Mark Ruffalo has addressed his absence from the announced cast of Avengers: Doomsday, the eagerly awaited Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film scheduled for release next year. Despite the star-studded lineup including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, and Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, Ruffalo’s iconic character Bruce Banner, aka Hulk, was notably missing from the list.
Ruffalo Jokes About Being Cut from Avengers: Doomsday
During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Ruffalo humorously responded to questions about his omission from the Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal. He remarked,
They decided that it was better to get rid of me than for me to tell the end of the next movie.
While this statement was made in jest, his reputation for accidentally spoiling plot details is well known among Marvel fans.
Mark Ruffalo’s History of Marvel Spoilers and Upcoming Role
Ruffalo’s joking explanation references his tendency to inadvertently reveal spoilers. A memorable example occurred when he and Don Cheadle revealed major plot points from Avengers: Infinity War well before its release, notably stating that everyone dies. Additionally, at the premiere of Thor: Ragnarok, Ruffalo accidentally streamed part of the film on Instagram by forgetting to turn off his phone camera.
Although Ruffalo is not currently confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, the film’s schedule and potential reshoots leave room for changes. Regardless, fans can expect him to continue portraying Bruce Banner / Hulk, as he is set to appear in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which precedes Avengers: Doomsday. While Ruffalo has downplayed the significance of his role in the Spider-Man film, his participation is widely accepted.
Implications for Hulk and the Avengers Franchise
Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk has been a key figure in the MCU since 2010, when he succeeded Edward Norton in the role, becoming a founding Avenger onscreen. Should he ultimately not appear in Avengers: Doomsday, it would mark the first Avengers film without the Hulk character. This absence would also shift the distinction of appearing in every Avengers movie solely to Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth.
The possibility that Ruffalo’s role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day explains his nonappearance in Avengers: Doomsday does not diminish his future in the franchise. Marvel is positioning Avengers: Secret Wars, a subsequent installment, as possibly the biggest MCU event to date, where Hulk’s return seems highly likely. Fans are also eagerly anticipating a cinematic encounter between Hulk and The Thing, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and a showdown featuring Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine alongside Ruffalo’s Hulk.
Main Cast Members Confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday
- Chris Hemsworth as Thor
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
Avengers: Doomsday is set to gather many notable MCU characters, though the absence of some cherished heroes, like Bruce Banner, has sparked speculation and discussion among fans. As the film approaches its release, audiences will be watching closely to see how the lineup evolves and which heroes will ultimately return to the Avengers ensemble.
