Hulk Returns in Spider-Man Film
Recently, amidst discussions about Jeremy Renner’s unwavering belief in the possibility of a second season of Hawkeye, we took a closer look at which original Avengers have made recent appearances in Marvel projects. Mark Ruffalo, known for his role as the Hulk, stood out as the answer. Without ever having a standalone film, Ruffalo has enjoyed cameo roles in various hero films and television series, including a notable appearance in She-Hulk in 2022.
In exciting news reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Ruffalo is set to reprise his role as the Hulk in next year’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Unexpected Castings and Plot Details
This casting decision is somewhat surprising, particularly because the film has been primarily described as a return to basics for Tom Holland’s character, Peter Parker. This follows a series of complex, reality-bending events in his last cinematic outing. Now, with the inclusion of both the Hulk and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, there are many uncertainties regarding the direction of Spidey’s storyline.
However, there is at least a hint about the plot: Ruffalo’s casting aligns with a recurring theme in the Holland-led Spider-Man movies—Peter’s quest for paternal figures among the franchise’s more established heroes. Additionally, the same report revealed that Michael Mando will be reprising his role as Scorpion, a classic Spider-Man villain, previously seen in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
MCU’s Evolving Landscape
Ruffalo’s involvement raises further questions about the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) ability to introduce new characters while still honoring its legacy heroes. With the film scheduled for July 2026, it will be the last Marvel project before the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, which is set to release in December 2026. This timing intensifies speculation about how both Hulk and Spider-Man will fit into the larger, evolving narrative of the MCU.
