known for his roles as Deadpool and Wolverine. Reports indicate that Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, and Ryan Reynolds will also appear in the movie.
The film is being directed by the Russo Brothers, who have collaborated previously with screenwriter Stephen McFeely on both Avengers and Captain America films. Michael Waldron, known for his work on Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is also contributing to the script. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027.
What Mark Ruffalo’s Absence Means for the MCU
Mark Ruffalo’s absence from the Avengers: Doomsday official cast list, paired with his hints about spoilers, suggests the filmmakers may be weaving a more intricate narrative involving the Hulk character that they wish to keep under wraps. His ongoing involvement in Marvel projects, such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, indicates that Hulk and She-Hulk will remain important players in future MCU phases. With the inclusion of a vast new cast and connections to other blockbuster stories like Secret Wars, the MCU is clearly expanding its scope while balancing legacy characters with fresh faces. Fans can expect surprises as these storylines unfold amidst the complex web of Marvel’s cinematic universe.
