Exciting developments are unfolding within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as it has been reported that Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of The Hulk is set for a triumphant return in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, scheduled for release in 2026.
According to an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter, which both Sony and Marvel have chosen not to comment on, Ruffalo will reprise his role as Bruce Banner in this highly anticipated sequel.
Additionally, Michael Mando will reportedly reprise his role as the infamous supervillain Mac Gargan, also known as the Scorpion. This character was last seen in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, the inaugural film featuring Tom Holland as Spider-Man.
Ruffalo last took on the role of The Hulk in the 2022 Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, which may not see a follow-up season in the near future. Notably, Ruffalo was excluded from the extensive list of cast members announced for Avengers: Doomsday. However, Marvel has hinted at further announcements, leaving the door open for The Hulk’s potential involvement in the film.
With production on Spider-Man: Brand New Day set to commence shortly, details are beginning to materialize. On August 1, Sony released the film’s first teaser, which featured only a close-up view of Spider-Man’s new suit for a brief eight seconds.
Something brand new is coming… #SpiderManDay pic.twitter.com/hfOxYiYszw
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) August 1, 2025
The release of this teaser, along with the news of The Hulk’s return, coincides with set leaks revealing an armored truck, which may confirm the appearance of an established Spider-Man villain in Brand New Day.
Warning! Potential spoilers for Spider-Man: Brand New Day follow:
The truck in question bears a red demon insignia, likely linked to Mister Negative’s Inner Demons organization. Fans of Insomniac’s Spider-Man video games will recognize Mister Negative, who first appeared in 2008’s Amazing Spider-Man #546 as the dark counterpart of philanthropic figure Martin Li. While Li operates a homeless shelter, his alter ego is a crime overlord managing the Inner Demons, one of New York City’s most formidable gangs. For more information, refer to IGN’s comprehensive analysis of Mister Negative.
What is officially confirmed is that Tom Holland will reprise his role as Spider-Man, with Zendaya and Jacob Batalon also appearing in the film. Newcomers include Sadie Sink of Stranger Things fame and Jon Bernthal, who will reprise his role as The Punisher. While Marvel has yet to disclose plot details, it is anticipated that Brand New Day will precede Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release in late 2026. This opens the possibility for a collaboration between Spider-Man, The Hulk, and The Punisher to confront a looming global threat. However, additional team members remain to be seen.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled for release on July 31, 2026.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Based on reporting by Wesley Yin-Poole. Read the full story at https://www.ign.com/articles/mark-ruffalos-hulk-set-to-return-to-the-mcu-for-spider-man-brand-new-day