Russo brothers tease Hulk’s role in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ as Doctor Doom takes centre stage

Joe and Anthony Russo have linked Bruce Banner to Doctor Doom’s storyline while keeping his appearance unconfirmed

The Russo brothers have offered a new tease about Bruce Banner’s possible involvement in Avengers: Doomsday, while stopping short of confirming whether Mark Ruffalo will return as the Hulk.

Speaking about the upcoming Marvel Studios film, Joe Russo said Banner is "certainly involved in the story that revolves around Doom". However, he and Anthony Russo declined to confirm whether Ruffalo will appear in the film. Anthony added that there are actors and characters who have not yet been announced who are part of Avengers: Doomsday.

The comments have added another layer to speculation surrounding the next Avengers film, which is set to centre on Doctor Doom. Robert Downey Jr is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the role of Doom after previously playing Tony Stark and Iron Man.

Ruffalo has portrayed Bruce Banner and the Hulk across several Marvel projects, including The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. His involvement in Avengers: Doomsday, however, has not been officially confirmed.

A newly added sequence connected to Avengers: Endgame has also fuelled interest in Banner’s possible role. The material features Banner interacting with Doctor Doom, with the Russos suggesting that Doom’s interest could extend beyond Banner himself.

Avengers: Doomsday is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The film is scheduled for a December 18, 2026 theatrical release.

For now, the filmmakers have confirmed only that Banner is connected to the story surrounding Doom. Whether that connection ultimately places Ruffalo’s Hulk on screen remains one of the film’s unanswered questions.