Mark Ruffalo's Hulk Smashes Into Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Get ready, True Believers! The cat's officially out of the bag: Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, is joining Tom Holland's Peter Parker in the highly anticipated Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Set photos have spilled the beans, and we've got all the juicy details and fan theories about this massive MCU crossover!

TL;DR

Mark Ruffalo is confirmed to return as Bruce Banner/Hulk in Spider-Man: Brand New Day thanks to leaked set photos from filming in the UK.
Fans are buzzing with speculation that the film could see the return of the "Savage Hulk" persona, potentially leading to a clash with Spider-Man and Punisher.
The movie is packed with returning favorites and new faces, including Jon Bernthal's Punisher and Michael Mando's Scorpion, and swings into theaters July 31, 2026.

Set Photos Reveal Mark Ruffalo on Location for Spider-Man's Latest Adventure

Alright, Spidey-fans, the proof is in the pixels! After months of whispers and a very coy Mark Ruffalo, it’s officially confirmed: our favorite big green guy (or at least, his human alter-ego) is making his way into Spider-Man: Brand New Day. New set videos and photos, shared by eagle-eyed fans like @UnBoxPHD and CJ Celeb Clips on TikTok and X, show Ruffalo himself on location. One particularly intriguing clip shows him on a hospital gurney, covered in dust, with FDNY officers around him, suggesting a major, possibly destructive, event has just taken place.

This isn't just a brief cameo; the context strongly implies Bruce Banner will be an integral part of the action. Filming has been underway in places like Glasgow, Scotland (doubling for New York City, naturally) and the University of London. The visuals of Ruffalo in a green coat, looking a bit disheveled, have sent the rumor mill into overdrive, especially concerning the Hulk's long-awaited return to his more formidable, less "Smart Hulk" state.

Mark Ruffalo's History of Keeping Secrets (or Not) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Remember when Ruffalo told ET Online back on September 4, 2025, that he was "still waiting to hear" about joining the project and hadn't even "read a script yet"? Classic Marvel misdirection! He even joked about how excited he'd be if it did happen, praising the MCU's ability to create a "new world" with each director. Well, it seems his excitement wasn't just hypothetical!

"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, ET Online (September 4, 2025)

His last big-screen MCU appearance was the post-credits scene of 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. More recently, we saw him in 2022's She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, where he introduced us to his son, Skaar, and flew off-world. So, it's been a minute since Bruce Banner has been front and center in a Marvel movie, and fans are definitely ready.

Is the Savage Hulk Roaring Back? Fan Theories About Bruce Banner's Transformation

One of the biggest questions surrounding Ruffalo's return is which version of the Hulk we'll see. For years, fans have lamented that we haven't witnessed a full Bruce-to-Hulk transformation on screen since 2012's The Avengers (you know, the "I'm always angry" moment). In subsequent films and shows, he either appeared as Smart Hulk or the transformation happened off-camera. The set videos, showing a human Bruce Banner looking like he's been through the wringer, strongly suggest that a Hulk-out either just happened or is about to. Could this be the moment Marvel finally gives us that epic on-screen transformation again?

Even more exciting is the widespread speculation that we might see the return of the "Savage Hulk"—Banner's original, more aggressive and less controlled alter-ego. Rumors suggest emotional distress, possibly triggered by the appearance of other gamma-powered characters like She-Hulk or even the fabled Red Hulk (though the latter's involvement in Brand New Day is pure speculation at this point), could unleash this ferocious side. A leaked Pinterest mood board from the film's cinematographer, Brett Pawlak, even reportedly showed "Savage Hulk" battling Spider-Man, adding serious fuel to this fiery theory. Imagine Spidey trying to web up a rampaging Hulk—now that's a spectacle!

Spider-Man's Fourth Solo Film is Getting a Stacked Roster of Heroes and Villains

Beyond the Hulk, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be a true ensemble piece, staying true to the tradition of Spidey's solo films featuring other major MCU players (like Iron Man in Homecoming and Doctor Strange in No Way Home). Tom Holland returns as our favorite web-slinger, Peter Parker, with Zendaya as MJ and Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds also reprising their beloved roles.

But that's not all! The film is bringing some heavy hitters:

Jon Bernthal as The Punisher: Making his first big-screen MCU appearance, Frank Castle's street-level, no-nonsense approach is sure to add a gritty edge.
Michael Mando as Scorpion: Mac Gargan, first introduced in Spider-Man: Homecoming, is set to finally suit up as the villainous Scorpion.
Marvin Jones III as Tombstone: Another classic Spidey villain, the imposing Tombstone, is reportedly joining the fray.
Sadie Sink, Liza ColÃn-Zayas, and Tramell Tillman: All three are tapped for mystery roles, with Sink's character first spotted on set in mid-October 2025, sparking tons of fan theories about who she could be.

