Will Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk Join Spider-Man: Brand New Day?

Ruffalo’s potential return as the Hulk

Multiple sources, including The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, confirm that Ruffalo is in talks to return as the Hulk in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. While his deal hasn’t been finalized, insiders suggest negotiations are in the late stages, with Ruffalo expected to appear alongside Holland’s Spider-Man and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher.

If confirmed, this would mark Ruffalo’s first major MCU film appearance since Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), where he had a brief cameo, and his Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022). His role in Brand New Day is speculated to follow the tradition of Spider-Man teaming up with a veteran Avenger, similar to his past mentorships with Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch).

What could Hulk’s role be?

Plot details remain tightly under wraps, but reports suggest that Spider-Man, Hulk, and Punisher will initially clash before uniting against a common enemy. Given Hulk’s history as both a hero and a destructive force, his dynamic with Spider-Man—who avoids killing—could be a central conflict. Meanwhile, the Punisher’s lethal methods may further complicate alliances.

The inclusion of Hulk also raises questions about Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026). Neither Ruffalo nor Holland has been officially announced for the film, leading to speculation that Brand New Day could explain their absences or set up surprise cameos. One theory suggests Banner may be preoccupied with his own arc in Brand New Day, keeping him out of the Avengers’ next battle.

Other major casting and story buzz

Beyond Ruffalo, Brand New Day has made several intriguing casting announcements:

• Jon Bernthal’s Punisher: After his TV-MA-rated return in Daredevil: Born Again, Bernthal’s Frank Castle will make his MCU movie debut, potentially bridging the gap between Disney+ shows and films
• Sadie Sink’s mystery role: The Stranger Things star’s character remains unknown, but fan theories range from Black Cat to Gwen Stacy
• Liza Colón-Zayas: The Emmy-winning The Bear actress is confirmed for an undisclosed role, with rumors suggesting she could play a new version of Aunt May or another key ally. Personally, I'm hoping she's playing Miles Morales' mother, as she could do wonders with that role
• Michael Mando returns as Scorpion: The Better Call Saul actor will reprise his villainous role from Spider-Man: Homecoming, possibly alongside other rumored antagonists like Tombstone and Tarantula

The new Spider-Suit and filming details

Tom Holland recently revealed the first look at his upgraded suit, featuring a webbed design reminiscent of classic comics. He also confirmed that Brand New Day will return to practical filmmaking, shooting on location in Glasgow to create a more grounded, “old-school” feel compared to the stage-heavy No Way Home.

How will Brand New Day fit into the MCU timeline?

With Avengers: Doomsday delayed to December 2026, Brand New Day (July 2026) will be the only MCU film that year, giving it room to set up major multiverse threads. The Punisher’s involvement also ties into Daredevil: Born Again season 2 (March 2026), which may establish Kingpin’s martial law in New York, a potential backdrop for Spider-Man’s next adventure.

If Ruffalo’s Hulk joins this movie it could redefine Peter Parker’s place in the MCU while setting the stage for Avengers: Doomsday. With a star-studded cast, street-level stakes, and potential multiverse implications, the film is poised to be one of Marvel’s most consequential releases yet.

Fans won’t have to wait long for answers—production begins this month, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day swinging into theaters on July 31, 2026.