The Marvel Cinematic Universe is buzzing with speculation about the roster for Avengers: Doomsday, and now the Russo Brothers have added fuel to the fire. In a recent interview, the directors hinted that Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, could be part of the upcoming epic. While they stopped short of confirming, their words have sent fans into a frenzy.
Joe Russo told Empire Online, "I think [what] we could say is, [Banner] is certainly involved in the story that revolves around Doom. We will not confirm nor deny his appearance in Doomsday." Anthony Russo added, "The farthest we can go is to say, there are characters and actors who have not been announced, who are a part of Doomsday." This cryptic tease aligns with the deadly incursion that threatens to erase the Fox X-Men universe, suggesting Banner's role could be pivotal.
The Hulk's potential return comes on the heels of his surprise appearance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which has become a box office phenomenon. The film, starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker, has shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing movie ever at the domestic box office with over $950 million, and the third-highest-grossing worldwide with $2.4 billion. Ruffalo's Banner was a key part of that success, appearing alongside Zendaya's MJ and Jacob Batalon's Ned.
Fans have been wondering if any of those beloved faces would carry over to Doomsday, set for release on December 18. The Russos' comments suggest that Banner is at least in the narrative mix, but whether he'll suit up as the big green guy remains a mystery. Given the film's title, the story will revolve around Doctor Doom, and Banner's scientific expertise could be crucial in countering the villain's plans.
This isn't the first time the Russos have played coy with Marvel secrets. They've mastered the art of misdirection, so their words should be taken with a grain of salt. However, the fact that they're even addressing Banner's involvement is a strong signal that he'll play a role, even if it's not a full Hulk-out.
Meanwhile, Brand New Day is gearing up for a re-release with extra footage, similar to the Avengers: Endgame encore. This extended cut will include a deleted scene featuring a Daredevil crossover with Rosario Dawson's Claire Temple, which could have future implications. The film's success has been a bright spot for the MCU, and the added content is likely to draw even more fans to theaters.
As the MCU continues to expand, the return of familiar faces like the Hulk is always welcome. Whether Banner appears in Doomsday or not, the Russos have certainly sparked excitement. For now, fans can catch Ruffalo in Brand New Day and keep their eyes peeled for any further hints about the upcoming Avengers installment.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Avengers: Doomsday and all your favorite MCU projects.
