It is a bittersweet day for the Marvel Cinematic Universe faithful who have followed the franchise since the beginning. Mark Ruffalo has officially crushed rumors regarding his potential return in the massive upcoming crossover event. While the founding Avenger sits this one out, he did drop a massive breadcrumb about where Bruce Banner pops up next to comfort disappointed fans.
Ruffalo Breaks Silence on Marvel Future
The speculation machine has been running hot ever since the Russo Brothers announced their return to direct the next phase of Avengers films. Fans naturally assumed the original cast members would reunite for Avengers: Doomsday.
Mark Ruffalo finally addressed these rumors directly while promoting his new crime thriller. He is currently on the press tour for Crime 101, a gritty film where he stars alongside fellow Marvel alum Chris Hemsworth. Speaking to Empire Magazine, Ruffalo did not mince words about his status.
The actor confirmed he will not appear in the multiverse event film slated for this December.
This news comes as a shock to many. Bruce Banner has been a glue for the team since 2012. His absence marks a significant shift in the storytelling dynamic as the studio moves toward new heroes.
Ruffalo expressed that his absence is not due to a lack of interest. He credited the franchise for boosting his career. He noted that he likely would not have landed roles in films like Crime 101 without the visibility from playing the Hulk.
broken bruce banner glasses on metal table
Hulk Smashes Into Spider-Man Instead
The interview did not bring only bad news for the green giant’s fanbase. While he is skipping the team-up movie, Ruffalo dropped a major reveal about his summer plans.
Ruffalo confirmed he will appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day hitting theaters this summer.
This places Bruce Banner back in New York City alongside the web-slinger. It suggests a more grounded role for the character before the cosmos expands in later films. This collaboration between Sony and Marvel Studios seems to be the landing spot for the scientist this year.
Here is a quick breakdown of Ruffalo’s upcoming schedule:
- Summer 2026: Spider-Man: Brand New Day (Confirmed Appearance)
- December 2026: Avengers: Doomsday (Confirmed Absent)
- Late 2026: Crime 101 (Theatrical Release)
This strategy allows the character to stay relevant without overcrowding the massive ensemble of Doomsday. It also hints that Peter Parker might need some scientific assistance in his next solo outing.
Other Major Stars Missing the Action
Ruffalo is not the only heavy hitter sitting on the bench for this installment. The cast list for Avengers: Doomsday is stacked, but it cannot include everyone.
Elizabeth Olsen recently stated she is not involved in the project either. This aligns with her character’s apparent demise at the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The Russo Brothers have a difficult task balancing the roster. They must juggle the introduction of the Fantastic Four and the Thunderbolts while managing legacy characters.
“As long as they keep finding cool things to do with Hulk. It’s given me so many gifts,” Ruffalo told Empire Magazine.
This quote suggests a shift in how legacy actors view their contracts. They are no longer bound to appear in every single property. They can choose arcs that make narrative sense.
Key Absences in Avengers: Doomsday:
| Actor | Character | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Ruffalo | Hulk | Confirmed Out |
| Elizabeth Olsen | Scarlet Witch | Confirmed Out |
| Jeremy Renner | Hawkeye | Pending Confirmation |
The focus of the new film appears to be shifting toward the new generation and the multiverse variants. This leaves less screen time for the original six Avengers.
What Lies Ahead for Bruce Banner
The absence of Hulk in Doomsday naturally leads to questions about the grand finale. Avengers: Secret Wars is the next massive project on the horizon.
Reports indicate that Secret Wars will begin filming in the United Kingdom later this year. This production timeline leaves the door wide open for Ruffalo to return.
Historically, the Avengers films work in pairs. Infinity War split the team up, while Endgame brought them back together. It is highly probable the studio is following a similar blueprint here.
Bruce Banner is logically expected to play a crucial role in Secret Wars to close out this saga.
Ruffalo’s comments about keeping the door open support this theory. Marvel Studios usually saves their biggest casting announcements for events like San Diego Comic-Con or D23.
For now, fans can look forward to seeing the actor flex his dramatic chops. His chemistry with Chris Hemsworth in Crime 101 will have to tide audiences over until the Hulk is ready to smash again on the biggest scale possible.
The landscape of the MCU is changing rapidly. The exclusion of an original member signals that the stakes in Doomsday will be real and potentially permanent for those involved.
We will have to wait and see how the story explains Banner’s absence when the world is in peril this December.
