Brand New Day’ Set Photos Reveal Original Avenger in Cast Despite Actor’s Denials

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It looks like the Hulk is smashing his way back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe — even if Mark Ruffalo tried to play coy about it, for once in his life. New set photos from Spider-Man: Brand New Day have revealed Ruffalo’s return as Bruce Banner, confirming one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood. The images, shared on social media, show Ruffalo on set wrapped in a green coat and chatting with crew members between takes.

This will be Ruffalo’s first MCU movie appearance since 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, where Bruce briefly appeared in the post-credits scene alongside Captain Marvel (Brie Larson). His last live-action role came in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022), where he introduced fans to his son, Skaar, before flying off-world. Remember that? Nope, we don’t either.

Ruffalo’s involvement had been rumored for most of 2025, but when asked directly about it during a red carpet interview last month, Ruffalo did what every Marvel veteran does best — he lied through his teeth.

“I don’t know, I’m still waiting to hear. I haven’t read a script yet. Well, if it does happen, it would be incredible. I grew up with this, and it’s changed my life in the best ways. Each time, it’s a new director, a new world, and it’s so exciting. There’s nothing else like it.”

That last line might’ve been a little too on-the-nose — since Brand New Day is indeed a new world for Spider-Man, and now, apparently, for the Hulk too.

What’s ‘Brand New Day’ About?

Plot details for Spider-Man: Brand New Day are being kept tightly under wraps, but Tom Holland‘s Peter Parker usually needs an Avenger to bounce ideas off. The new film continues Sony and Marvel’s collaboration following 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, and is set to be the second entry in Phase 6. Alongside Holland’s return, the movie will feature Jon Bernthal’s Punisher in his first big-screen MCU appearance and Michael Mando reprising his role as Scorpion from Homecoming. Newcomers include Sadie Sink, whose mystery character was first spotted on set in mid-October, and Liza Colón-Zayas and Tramell Tillman, both in undisclosed roles.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters on July 31, 2026. Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest updates on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.