Hulk’s Ominous Fate: Why Mark Ruffalo Misses Avengers: Doomsday

Mark Ruffalo’s future as Bruce Banner has taken a rather unexpected turn, as recent reports confirm he will not be joining the line-up for Avengers: Doomsday. According to James Mack, a well-known scooper, something quite dreadful befalls Banner in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which ultimately sidelines him from the next Avengers instalment.

After much speculation about Ruffalo’s return, fans were finally assured he would appear in Spider-Man 4. However, this development means audiences will not witness a reunion with Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans in the upcoming Avengers film. Mack suggests that the incident in Spider-Man 4 is so severe it forces Bruce to distance himself from humanity, explaining his absence from the fifth Avengers outing.

Banner’s Downfall in Spider-Man: Brand New Day

It has been revealed that the original plans for Avengers: Doomsday included Hulk, but the storyline shifted after a significant event in Brand New Day. Mack commented,

Bruce/Hulk was in the initial plans for Avengers Doomsday, but I heard that something very terrible happens to Bruce in BND to keep him away from humans, which ends up leaving him absent from the events of Doomsday. But… obviously, he returns in Avengers Secret Wars

Further details suggest that the heroes of Earth are keen to keep Bruce at arm’s length, as he is said to have killed people during the events of Brand New Day. Mack elaborated,

It would be a very direct reference to what happens to him in the Illuminati saga, but done in a different way, and in BND. The heroes of Earth don’t want Bruce there, because he LITERALLY KILLED some people

Hulk’s Rampage and the Fallout

Additional commentary from MCU insiders indicates that Hulk’s actions in Brand New Day are not well received by New York’s defenders, particularly Yelena’s Avengers. One source noted,

He adds that HULK ends up killing people in Spider-Man Brand New Day, and the New York heroes (Yelena’s Avengers) don’t like that, which leads to a plan to keep him away from humans

Alex Perez from The Cosmic Circus has also weighed in, suggesting that both Peter Parker and Bruce Banner will be forced to confront their own traumas and guilt. While Peter is burdened by emotional struggles, Bruce returns with more rage than ever before. Perez observed,

For Hulk, it’s similar, except it unleashes a big green monster on the rampage, angrier than he’s ever been before.

He added that, unlike previous films where Hulk was somewhat restrained, Brand New Day might see him pushed to the brink, possibly resulting in fatal consequences.

Speculation on Hulk’s Return and World War Hulk

Despite the grim developments, there is hope among fans that Ruffalo’s character will return in Avengers: Secret Wars. Mack and other sources have indicated that Ruffalo is expected to reprise his role in the 2027 film, fuelling anticipation for a possible reunion with Downey and Evans. The prospect of a World War Hulk storyline has also generated considerable excitement, with fans speculating about Banner’s potential banishment and subsequent return in a much more formidable guise.

Ruffalo himself has commented on the future of the franchise, stating,

Well, it’s gonna be hard to top Endgame, but if I know Kevin [Feige] and if I know Marvel, it’s gonna be pretty amazing. It’ll be a big bang, we’ll go out with a big bang.

He has also expressed enthusiasm for exploring a World War Hulk arc or even a solo film, making it clear he is ready for whatever comes next.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday are scheduled for release on 31 July 2026 and 18 December 2026, respectively.