Hulk Smash! Russo Brothers Announce Iconic Hero's Return in 'Avengers: Doomsday'
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has shattered box office records, becoming a global phenomenon and eclipsing expectations for "Avengers: Doomsday." The film's success, driven by key MCU characters, raises questions about Mark Ruffalo's potential role in "Doomsday," while "Brand New Day" itself is set for a re-release with new footage, including a Daredevil crossover.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) experienced an unexpected shift in 2026, with all eyes turning from the anticipated "Avengers: Doomsday" to the summer release of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." Featuring the exciting return of Tom Holland as Peter Parker, this latest installment quickly became a global juggernaut, praised by audiences and critics alike as the best Spidey movie in two decades even before its record-breaking box office run.
In its two-month theatrical run to date, "Brand New Day" has shattered all expectations. It officially became the highest-grossing film ever at the domestic box office, surpassing the $950 million mark, and secured its place as the third-highest-grossing film of all time worldwide with more than $2.4 billion. While its cast might not have been as extensive as "Doomsday's," the success of "Brand New Day" was significantly bolstered by the inclusion of several MCU favorites, including Zendaya as MJ, Jacob Batalon as Ned, and particularly Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk.
The strong performance of these characters in "Brand New Day" has fueled speculation regarding their potential involvement in "Avengers: Doomsday," especially concerning Mark Ruffalo. In an interview with Empire Online, the Russo Brothers, who are directing "Doomsday," hinted at Banner's story involvement. Joe Russo stated, "I think [what] we could say is, [Banner] is certainly involved in the story that revolves around Doom. We will not confirm nor deny his appearance in Doomsday." Anthony Russo further added, "The farthest we can go is to say, there are characters and actors who have not been announced, who are a part of Doomsday."
"Avengers: Doomsday" is set for release on December 18, 2026, with a runtime of 165 minutes. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the film's announced cast includes Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman. The screenplay is credited to Stephen McFeely, Michael Waldron, Chris McKenna, and Erik Sommers, with Anthony and Joe Russo, Kevin Feige, Louis D'Esposito, and Jonathan Schwartz serving as producers. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is listed as its prequel, and "Avengers: Secret Wars" as its sequel, firmly embedding "Doomsday" within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers, Fantastic Four, Black Panther, Thor, and X-Men franchises.
Furthermore, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is reportedly preparing for a return to theaters with extra footage, even before its initial box office run concludes. This strategic re-release aims to capitalize on its immense success and will shadow "Avengers: Endgame Encore" by offering additional context likely crucial for future MCU developments. This includes an exciting Daredevil crossover featuring Rosario Dawson's Claire Temple, a scene that did not make the initial final cut, further expanding the interconnected narrative of the MCU.