6 Ways Spider-Man: Brand New Day Can Redeem The MCU’s Hulk Story

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Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, will be appearing in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie, which could finally give his character the satisfying resolution fans have been hoping for. Mark Ruffalo has played Bruce Banner in three Marvel movies since Avengers: Infinity War, but so far, the films haven’t featured the classic, powerful “Savage Hulk” version of the character.

After a quick defeat by Thanos at the start of Avengers: Infinity War, the Hulk seemed sidelined. Instead of bringing the original Hulk back for the final battle in Avengers: Endgame, Marvel introduced a new, more intelligent version of the character – Smart Hulk.

This choice meant fans haven’t seen the original Hulk in a Marvel movie for eight years. While it’s not guaranteed, there’s a good chance the classic, ‘Savage’ Hulk will return. The ‘Smart Hulk’ version is no longer being used, and Bruce Banner is set to have a significant part in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which opens the door for the Hulk’s return.

Now that the Hulk hasn’t been seen in the MCU for a while, it’s crucial that the films find a good way to use his character if they plan to include him in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Luckily, there are several directions the movie could take to make that happen.

Hulk Reclaims His Title As “The Strongest One There Is”

Throughout most of Marvel Comics’ history, the Hulk was widely considered Marvel’s strongest hero, famously known as “the strongest one there is.” The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) initially stayed true to this idea, but later started suggesting that characters like Captain Marvel were actually more powerful.

Hulk’s defeat by Thanos definitely damaged his reputation as one of the strongest heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Over time, the films have moved away from portraying him as the most powerful being. And the new Spider-Man: Brand New Day story doesn’t seem likely to change that, since it doesn’t appear to include any other incredibly powerful characters for him to challenge.

If Spider-Man: Brand New Day introduces unexpected villains or shows Hulk easily defeating multiple powerful enemies, it could re-establish him as the strongest hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Sets Up Hulk To Join A New Defenders Team

One way to bring the Hulk back into Marvel stories is to give his character a hopeful direction. A good approach might be to connect him with the Defenders, a team he has a history with, similar to what Spider-Man: Brand New Day did for Spider-Man.

Although the Hulk is now a well-known member of the Avengers, he wasn’t always a central part of that team in the original comics. He more frequently teamed up with the Defenders, a group featuring other incredibly powerful Marvel heroes like Doctor Strange, the Silver Surfer, and Namor.

As a huge Hulk fan, I’d love to see a story that really brings Bruce Banner back to being a hero. And honestly, the little hint that he might team up with the original Defenders in the MCU? That would get me SO hyped for Avengers: Secret Wars and Mark Ruffalo’s part in it! It feels like a natural way to build excitement and get everyone talking.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Splits Up Hulk & Bruce Banner

Focusing on Bruce Banner’s personality instead of the Hulk’s powerful, savage side meant the Hulk wasn’t very involved in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. That’s why it would feel satisfying if the Spider-Man: Brand New Day storyline was used to give the Hulk a major focus again.

Marvel has explored the concept of separating the Hulk from Bruce Banner several times. In one story, appearing in The Incredible Hulk #315, the scientist Doc Samson actually managed to split them, leading to a pursuit where Banner tried to find the Hulk.

It would be fascinating to see Marvel explore a similar storyline, letting us see how both Hulk and Banner cope with being truly separate. While Banner has enjoyed years of relative peace without the Hulk’s interference, the Hulk arguably deserves this independence even more.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Matches Hulk’s Loki Moment

One of the Hulk’s most memorable moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe happened in The Avengers. He unexpectedly grabbed Loki, who was being arrogant, and began slamming him into the ground. This display of the Hulk casually overpowering and disrespecting a god made for an iconic scene that hasn’t been equaled in the MCU since.

The Hulk is most enjoyable when he’s showing off his incredible strength, rather than being defeated by heroes like Iron Man or Thor. It would be great if the upcoming Spider-Man stories capture the fun, powerful Hulk we saw in The Avengers, offering surprising and funny moments. Considering the humorous style of recent Spider-Man movies, this should be achievable.

Hulk Gets Revenge For Being Repressed By Bruce Banner For Years

In Avengers: Endgame, Smart Hulk described his form as a cooperative effort, suggesting Bruce Banner and the Hulk had found a way to share control. This was surprising, because his new appearance seemed to mean the original, more aggressive Hulk was gone for good.

Considering everything, it’s difficult to believe the Hulk would be happy with the current situation. He hasn’t been in control of his body for a long time, and the recent movie didn’t change that. When he eventually breaks free in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, he’s likely to have a strong reaction.

Considering how Hulk is usually portrayed, we can expect a very angry outburst and possibly strong feelings of bitterness towards Bruce Banner. If this continues, it could eventually lead to a full-scale Planet Hulk story, where Hulk battles all of Earth’s superheroes.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Pits The Savage Hulk Against Man-Spider

The trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day reveals that Spider-Man’s DNA is changing, reminding fans of a storyline from Spider-Man: The Animated Series. In that series, Peter Parker underwent a transformation into a monstrous, spider-like being called “Man-Spider.”

When Spider-Man lost control and became dangerously powerful, Kraven the Hunter and the Punisher joined forces to stop him. The Marvel Cinematic Universe could explore a similar storyline, perhaps involving Bruce Banner and the Punisher. A dire situation where Banner faces the monstrous Man-Spider could be the catalyst for the Hulk’s return.

If the recent Spider-Man movie is hinting at a transformation into Man-Spider, it could lead to an incredibly exciting fight – one even the comics haven’t shown: Man-Spider versus the Hulk. If both characters lose control, the Marvel Cinematic Universe could give fans a massive, destructive battle they’ve been waiting for.

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2026-04-13 02:14