Mark Ruffalo's Hulk Returns: What It Means for Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Big news, web-heads! Mark Ruffalo is officially joining Tom Holland in the next Spidey adventure, Spider-man: Brand New Day, and recent set leaks are already hinting at some wild possibilities for Bruce Banner.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Hulk's Return!

Mark Ruffalo is confirmed to appear as Bruce Banner in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, spotted filming in London.
Set photos show Banner in human form, potentially after a "Hulk-out," sparking rumors of a Savage Hulk return.
The film is set to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026, featuring a stacked cast of new and returning MCU characters.

Bruce Banner's Unexpected Appearance in the Latest Spider-Man Movie

Alright, Marvel fans, buckle up! It’s official: Mark Ruffalo is set to appear in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. We've all been buzzing about Tom Holland’s next solo outing, and now we know Peter Parker won’t be swinging solo when it comes to Avengers cameos.

Recent set photos from London, shared by X user @UnBoxPHD, gave us our first glimpse of Ruffalo on set. And get this – he was sporting a green coat (maybe to keep warm, maybe to hide his costume, who knows?), but the really interesting part is that he wasn't covered in motion capture dots. This strongly suggests we’ll be seeing Bruce Banner in his human form in these scenes.

Now, this is a pretty big deal! Since Avengers: Endgame, we’ve mostly seen Banner as Smart Hulk – that perfect blend of brain and brawn. While he did briefly revert to human form in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, that was explained as him healing his arm after the Blip. So, seeing human Banner back in action several years later definitely raises some eyebrows and fuels a lot of exciting speculation!

The Long-Awaited Return of a Full Hulk Transformation Could Be Coming

Here’s a fun (and slightly alarming) fact that’s been making the rounds among fans: it's been over 13 years since we last saw Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner fully "hulk-out" on-screen. Think about it! That iconic transformation in 2012's The Avengers, where he says, "I'm always angry," and smashes a Chitauri Leviathan, was the last time we witnessed the full metamorphosis.

Since then, Marvel has mostly cut around these moments. We see Bruce, then BAM! Hulk is already there. Or Hulk reverts to Banner off-screen. Fans have a few theories about this trend. Some think it's a way to save on those hefty CGI budgets, as fully rendering a transformation sequence isn't cheap. Others believe it's been a creative choice, especially with the introduction of Smart Hulk, where the dynamic shifted from uncontrolled rage to integrated intelligence.

But with these new set photos showing Banner possibly post-Hulk rampage (he was spotted on a stretcher, covered in dust, with FDNY officers around), it’s looking more and more like Spider-Man: Brand New Day might finally give us that long-awaited, full-throttle "Hulk-out" scene. Imagine the spectacle! It's what fans have been clamoring for!

"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, speaking to ET Online on September 4, 2025, before his official on-set confirmation.

Exploring the Thrilling Potential of a Savage Hulk Comeback

The return of human Bruce Banner, potentially after a big green tantrum, opens the door wide for a fan-favorite — and potentially terrifying — storyline: the return of Savage Hulk. Rumors have been swirling that Banner might lose control and revert to his more ferocious, untamed persona. If this is true, it means Peter Parker and his new allies could have their hands full, not just with villains, but with an Avenger gone rogue!

A moodboard, reportedly shared by cinematographer Brett Pawlak, even hinted at a potential clash between Spider-Man and Hulk. Imagine the sheer chaos and incredible action of Spider-Man trying to de-escalate a rampaging Hulk in the middle of New York City! One theory suggests that this Hulk rampage could accidentally lead to a major prison break from a Department of Damage Control facility, setting up a massive challenge for our friendly neighborhood hero.

It would be a bold move for the MCU, bringing back the "smash first, ask questions later" version of the Hulk that many comic book fans adore. And it would certainly make Brand New Day an unforgettable entry in the MCU canon, especially if it helps set up future Avengers storylines, like the looming threat of Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.

A Stacked Cast and Expanding MCU Connections for Peter Parker

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be quite the ensemble flick, continuing the tradition of Spidey's solo Movies featuring major MCU guest stars. Remember Iron Man in Homecoming, Nick Fury in Far From Home, or Doctor Strange and even two other Spider-Men in No Way Home? Hulk is just the latest big name to join Peter’s world.

But that's not all! The film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (who helmed Shang-Chi), boasts an impressive lineup:

Tom Holland as Spider-Man / Peter Parker
Zendaya as Michelle Jones (MJ)
Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds
Jon Bernthal as The Punisher / Frank Castle (his first movie appearance since 2008!)
Michael Mando returning as Mac Gargan / Scorpion
Marvin Jones III as the albino crime boss Tombstone
Sadie Sink in a mystery role (speculated to be Rachel Cole, Punisher's sidekick)
Liza Colón-Zayas rumored to be playing Jean DeWolff
Tramell Tillman in an undisclosed role

It looks like Peter is in for a street-level adventure filled with new allies and a host of formidable villains. This blend of established MCU characters, returning favorites, and exciting new faces promises to deepen the interconnectedness of the Marvel universe while giving Spider-Man his biggest challenge yet.

What to Expect from Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Tom Holland himself has teased the film's significance, stating, "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." Director Destin Daniel Cretton added that he’s "exploring the next stage of this amazing character with a team of incredible artists." This enthusiasm from the cast and crew suggests a fresh, impactful direction for Peter Parker's journey.

Whether we get a full Savage Hulk rampage, a thoughtful exploration of Banner’s struggles, or a unique team-up with Spidey and Punisher, one thing’s for sure: Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be a must-see. Get ready to mark your calendars!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spider-Man: Brand New Day

When is Spider-Man: Brand New Day coming out? The movie 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. Will Mark Ruffalo be playing Smart Hulk or Bruce Banner? Recent set photos show Mark Ruffalo filming as Bruce Banner in his human form, without motion capture dots. This is a departure from his usual Smart Hulk appearance and has led to speculation about a potential return to the Savage Hulk persona. Are there any other Avengers in Spider-Man: Brand New Day? Beyond Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner/Hulk, the film will also feature Jon Bernthal's Punisher, marking his first movie appearance in the MCU. This continues the tradition of Peter Parker teaming up with other major MCU characters. Sources