Spider-Man: Brand New Day Set to Unleash Grey Hulk

The forthcoming instalment, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is shaping up to be a significant event for Marvel fans, bringing together some of the franchise’s most recognisable figures. Among those set to appear are Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, with early reports hinting at an unexpected alliance between the Punisher and Spider-Man as they confront a new incarnation of the Hulk.

Grey Hulk: A Different Shade of Power

Rather than the familiar emerald giant or the more cerebral Professor Hulk, this version is said to be a more jaded, calculating presence—one that nearly made its way onto the big screen during Avengers: Age of Ultron. This iteration, known as Grey Hulk, represents a distinct aspect of Bruce Banner’s complex personality, driven by cynicism and a need for dominance rather than pure rage.

Although not as physically formidable as the classic green form, Grey Hulk’s absence of guilt and innocence renders him a more unpredictable adversary. The visual effects team behind Age of Ultron once considered introducing this persona, as they explained:

Initially, Hulk was actually planned to turn grey when he’s angry Hulk in the Hulkbuster sequence but hey, everybody wanted the green guy. So, in the end, ILM just changed his eyes to make them look more sullen when he’s under the control of Scarlet Witch.

With speculation mounting that the Hulk will be pushed to unprecedented extremes in this new film, the appearance of Grey Hulk seems increasingly plausible.

Punisher’s Pursuit: A Clash of Methods

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe appears to be steering towards a more grounded, street-level narrative, the involvement of Frank Castle feels almost inevitable when a threat like Grey Hulk emerges. Castle’s uncompromising approach to justice stands in stark contrast to Peter Parker’s reluctance to resort to lethal force, especially when a friend is involved.

Reports suggest that the Punisher will enjoy a more prominent role than other heroes in this outing, with a notable shift in tone from his previous, grittier appearances. As Kevin Feige remarked:

When Punisher is in the Spider-Man movie, it’ll be a different tonality.

This tonal adjustment could offer a fresh perspective on the character, while also providing Ruffalo’s Hulk with a long-awaited opportunity to step back into the spotlight following his more subdued presence after Endgame.

Anticipation Builds for a New Marvel Chapter

The dynamic between Peter Parker and Frank Castle is poised to deliver a compelling exploration of morality and consequence, especially as they face a version of the Hulk unlike any seen before. Audiences are left to wonder how these heroes will navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by Grey Hulk’s arrival.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled for release on 31 July 2026.