Spider-Man 4: Hulk's Savage Return & More!

New set photos and videos from Tom Holland's next Spider-Man movie have officially spilled the beans: Mark Ruffalo's Hulk is joining the web-slinger, and fans are buzzing about a potential return to his savage roots!

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Spidey's Next Big Adventure

Mark Ruffalo is confirmed to appear as Bruce Banner/Hulk in Spider-Man: Brand New Day (aka Spider-Man 4).
Set videos show an injured, disoriented Bruce Banner, sparking theories of a Savage Hulk comeback after 13 years without an on-screen transformation.
The movie, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, also features Jon Bernthal's Punisher and a mystery role for Sadie Sink, swinging into theaters July 31, 2026.

Alright, web-heads and gamma-enthusiasts, gather 'round! The buzz around Tom Holland's next Spider-Man flick, officially titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day, has just reached incredible levels. It's not just another friendly neighborhood adventure; it looks like Peter Parker is getting some seriously heavy-hitting company.

After a whole lot of rumors and whispers, we've got what looks like solid gold confirmation that Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, our beloved Hulk, is making a grand return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in this movie! But here's where it gets even crazier: new set videos and photos are making fans believe we might actually see the Savage Hulk again, a version of the big green guy we haven't truly witnessed on screen in over a decade. Let's dive into all the juicy details and theories that have us absolutely hyped!

Bruce Banner Spotted: The Big Green Guy's Grand Return to the MCU

Yep, you read that right. Mark Ruffalo, the man who’s brought Bruce Banner and his colossal alter ego to life since 2012, has been seen filming on the set of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. While Marvel Studios is keeping a tight lid on official plot details – as they always do – the internet, as usual, found a way to share some candid looks at production.

Recent set videos, shared by accounts like @marvel_updat3s and @UnboxPHD on X (formerly Twitter), clearly show Ruffalo as Bruce Banner. But here’s the kicker: he’s not looking so spry. The footage depicts Bruce looking injured, disoriented, and being carried on a stretcher. He appears to be trying to figure out his surroundings, almost like he's waking up from a serious ordeal or, perhaps, a blackout.

This is a HUGE deal for Hulk fans. We last saw Bruce Banner fully embracing his Smart Hulk persona, combining his genius intellect with the Hulk’s strength in Avengers: Endgame, and then a brief cameo in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings before his more substantial role in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Seeing him back as just Bruce, especially in such a vulnerable state, opens up a whole new world of possibilities for his character arc.

Is Savage Hulk Making a Comeback After All These Years?

Now, this is where the theories really start to smash! The sight of an injured and confused Bruce Banner has fueled massive speculation that the long-awaited return of the Savage Hulk is finally upon us. Think back to earlier MCU days: when Banner reverted from Hulk form, he often had no recollection of the mayhem his green counterpart caused. His disoriented state in the set video mirrors that classic scenario, hinting that he might have just "Hulked out" in a way he hasn't since before he became Smart Hulk.

Fans have keenly observed that it’s been a whopping 13 years since we actually saw Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner physically transform into the Hulk on screen – that iconic moment was way back in 2012's The Avengers! Since then, Marvel has typically opted to show Bruce in one scene and then cut to the Hulk already in action, with the transformation happening off-camera. This has led many to believe it was either a creative choice tied to Smart Hulk's stable nature or perhaps a way to save on those expensive CGI effects.

But if these set photos are any indication, that long drought might be over. If Bruce Banner is indeed going to lose control and revert to his more primal, destructive Savage Hulk form, it would be a huge moment for the character and the MCU. Imagine the raw power and chaos that could bring to a Spider-Man movie – it would be an incredible challenge for our friendly neighborhood hero!

"Putting the suit on feels different this time. It’s the first time we’ve had fans on set for day one, so it’s really exciting." — Tom Holland on Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Who's Pulling the Strings? Villains That Could Unleash the Beast

So, if Savage Hulk is unleashed, who could possibly be responsible? The articles mention a couple of confirmed villains for Spider-Man: Brand New Day: Scorpion (Michael Mando) and Tombstone (Marvin Jones III). While formidable, they don't seem like the type to specifically trigger Banner's gamma-fueled rage in a way that reverts him to his savage form.

