A Major Hulk Theory Just Got a Lot More Likely After MCU Update

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The filming for “Spider-Man: A Fresh Start” has begun, and this means Marvel enthusiasts are braced for a torrent of whispers and excited speculation until the film hits screens on July 31, 2026. One such buzz, fueled by a trade report, suggests that “A Fresh Start” may mark the comeback of Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, since it has been since 2022 that we last saw him. This is exciting news for fans of the Marvel universe, as the potential inclusion of Hulk in the next Spider-Man movie presents Marvel with an excellent chance to bring a widely supported fan theory to life.

In a twist that left many fans talking, the climactic scene of Spider-Man: No Way Home sees everyone, including Peter Parker’s friends MJ and Ned, forgetting him and his alter ego Spider-Man entirely. However, an intriguing fan theory has gained traction since the movie’s release, suggesting that the Hulk could be the only exception to this amnesia. This theory doesn’t imply that Bruce Banner will recall Spider-Man, but rather that the Hulk persona might retain its memory of the web-slinger.

The Hulk Remembering Peter Parker Comes From the Comics

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, much like many other theories, this one has its origins in the comics – particularly the 2020 release of “Immortal Hulk: Great Power” #1. This tale unfolds during one of the most remarkable Hulk series ever written, where Peter Parker obtains Bruce Banner’s Hulk persona following a spell cast by Loki, the renowned trickster. With no Hulk left for him to call his own, Banner does everything in his power to help Peter Parker get rid of the Green Goliath, even reabsorbing the Hulk into his own body.

After the Jade Giant resumes cohabiting with Banner, he discloses that he’s aware of Spider-Man’s true identity, a fact that should have been forgotten by everyone in the Marvel Universe following Peter’s deal with Mephisto. This is surprising because during the Civil War crossover event, Peter had publicly revealed his secret identity as Spider-Man.

When Spider-Man questions, “Hold on, did you just refer to me as Peter?”, the Hulk replies, “You’ve managed to make people forget your true identity. Banner is one of them, but not me.

It appears logical for a scenario akin to “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” to unfold, but there’s an issue: The Hulk and Spider-Man haven’t shared screen time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet. Typically, Marvel could resolve this by having an after-credits scene where they meet, but here’s the catch – “Brand New Day” is currently the next Marvel film set for release in theaters. However, that doesn’t rule out other creative possibilities for their meeting.

It’s been some time since we’ve seen a Marvel One-Shot, those short films that bridge the gaps between MCU movies. An ideal way to create a link between Bruce Banner (the Hulk) and Peter Parker before “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” might be through this format. A brief scene on Disney+, a few months before the movie’s release, could greatly contribute to developing the relationship between the Hulk and Spider-Man.

In an alternative scenario, the upcoming movie titled “Brand New Day” might commence with a flashback sequence or incorporate dialogue that sheds light on how the Hulk becomes acquainted with Spider-Man. Marvel has several possibilities in this regard. One intriguing aspect of this fan theory coming true is the potential for the MCU to reintroduce the character widely recognized as the “true” Hulk by fans.

While fans appreciate Professor Hulk, they still yearn for the raw anger of the Savage Hulk. It’s plausible that if the Hulk recalls Spider-Man, we could see a reemergence of the Savage Hulk. After all, Avengers: Endgame showed us that Professor Hulk is essentially a truce between Bruce Banner and the Savage Hulk. However, should a disagreement occur – for example, if the Hulk remembers Peter Parker but Banner does not – it seems logical that they might separate again.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Would be the Perfect Place to Introduce The Hulk’s Joe Fixit Persona

Additionally, it’s speculated that Spider-Man’s actions might bring about a third personality in Banner, namely Joe Fixit. This theory is nearly as common as the one suggesting that “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” may introduce the mob enforcer persona of Bruce Banner to the MCU. Known as Grey Hulk, this version of the character is more intelligent but less powerful than the Hulk, and has a fixation on the mafia reminiscent of “The Godfather.

In essence, whatever storyline “Brand New Day” presents, be it recalling Peter Parker by the Hulk, resurrecting the Savage Hulk, or introducing Joe Fixit, it’s simply delightful to imagine the Hulk back on the big screen since his last appearance in “Endgame” in 2019.

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2025-08-05 00:40