The Marvel Cinematic Universe is pulling out all the stops for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and now we know that the film will feature not one but two major returning characters.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mark Ruffalo is officially set to reprise his role as Bruce Banner, aka The Hulk, joining Tom Holland in the next chapter of the Spider-Man franchise. The long-rumored casting is now confirmed just as production gears up to begin in England.
Ruffalo’s return marks his first major appearance since She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and it will be his first time sharing the screen with Holland’s Peter Parker. While Hulk and Spider-Man are two of the most recognizable Avengers, their paths haven’t crossed much in the MCU so far — at least not in any meaningful way. Whether Banner’s appearance is more scientific or smashing remains to be seen, but it’s a major signal that Marvel is investing big in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Also returning to the fold is Michael Mando as Mac Gargan, better known to comic book fans as the Scorpion. Mando first appeared briefly in Spider-Man: Homecoming as a criminal with ties to Adrian Toomes, aka the Vulture (Michael Keaton). His character was last seen behind bars, hinting at a future villainous turn that fans have been speculating about for years.
What we know about Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Spider-Man: Brand New Day will be directed by Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings helmer Destin Daniel Cretton, with a script from the veteran writing duo of Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, who penned the previous Spider-Man entries starring Holland. The title, Brand New Day, appears to take inspiration from the controversial comic book arc of the same name — a story that reset much of Peter Parker’s world in the aftermath of One More Day.
Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are set to reprise their roles as MJ and Ned Leeds, bringing back Peter Parker’s closest allies from the previous Spider-Man trilogy. Joining the ensemble is Stranger Things star Sadie Sink in a mysterious new role, along with Jon Bernthal, who returns as Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is currently scheduled to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. With more casting announcements likely on the way, Marvel fans will want to keep a close eye on how this new day for Spider-Man unfolds.