However, there have been persistent rumors about another villain potentially joining the fray: Mister Negative. This character, known for his ability to manipulate people's minds and personalities, would be the perfect candidate to exploit Bruce Banner's fragile mental state. Imagine Mister Negative twisting Banner's mind, forcing him to lose control and transforming him back into a rampaging Savage Hulk to be used as a destructive weapon against New York City, and by extension, Spider-Man!

This kind of manipulation would fit perfectly with the rumored street-level, darker tone of Spider-Man: Brand New Day and could lead to a truly epic and emotionally charged clash between Spider-Man and a mind-controlled Hulk. It's a tantalizing prospect, especially since cinematographer Brett Pawlak reportedly hinted at an imminent clash between the titular web-slinger and the "green rage monster."

Beyond the Hulk: Who Else Is Swinging Into Action in This Next Adventure?

While the Hulk news is certainly stealing the spotlight, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be an ensemble cast worthy of an MCU blockbuster. Of course, we have our core trio returning:

Tom Holland as Spider-Man / Peter Parker
Zendaya as Michelle Jones / MJ
Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds

But the list of new and returning faces is pretty exciting!

Jon Bernthal is expected to reprise his fan-favorite role as Frank Castle, The Punisher. His inclusion suggests an even grittier, street-level narrative, potentially teaming up with or clashing against Spidey and even a rampaging Hulk.
Sadie Sink (from Stranger Things fame) is in an undisclosed mystery role. Set photos have shown her in combat gear, leading to speculation she could be an ally or partner to The Punisher, or perhaps even a new hero or villain.
Michael Mando is reportedly back as Scorpion, a character teased back in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Marvin Jones III is also rumored to be involved as Tombstone, adding another classic Spidey villain to the mix.
New cast members like Liza Colón-Zayas and Tramell Tillman are also onboard in currently undisclosed roles, adding to the intrigue.

Beyond the potential for a Savage Hulk showdown, Bruce Banner's presence could also see him stepping into a mentor role for Peter Parker, filling the void left by Tony Stark. This dynamic could offer some much-needed emotional depth and guidance for Peter as he navigates his post-No Way Home life. Plus, with the Department of Damage Control (DODC) reportedly playing a significant part, Banner's scientific expertise could also be crucial.

When Can We See This Epic Crossover on the Big Screen?

Mark your calendars, Marvel fans! Spider-Man: Brand New Day is currently slated to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026. It was originally set for July 24, but a slight adjustment means a one-week delay. The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously helmed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, bringing his unique vision to Peter Parker's world.

Writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, who penned the previous Spidey outings, are back, alongside legendary creators Steve Ditko and Stan Lee. This movie continues Peter Parker’s story following Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and the multiverse-shattering Spider-Man: No Way Home.

While official plot details remain tightly under wraps, the sheer anticipation around Hulk's return, the possibility of a Savage Hulk rampaging through New York, and the stacked cast of heroes and villains are enough to make Spider-Man: Brand New Day one of the most talked-about upcoming MCU releases. We can't wait to see how this all unfolds!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spider-Man: Brand New Day

What is the release date for Spider-Man: Brand New Day?

The movie is set to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. This is a slight shift from its original July 24 release date.

Will Mark Ruffalo's Hulk be a 'Savage Hulk' in the film?

While not officially confirmed by Marvel Studios, set photos of an injured, disoriented Bruce Banner have led to strong fan theories that the more uncontrolled 'Savage Hulk' could return for the first time in over a decade. His classic disorientation after transforming back often meant he had no memory of the Hulk's actions, aligning with the current speculation.

Who else is in the cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day?

Confirmed cast members include Tom Holland as Spider-Man, Zendaya as MJ, Jacob Batalon as Ned, and Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk. Jon Bernthal is expected to reprise his role as The Punisher, and Sadie Sink is in an undisclosed mystery role, among others. Michael Mando (Scorpion) and Marvin Jones III (Tombstone) are also rumored/reported villains.

What kind of rating is Spider-Man: Brand New Day expected to have?

Based on previous MCU Spider-Man films, it's highly likely to be rated PG-13. However, with the rumored darker tone, the inclusion of characters like The Punisher, and the potential for a truly savage Hulk, we'll have to wait for official confirmation from the Motion Picture Association closer to the release date.