Marvel fans are buzzing again, and this time it’s thanks to none other than Mark Ruffalo, the actor who has embodied Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for more than a decade. In a recent interview, Ruffalo admitted he hasn’t seen a Spider-Man: Brand New Day script yet, but what excites him most isn’t the plot—it’s the chance to finally work alongside Jon Bernthal’s Punisher.
The actor’s candid remarks have added more fuel to the growing anticipation surrounding the 2026 release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which promises to expand Peter Parker’s story into darker, more street-level territory. And while Ruffalo is still in the dark about his exact role, his enthusiasm about teaming up with Bernthal has fans speculating about how Hulk and Punisher could collide—or cooperate—on screen.
A Familiar Marvel Situation: Waiting on the Script
When asked about his involvement, Ruffalo responded with humor and honesty: “I haven’t seen a script yet. Once that happens, I’ll know it’s real.” For an actor so closely tied to the MCU, it’s not unusual to be the last to know specific details. Marvel Studios is notoriously secretive, and even its biggest stars are often kept in the dark until late in pre-production.
Still, Ruffalo’s remarks confirm that conversations are happening, and that Hulk may play a pivotal role in the upcoming film. Fans immediately noted the contrast between his uncertainty about the script and his certainty about one thing: wanting to work with Jon Bernthal, who has become synonymous with the gritty, complex antihero Frank Castle/The Punisher.
Ruffalo’s Admiration for Bernthal
What stood out most in Ruffalo’s comments was not his cryptic answers about the movie itself, but his genuine admiration for Bernthal’s acting. He praised the Punisher star as “funny, real, and one of the best actors working today.” Ruffalo even revealed that while they have never met, they share mutual friends—most notably Lena Dunham, who has often spoken highly of Bernthal.
For Ruffalo, this isn’t just about another Marvel gig. It’s about finally collaborating with someone he clearly respects. That authenticity resonated with fans, many of whom took to social media to say they would pay to see a Hulk-Punisher dynamic even if Spider-Man wasn’t involved.
What Spider-Man: Brand New Day Means for the MCU
The fourth solo film for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, Brand New Day is scheduled for July 31, 2026, under the direction of Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings). While details remain scarce, insiders have suggested the film will bring Peter Parker back to his roots, focusing on New York’s crime-ridden streets rather than multiverse-level threats.
This makes the addition of characters like the Punisher all the more fitting. Frank Castle’s brutal, justice-at-any-cost approach could create fascinating moral tension with Spider-Man’s more idealistic worldview. Throw Hulk into the mix, and the stage is set for a dynamic clash of personalities and philosophies.
Returning Cast and New Additions
So far, the confirmed lineup includes:
- Tom Holland returning as Peter Parker/Spider-Man
- Zendaya as MJ
- Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds
- Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/The Punisher
- Sadie Sink in a rumored role (possibly Felicia Hardy/Black Cat)
- Michael Mando reprising his role as Mac Gargan/The Scorpion
- And potentially, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk
The combination of old favorites with new faces suggests Marvel is preparing to weave street-level storytelling with larger-than-life heroics. Ruffalo’s Hulk could act as both muscle and mentor, grounding the story while amplifying the stakes.
Why Hulk and Punisher Could Steal the Show
Marvel fans know that Hulk often represents raw power tempered by Banner’s reluctant wisdom, while Punisher is vengeance personified. Putting these two in the same story could highlight the tension between restraint and ruthless justice.
Imagine a scene where Banner urges compassion and rehabilitation, while Castle demands retribution. Their conflict alone could create some of the film’s most gripping moments—before they inevitably team up with Spider-Man against a bigger threat.
A Key Turning Point for Spider-Man
For Peter Parker, this film is rumored to be a major emotional and narrative shift. Having lost his anonymity at the end of No Way Home, and with the multiverse saga wrapping up, Brand New Day might serve as the grounding chapter Spider-Man needs. Bringing Hulk and Punisher into his orbit not only raises the stakes but also forces Peter to confront what kind of hero he truly wants to be.
Conclusion
While Mark Ruffalo hasn’t seen a Spider-Man: Brand New Day script yet, his eagerness to work with Jon Bernthal’s Punisher has already captured fan imagination. For many, this small reveal is proof that Marvel is building something bold and exciting for 2026.
And if the chemistry between Ruffalo and Bernthal is even half as strong as their reputations suggest, audiences could be in for one of the MCU’s most electrifying team-ups yet. Until the script lands in Ruffalo’s hands, fans will continue speculating—but one thing is clear: Marvel’s Brand New Day is shaping up to be one of its most compelling projects yet.