This impressive lineup, under the direction of Destin Daniel Cretton (who helmed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and penned by returning scribes Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, promises a very different, more grounded "street-level" adventure for Peter Parker.

Intriguing Plot Theories and How Hulk Fits into Spider-Man's New York

While official plot details are tightly under wraps from Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios, the set videos and rumored castings have ignited a flurry of theories:

Hulk on a Rampage: One popular theory suggests that the Savage Hulk could indeed go on a rampage in New York. Previous set videos showed Peter chasing an armored vehicle, possibly tied to a prison break. The theory posits that Hulk might be chasing the same vehicle, and Spider-Man and Punisher could be forced to team up to try and stop his destructive path. This uncontrolled Hulk could accidentally breach a Department of Damage Control prison, leading to a massive inmate escape.
A Personal Vendetta for Peter?: Another intriguing, albeit darker, theory speculates that Peter Parker might hold a grudge against Hulk. The idea is that Hulk's devastation during the Battle of New York in The Avengers might have inadvertently led to the death of Peter's parents, creating a deeply personal conflict between the two heroes. A leaked mood board showing Spidey fighting Savage Hulk certainly lends credence to this idea of a direct confrontation.

The possibility of the Hulk becoming an antagonist, even temporarily, would shake things up dramatically for Peter and the wider MCU, offering a fresh dynamic compared to previous mentor figures like Iron Man and Doctor Strange.

How This Movie Sets the Stage for MCU's Phase 6 and Beyond

Spider-Man: Brand New Day isn't just a standalone adventure; it's a crucial stepping stone for the MCU's Multiverse Saga. Slated as the second entry for Phase 6, it arrives before the colossal Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. This means whatever happens in Spidey's next outing, especially with Hulk's involvement, could have major ramifications for the upcoming Avengers films. Ruffalo himself wasn't initially announced for Avengers: Doomsday, prompting jokes about his penchant for spoilers. His appearance here might explain his absence there, or set up his eventual, triumphant return.

With other Marvel Television projects like Wonder Man, Daredevil: Born Again season 2, VisionQuest, and a Punisher Special Presentation also on Disney+ next year, 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for Marvel. And it all kicks off with our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and a potentially very angry Hulk.

So, get ready for a blend of high-stakes action, emotional twists, and maybe even a few gamma-powered surprises when Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters on July 31, 2026. This is definitely one you won't want to miss!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spider-Man: Brand New Day When does Spider-Man: Brand New Day release? The film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. Who is directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day? Destin Daniel Cretton, known for directing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is at the helm. Which other Marvel characters are confirmed for the movie? Alongside Tom Holland's Spider-Man and Mark Ruffalo's Hulk, Jon Bernthal's Punisher and Michael Mando's Scorpion are confirmed. Zendaya (MJ) and Jacob Batalon (Ned Leeds) are also set to return. Sadie Sink, Liza ColÃn-Zayas, and Tramell Tillman are cast in undisclosed roles. Will we see the Hulk transform on screen in this movie? While not officially confirmed, leaked set videos showing Bruce Banner in human form after a seemingly intense event, combined with fan theories and a leaked mood board, strongly suggest that a Hulk transformation (possibly into his "Savage Hulk" form) could be a significant plot point. Sources

ScreenRant (Various Articles)
GamesRadar+ (Article: "Mark Ruffalo's MCU hero Bruce Banner hasn't transformed into The Incredible Hulk on-screen in over 13 years")
The Direct (Article: "Spider-Man 4 Set Video Spoils Return of Major Avengers Hero")
Movie News Chat (Article: "Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk Appears on Spider-Man Brand New Day Set: React")
MovieWeb (Article: "Spider-Man: Brand New Day Set Photo Confirms Return of Original Avenger")
ComicBook.com (Article: "Marvel May Finally Let Banner Hulk Out in Spider-Man: Brand New Day")
Collider (Article: "Mark Ruffalo's Hulk Appears in 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Set Photos")
MovieWeb (Article: "Spider-Man 4 Set Video Confirms Huge MCU Appearance")
@UnBoxPHD (X/Twitter)
CJ Celeb Clips (TikTok)
@spideyupdated (X/Twitter)
@marvel_updat3s (X/Twitter)
ET Online (Mark Ruffalo interview, Sept 4, 2025)
The Hollywood Reporter (Mark Ruffalo in talks, Aug 1, 2025)
Brett Pawlak (Pinterest Mood Board Leak)