Spider-Man: Brand New Day Set Photos Tease Hulk's Savage MCU Return

Guess what, web-heads and gamma-fans? New set photos from Spider-Man: Brand New Day have dropped, and they're pretty much confirming that Mark Ruffalo's Hulk is crashing Peter Parker's party, possibly bringing back his long-lost savage side!

TL;DR: The Latest Buzz on Spidey's Next Big Screen Adventure

Mark Ruffalo has been spotted on the set of Spider-Man: Brand New Day in the UK, officially bringing Bruce Banner/Hulk back to the big screen.
Set photos show an injured, disoriented Bruce Banner, sparking theories that the MCU's Smart Hulk might revert to his aggressive "Savage Hulk" form.
The movie is set to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026, featuring a stacked cast including Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal as Punisher, and Sadie Sink in an undisclosed role.

Bruce Banner's Bumpy Return: What the Set Photos Reveal

Alright, let's dive into the freshest intel! After months of whispers and even a bit of playful denial from Mark Ruffalo himself (sound familiar, Andrew Garfield fans?), it's now all but confirmed: The Hulk is officially back in the MCU, appearing in Tom Holland's next Spider-Man flick, tentatively titled Spider-man: Brand New Day.

Fans have been treated to some intriguing set photos and videos from the UK production, and they offer a tantalizing first look at Bruce Banner. In the footage, we see Ruffalo's Banner looking pretty beat up. He's on a stretcher, appears injured, and looks disoriented, almost as if he's trying to figure out where he is. There are even scratch marks on his face! Plus, some eagle-eyed fans noticed he's sporting a clean-shaven look, a nod to his "Professor Hulk" days rather than the rugged post-Endgame style.

This isn't just a quick cameo; Bruce Banner being so prominently featured and seemingly in distress is a huge deal. Remember, it's been a while since we've seen him in a major movie role, with his last big-screen appearances being in Avengers: Endgame and a brief cameo in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, followed by his Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.

Could the Savage Hulk Be Back? Fans Are Absolutely Hyped!

Now, here's where things get really exciting and fans are absolutely losing it: the injured, confused state of Bruce Banner has fueled a major theory – that the MCU is finally bringing back the "Savage Hulk." For years, fans have been a bit divided on the "Smart Hulk" persona, missing the raw, unpredictable rage of his earlier appearances.

Think about it: Bruce Banner getting hurt while in human form is pretty unusual. It suggests he was either caught completely off guard, or something truly powerful pushed him to his limits, forcing a transformation. This disorientation could perfectly set up the return of the Savage Hulk, a version of the character where Banner often has no recollection of the Hulk's actions. It would be a dramatic shift from the intelligent, controlled Smart Hulk we've known for a while.

It's been a whopping 13 years since we last saw a full, on-screen Hulk transformation (back in 2012's The Avengers!). Since then, Marvel has often cut around these moments, showing Bruce one second and Hulk the next. Fans are desperate to see that iconic "Hulk-out" moment again, and Brand New Day could be the perfect stage for it. This return to a more aggressive Hulk would also align with the movie's rumored "dark" tone.

"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 filming Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Who's Causing This Hulk Havoc? Exploring the Villain Theories

So, if the Savage Hulk is indeed making a comeback, who or what could trigger such a dramatic change in Bruce Banner? We already know some villains are reportedly joining the fray in Brand New Day.

Confirmed (or heavily reported) villains include Tombstone (Marvin Jones III) and Scorpion (Michael Mando). However, some theories suggest these street-level villains might not be powerful enough to force the Hulk into a savage rampage on their own. This brings us to another juicy rumor: the possible inclusion of Mister Negative.

Mister Negative, a character often associated with Spider-Man in the comics, possesses powers that allow him to manipulate people, mind-controlling them and altering their personalities. This makes him a prime candidate to turn the usually calm Smart Hulk into a destructive force. Imagine Peter Parker having to contend with a rampaging Hulk under the control of Mister Negative – talk about a challenge!

It's also possible that villains might target Bruce Banner directly, injuring him in his human form, which then causes him to lose control and revert to his savage persona. Either way, the implications for Spider-Man and the wider MCU are huge, potentially even setting the stage for bigger events like a "World War Hulk" storyline, as some fans have speculated, referencing his time on Sakaar and the introduction of his son, Skaar.

A Stacked Cast and a Darker Tone for Peter's Next Adventure

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be one of the biggest MCU releases yet, not just for Spidey but for the entire universe. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (who also helmed Shang-Chi), the movie is co-written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, the duo behind Peter's previous solo outings. Cretton has described working on the project as "exploring the next stage of this amazing character with a team of incredible artists," hinting at the ambitious scope.

Besides Tom Holland, Zendaya (as MJ), and Jacob Batalon (as Ned Leeds) are expected to return. But the exciting additions don't stop there! Jon Bernthal is set to reprise his fan-favorite role as Frank Castle, The Punisher, marking a major crossover. Stranger Things star Sadie Sink has also been spotted on set in combat gear, leading to speculation about her mysterious role, possibly as an ally or partner to the Punisher. Other reported cast members include Liza Colón-Zayas and Tramell Tillman in undisclosed roles.

With such a heavy-hitting ensemble and the potential for a darker, grittier storyline featuring a savage Hulk and the Punisher, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is poised to deliver an emotionally charged narrative combined with epic action. Peter Parker's world is about to get a whole lot more complicated, and we can't wait to see how he handles it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Hulk's Return

When is Spider-Man: Brand New Day coming out? The movie is currently set to be released in theaters on July 31, 2026. It was originally scheduled for July 24, 2026, but was delayed by one week. Will Mark Ruffalo actually play Savage Hulk in the movie? While Marvel Studios hasn't officially commented, set photos showing Bruce Banner injured and disoriented, coupled with a 13-year gap since a full Hulk transformation, have led to strong fan theories and reports suggesting a return to the Savage Hulk persona. It remains a theory until official confirmation. Which other Marvel characters are confirmed for Spider-Man: Brand New Day? Besides Tom Holland's Spider-Man and Mark Ruffalo's Hulk, the cast reportedly includes Zendaya (MJ), Jacob Batalon (Ned Leeds), Jon Bernthal (The Punisher), Sadie Sink (undisclosed role), Michael Mando (Scorpion), Marvin Jones III (Tombstone), Liza Colón-Zayas, and Tramell Tillman. What will the movie be rated, and how long will it be? Official ratings and runtimes are typically announced closer to the release date. Given previous Spider-Man films and the MCU's general trend, it's expected to be PG-13. The runtime will likely be in the 2-2.5 hour range, standard for major MCU entries. Sources