Mark Ruffalo Gets Real: Is a Solo Hulk Movie Still Possible?

The fan-favorite MCU star Mark Ruffalo recently opened up about the chances of getting his own Hulk movie, and let's just say it's a bit complicated.

TL;DR

Mark Ruffalo would love a solo Hulk movie but is pretty unsure it'll ever happen due to Universal owning the distribution rights.
Despite the legal hurdles, Marvel and Ruffalo have actually been tossing around ideas for what a solo film could look like.
You can expect to see Ruffalo's Hulk next in Spider-Man: Brand New Day in 2026, even if he hasn't read the script yet!

Mark Ruffalo's Long-Awaited Solo Hulk Movie: A Dream or a Distant Memory?

Mark Ruffalo Gets Real: Is a Solo Hulk Movie Still Possible? image 3

Alright, fellow Marvel fanatics, let's talk about the big green guy. Mark Ruffalo has been absolutely incredible as Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, ever since he first smashed onto the scene in 2012's The Avengers. He’s truly made the character his own, bringing that perfect mix of genius, anxiety, and incredible strength to life. Think about it: Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye—they all got their own solo movies (or even Disney+ series!). But what about our beloved Hulk?

Despite appearing in a ton of major MCU films like all four Avengers movies, Thor: Ragnarok, Captain Marvel, and even a cameo in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Ruffalo's Hulk has never truly headlined his own standalone film. The one "solo" Hulk movie in the MCU, 2008's The Incredible Hulk, actually starred Edward Norton before Ruffalo took over the role. This has left many of us scratching our heads, wondering why this fan-favorite Avenger hasn't had his moment in the solo spotlight.

Well, Mark Ruffalo recently sat down with GQ for an extensive chat about his career, and the topic of a solo Hulk movie inevitably came up. And his answer? It’s pretty candid, reflecting both his desire and the tough reality of the situation.

"Yeah, I’d love to have a solo Hulk movie. I don’t know if you know the story of that, but it's not really owned by Marvel. It's a Universal property. I don't know if it'll ever really come to be, honestly. We keep talking about it, what it would be. There's been so many Hulk movies already, it's like, does anyone really want another one? But I'd love one, and I do think the audiences would be into it if we could crack the nut of it."

— Mark Ruffalo, speaking to GQ

So, there you have it straight from the man himself. He's totally onboard, but he's also very aware of the massive hurdles.

The Giant-Sized Roadblock: Why Universal Holds the Keys to Hulk's Future

Mark Ruffalo Gets Real: Is a Solo Hulk Movie Still Possible? image 4

Ruffalo's explanation touches on a long-standing issue that many hardcore Marvel fans are familiar with: the tangled web of character rights. Basically, while Marvel Studios owns the production rights to the Hulk character, Universal Pictures still holds the distribution rights for any standalone Hulk film. This means that if Marvel were to make a solo Hulk movie, Universal would be the one distributing it, and they'd get a significant chunk of the box office earnings, potentially impacting Marvel's profits.

This situation has been a major sticking point for years, making a traditional solo outing for Ruffalo's Hulk extremely difficult. It's why we see him perfectly fine in ensemble films like The Avengers or in supporting roles in other heroes' stories (like Thor: Ragnarok or the Disney+ series She-Hulk), but never as the sole lead. The 2008 Incredible Hulk film, starring Edward Norton, was a joint production between Marvel Studios and Universal, explaining how it fits into the MCU canon despite the different actor and distribution circumstances.

This isn't just old news, either; the issue is clearly still active. As recently as 2023, there were whispers that Disney was looking into acquiring the film rights for characters like the Hulk (and Namor the Sub-Mariner, who also has tricky rights) for good. If that ever happened, it would blow the doors wide open for a true solo Hulk adventure without the studio having to split the earnings or jump through complex legal hoops. But for now, it remains the biggest, greenest obstacle.

From Edward Norton to Skaar: A Brief History of Hulk in the MCU

Mark Ruffalo Gets Real: Is a Solo Hulk Movie Still Possible? image 5

Let's take a quick stroll down memory lane to appreciate Ruffalo's journey and the Hulk's evolution. As mentioned, Edward Norton first played Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk in 2008. While it's still part of the MCU's continuity (as referenced in films like Captain America: Brave New World), Ruffalo took over the role in 2012, quickly becoming the definitive cinematic Hulk for many fans.

Since then, we've seen Banner go through some serious changes. He started as the often-struggling scientist battling his inner beast, evolved into the more balanced "Smart Hulk" in Avengers: Endgame, and most recently popped up in the 2022 Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. In that show, we got a huge reveal: Bruce Banner has a son named Skaar! This father-son duo is definitely a plot thread that the MCU has yet to fully explore, and many fans are eager to see how that relationship develops.

With multiple Hulks now running around the MCU (including Jennifer Walters as She-Hulk and Harrison Ford as Red Hulk in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World), the possibilities for a "Hulk Family" story, or even the long-rumored World War Hulk adaptation from the comics, are tantalizing. These rumors have circulated for years, with some reports even suggesting that elements of Captain America: Brave New World were tweaked to set up a potential World War Hulk storyline. Imagine a full-blown Hulk smash-fest, perhaps exploring Banner's time on Sakaar before Thor: Ragnarok, or a completely new story of him going rogue. That's the kind of "nut" fans would love Marvel to crack!

What's Next for Bruce Banner? Rumors and Confirmed Appearances

Mark Ruffalo Gets Real: Is a Solo Hulk Movie Still Possible? image 6

So, if a solo movie is up in the air, where can we expect to see our favorite gamma-powered hero next? The good news is that Mark Ruffalo's time in the MCU isn't over!

Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31, 2026): Ruffalo is reportedly set to reprise his role as Bruce Banner/Hulk in the upcoming Spider-Man film. He was even spotted on set recently alongside Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, who's in a mystery role. However, adding a touch of classic Ruffalo humor (and perhaps genuine uncertainty), the actor himself revealed last month that he's "still waiting to hear" from Marvel and hasn't read a script yet. Talk about keeping fans on their toes!
Avengers: Doomsday & Avengers: Secret Wars: While he hasn't been officially confirmed for the cast of Avengers: Doomsday, which was live-streamed earlier this year, it would feel incredibly strange for such a foundational Avenger to be absent from the Multiverse Saga's grand finale. Ruffalo jokingly attributed his omission to Marvel wanting to prevent him from accidentally spoiling the movie (a running gag about his past slip-ups!). Given that Doomsday is still more than a year away (from the articles' October 2025 date), there's still plenty of time for Marvel to officially announce his involvement. Many fans expect him to appear in at least one of the next two Avengers films.

Beyond these confirmed and highly anticipated appearances, the future of the MCU itself is undergoing a "soft reset" after the Multiverse Saga concludes. Kevin Feige has hinted that the X-Men will likely become a major focus, meaning some legacy characters might get their proper send-offs. This makes the question of a solo Hulk movie even more pressing – will he finally get his dedicated story, or will his arc conclude within the ensemble films?

Why Marvel Hasn't Smashed Through the Legal Hurdles Yet

Mark Ruffalo Gets Real: Is a Solo Hulk Movie Still Possible? image 7

You might be thinking, "Hey, Marvel and Sony worked out a deal for Spider-Man, so why not with Universal for Hulk?" That's a great question, and it highlights the key difference in these situations. Before the deal with Sony, Marvel couldn't use Spider-Man in their movies at all. They literally had no access to the character for the MCU. So, striking a deal with Sony was a necessity to bring Spidey home to the Avengers.

With the Hulk, it's different. Marvel can use him in team-up movies and supporting roles. They've found ways to give Bruce Banner significant character arcs and even introduce new elements like Skaar without needing a standalone film. Because they can use him without Universal's distribution rights for a solo project, there's arguably less of a "necessity" for Marvel to negotiate a potentially less profitable deal. They can simply choose to avoid the headaches of a complex negotiation and still utilize the character in powerful ways. It's a strategic move that makes sense from a business perspective, even if it leaves some fans yearning for more.

Cracking the Green Nut: The Path to a True Solo Hulk Adventure

Mark Ruffalo Gets Real: Is a Solo Hulk Movie Still Possible? image 8

Despite all the corporate red tape, Ruffalo's comments offer a glimmer of hope. He says, "We keep talking about it, what it would be." This means that even with the rights issues looming, Marvel Studios and Ruffalo are still actively brainstorming ideas for a potential solo film. It shows that the desire and creative energy are there, even if the legalities are tough.

He also thoughtfully questioned, "There's been so many Hulk movies already, it's like, does anyone really want another one?" It's a fair point, given the various iterations of Hulk films over the decades. But he quickly followed up with a confident belief that "audiences would be into it if we could crack the nut of it." That "nut" likely refers not just to the legal situation but also to finding a fresh, compelling story that justifies another solo outing and truly distinguishes itself. A deep dive into Bruce Banner's character, his unique struggles, and his relationship with Skaar could offer something genuinely new and exciting that an ensemble film simply can't fully explore.

Whether it’s a World War Hulk epic, a father-son adventure with Skaar, or something entirely unexpected, the potential for a new Hulk story is undeniable. The fact that discussions are ongoing, even if the outcome is uncertain, suggests that the possibility isn't entirely off the table.

Beyond the Solo Film: The Hulk's Enduring Legacy in the Multiverse Saga

Mark Ruffalo Gets Real: Is a Solo Hulk Movie Still Possible? image 9

Even without his own standalone movie, Mark Ruffalo's Hulk has left an indelible mark on the MCU. He's been the reluctant hero, the comedic relief, the heartbroken scientist, and the wise mentor. His journey has been one of the most compelling and consistent throughout the franchise, adapting to new challenges and evolving in unexpected ways. From being a powerhouse in the Battle of New York to his emotional farewell to Natasha Romanoff, Ruffalo has grounded the character with heart and vulnerability.

Ultimately, while a solo Hulk film featuring Mark Ruffalo would be a dream come true for many, his continuing presence in the MCU is what truly matters. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any more updates on those "talks" and definitely looking forward to seeing him smash back onto our screens in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and hopefully beyond! Until then, we can rewatch his epic moments on Disney+ and dream of the day Bruce Banner truly gets to be the star of his own show.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Mark Ruffalo's Hulk Future Answered!

Q: Why can't Marvel Studios just make a solo Hulk movie whenever they want?

A: It's all about film rights! Universal Pictures still holds the distribution rights for any standalone Hulk film, even though Marvel Studios owns the production rights to the character. This means a solo movie would require a deal where Universal distributes and profits significantly, which isn't as appealing to Marvel compared to using Hulk in ensemble films where they retain full control and earnings.

Q: When was Mark Ruffalo last seen as the Hulk in the MCU?

A: Mark Ruffalo's last on-screen appearance as Bruce Banner/Hulk was in the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, which premiered in 2022.

Q: Will Hulk appear in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars?

A: Mark Ruffalo has not been officially confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars yet. However, given his integral role in the MCU, many fans (and we!) expect him to return for at least one of these major upcoming team-up films.

Q: What's next for Mark Ruffalo's Hulk after She-Hulk?

A: Mark Ruffalo is reportedly set to return as Bruce Banner/Hulk in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is slated for release on July 31, 2026. He's also been busy with non-MCU projects like the HBO Max crime thriller series Task.

Sources