Mark Ruffalo returns as Hulk in Spider-Man 4 alongside Tom Holland and Punisher

Mark Ruffalo is officially returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Bruce Banner, aka The Hulk, in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the highly anticipated fourth installment in the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man franchise.

Set for release on July 31, 2026, the film is being directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, with longtime Spider-Man writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers penning the script. Production is scheduled to begin this month in England.

Ruffalo joins an already star-studded cast. Jon Bernthal will reprise his fan-favorite role as the Punisher, marking the character’s first big-screen appearance since Punisher: War Zone in 2008. Michael Mando is also returning as Scorpion, a villain he first portrayed in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017).

Holland’s previous Spider-Man films have featured mentorship-like partnerships with major MCU characters like Iron Man, Nick Fury, and Doctor Strange. In true Marvel fashion, Brand New Day is expected to showcase plenty of internal conflict, with Spider-Man, Hulk, and Punisher likely clashing before uniting against a common enemy.

Plot details remain under wraps, but the team-up style evokes the spirit of Marvel Team-Up comics, which paired Spider-Man with different heroes in each issue.

Ruffalo’s return continues his long-standing role as Hulk, having appeared in films like Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Endgame, and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. With multiple MCU veterans in the mix, Brand New Day promises a massive crossover event for Marvel fans.