Spider-Man: Brand New Day - Mark Ruffalo's Hulk Return Explained

Get ready, Marvel fans! Mark Ruffalo is officially back as Bruce Banner in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but newly leaked set photos have everyone buzzing about a major potential shift for the big green guy.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Hulk's Next Chapter

Mark Ruffalo has been spotted filming for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, confirming his return as Bruce Banner.
Set photos show an injured, non-Hulk Bruce Banner, sparking theories that Smart Hulk might be gone.
Fans are speculating about the return of the classic, raging Savage Hulk and are eager for an on-screen transformation after 13 years!

Bruce Banner Is Back, But He Looks a Little Worse for Wear

It's official: Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is joining Tom Holland's web-slinger in Spider-Man: Brand New Day! This is super exciting news, especially since fans have been wondering when we'd see the Hulkster again on the big screen. However, recent set photos and videos have thrown a huge curveball into what we thought we knew about his character.

Multiple leaks from the set, including images shared by photographer @UnBoxPHD and a video from the University of London set, show Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner. And here's the kicker: he looks pretty roughed up. We're talking head wounds, blood on his face, and even being wheeled away on a stretcher by what look like FDNY officers. Yikes!

Why an Injured Bruce Banner Is Such a Big Deal for Hulk Fans

Now, if you're thinking, "Why is an injured Bruce Banner so surprising? The guy gets into trouble all the time!" you'd normally be right. But this is the MCU, and Banner has a very powerful, very green alter ego with an insane healing factor. If he could transform into the Hulk, shouldn't he just... Hulk out and heal?

This is where the fan theories come in hot! The fact that Banner appears injured and unable to transform has led many to speculate that something drastic has happened since his last appearance in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Could it mean he's lost his ability to become Smart Hulk? Or even that Banner and Hulk have been completely separated?

"It's actually kinda insane to think about the fact that this moment was 13 years ago, he better have a Hulk out moment in Brand New Day or Doomsday."

— An MCU fan on Reddit

Thirteen Years Without a Full On-Screen Hulk-Out? Say What?!

Here's a mind-blowing fact that's circulating among fans: Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner hasn't had a full, on-screen transformation into the Incredible Hulk in over 13 years! The last time we saw that epic "hulk-out" was way back in 2012's The Avengers. Since then, whether he's been Savage Hulk, Professor Hulk, or Smart Hulk, the transformations usually happen off-camera, with us seeing Bruce one moment and Hulk the next.

Fans have some theories about this too, with many pointing to potential budgetary reasons. As one fan put it, "Honestly, Hulk transformations probably stand out as great scenes to cut if you wanna save a couple truckloads of money." But with Banner appearing human and injured, Spider-Man: Brand New Day could be the perfect opportunity to bring back that iconic, visually stunning transformation sequence.

Is the Savage Hulk About to Make a Roaring Comeback?

If Bruce Banner can't turn into Smart Hulk, what does that mean for the Hulk persona? Many fans are speculating that this could pave the way for the return of the Savage Hulk – the more primal, uncontrollable version we saw in earlier MCU films. This version of the Hulk is less about scientific problem-solving and more about smashing things when angered, which could make for some seriously thrilling (and terrifying) sequences with Spider-Man.

Some theories even suggest that Banner and the Hulk could be separated into two distinct beings, a storyline that has a precedent in the comics. Without his green alter-ego, Banner would be completely vulnerable, explaining his injuries. This separation could unleash the Savage Hulk as a standalone force, potentially even as an antagonist for Spider-Man and The Punisher!

What's Next for the Green Goliath in the MCU?

The timing of this potential shift is also interesting. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to arrive before Avengers: Doomsday, which means whatever happens to Banner and Hulk in this movie could have huge ramifications for the future of the MCU. Imagine a raging Savage Hulk joining the fight against Doctor Doom – that would be epic!

While Ruffalo isn't officially listed for Avengers: Doomsday yet, a significant arc in Brand New Day could easily set him up for a powerful return. Plus, for those who loved the idea of a World War Hulk storyline (which was briefly teased with the introduction of Skaar in She-Hulk), a reverted or unleashed Hulk could certainly lead in that direction.

Who Else Is Swinging Into Action in Brand New Day?

Mark Ruffalo isn't the only exciting new (or returning) face confirmed for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The film is shaping up to be a packed adventure for Tom Holland's Peter Parker.

Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man
Zendaya as Michelle "MJ" Jones
Jacob Batalon as Ned
Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle / The Punisher
Sadie Sink in an undisclosed, but highly anticipated, role (rumored to be Punisher's sidekick)
Marvin Jones III as Lonnie Lincoln / Tombstone
Michael Mando as Scorpion
Liza Colón-Zayas in an undisclosed role

The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (who previously helmed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), with a screenplay by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. With such a diverse cast of heroes and villains, plus the mystery surrounding Hulk's role, Brand New Day is already sounding like a must-see Marvel movie!

When Can We See This Spider-Man & Hulk Team-Up (or Showdown)?

All these theories and exciting cast additions will finally hit the big screen when Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters on July 31, 2026. Until then, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any more clues about what's in store for Bruce Banner and the Hulk!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hulk's Return in Brand New Day

When is Spider-Man: Brand New Day coming out? Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. Who is directing the new Spider-Man movie? The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Will the Savage Hulk return in Brand New Day? While not officially confirmed, leaked set photos of an injured Bruce Banner have led to strong fan theories that the Savage Hulk could make a return, or that Banner and Hulk might even be separated. Where can I watch Mark Ruffalo's previous Hulk appearances? Most of Mark Ruffalo's MCU appearances as Hulk and Bruce Banner are available to stream on Disney+. This includes films like The Avengers, Avengers: Endgame, and the series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Sources