Mark Ruffalo has confirmed that the Hulk won’t seem in Avengers: Doomsday, successfully closing the door on hypothesis that the character would return for Marvel’s subsequent main team-up movie. Ruffalo, who has portrayed Bruce Banner and the Hulk within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since 2012, addressed the character’s absence in a current interview with Empire Journal. Whereas reflecting on his lengthy tenure within the franchise, he made it clear that, no less than for Doomsday, the Hulk won’t be a part of the struggle.
His feedback align with what had already been recommended by the movie’s early solid bulletins. Ruffalo’s title was notably absent from the listing, at the same time as returns for figures reminiscent of Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth had been teased, fueling questions on which legacy Avengers would seem.
Hulk’s Departure From Avengers: Doomsday
Mark Ruffalo confirms that he received’t be returning as Hulk in ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’
“[I would happily return] so long as they hold discovering cool issues to do with Hulk.”
(through @empiremagazine) pic.twitter.com/JNFIy1hm5r
— Avengers Updates (@AvengersUpdated) January 19, 2026
When requested immediately about his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday, Ruffalo confirmed that he wouldn’t be within the movie. Whereas he stopped in need of dismissing the character’s future totally, he made it clear that this specific story would unfold with out the Hulk on the battlefield.
Ruffalo described the function as having given him “many presents,” reflecting fondly on his years enjoying each Bruce Banner and his inexperienced alter ego. On the identical time, he emphasised that he stays open to returning to the function in future MCU initiatives, including that he would fortunately step again into the character “so long as they hold discovering cool issues to do with Hulk.”
Taken collectively, his remarks recommend a practical understanding of the MCU’s evolving path. Though Hulk has lengthy been a foundational member of the Avengers, his absence from Doomsday indicators a shift in how Marvel Studios is structuring its large-scale crossover occasions.
Hulk Nonetheless Has a Place within the MCU
Regardless of sitting out Avengers: Doomsday, Ruffalo’s Hulk is just not leaving the MCU altogether. The actor is confirmed to seem in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is presently scheduled for launch on July 31, 2026.
The movie will see Tom Holland return as Peter Parker, alongside Ruffalo, with Jon Bernthal and Sadie Sink additionally becoming a member of the solid. Early expectations recommend the mission will additional develop Banner’s arc, doubtlessly laying the groundwork for his involvement in future Marvel storylines.
Notably, studies point out that Hulk’s absence from Doomsday could also be tied on to narrative developments in Spider-Man: Model New Day. These occasions may go away Banner ready that forestalls him from participating in a coordinated Avengers-level battle.
This strategy could be per Marvel’s long-standing storytelling technique, the place character appearances are dictated by narrative logic fairly than purely by ensemble expectations.
Ruffalo’s Future and Marvel’s Lengthy-Time period Plans
Spider-Man: Model New Day 🕷️ July 31, 2026. pic.twitter.com/CxSguPPIeU
— Sony Photos (@SonyPictures) April 1, 2025
Whereas Ruffalo’s absence from Doomsday might come as a shock to longtime followers, he didn’t rule out future appearances past Spider-Man: Model New Day. His feedback hinted at the opportunity of Hulk returning in later chapters, doubtlessly together with Avengers: Secret Wars or different initiatives which have but to be absolutely revealed.
Marvel’s broader strategy has all the time concerned weaving particular person character arcs into bigger crossover moments. In that context, Hulk’s function could also be quickly paused fairly than concluded altogether. Ruffalo’s openness means that Marvel has not closed the door on the character, even when he’s stepping apart for this specific chapter.
Nonetheless, the choice reshapes viewers expectations. Hulk was a core member of the Avengers from the franchise’s earliest days, and his absence will seemingly be felt in a movie designed to unite a lot of Marvel’s most distinguished heroes.
What This Means for Followers
For a lot of viewers, the Hulk has been synonymous with the MCU’s rise to international dominance. His exclusion from Avengers: Doomsday is important, nevertheless it doesn’t mark the tip of his story. Ruffalo’s remarks make it clear that Hulk’s future will rely on artistic path and narrative match, fairly than nostalgia alone.
As Marvel strikes deeper into Section Six and past, characters will proceed to rotate out and in of main storylines. Hulk’s confirmed function in Spider-Man: Model New Day ensures he stays a part of the MCU’s cloth, at the same time as Doomsday proceeds with out him.
For followers holding out hope for his return in future Avengers movies, the likelihood stays very a lot alive. Ruffalo’s willingness to revisit the function means that Bruce Banner’s journey, and the Hulk’s place within the MCU, is much from over.
Featured picture: Getty Pictures
Marvel’s ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Cast Is Here, And It’s A Power Suit Of A-List Talent
