Spider-Man 4 Adds Hulk – Is Marvel Making the Same Mistake Again?
Spider-Man 4 is bringing back a familiar MCU face—but not everyone is thrilled about it. The next Tom Holland-led Spidey film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is reportedly adding Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Punisher (Jon Bernthal) to its cast. But is this a smart move, or is Marvel repeating an old pattern?
- Hulk joins Spider-Man 4 – Mark Ruffalo returns as Bruce Banner.
- Punisher & Scorpion confirmed – Jon Bernthal reprises his role, Michael Mando finally gets his villain moment.
- Another “babysitter” Avenger? – Fans worry Spider-Man still won’t stand alone.
- Release date set – July 31, 2026.
Why Hulk’s Return Feels Familiar… And Frustrating
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Brand New Day will feature multiple MCU heavyweights. While Punisher and Scorpion’s inclusions make sense (one’s a street-level vigilante, the other a long-teased villain), Hulk’s role raises eyebrows.
Since No Way Home ended with Peter Parker ditching the Avengers’ safety net, fans hoped for a true solo Spider-Man story. Instead, Hulk’s presence suggests another mentor figure—continuing a trend where every Holland-led Spidey film pairs him with an older Avenger:
- Homecoming → Iron Man
- Far From Home → Nick Fury
- No Way Home → Doctor Strange
Will Hulk just be a cameo? Or is Marvel really giving Spider-Man another babysitter? The answer could shape whether Brand New Day delivers the independent, street-level hero fans have waited for.
What’s Next for Spider-Man in the MCU?
With Scorpion’s overdue debut and Punisher’s gritty style, the movie could still balance big cameos with grounded storytelling. But if Hulk takes center stage, Brand New Day might feel less like a Spider-Man story and more like another Avengers teaser—especially with Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon.
One thing’s certain: Marvel’s playing it safe. Whether that’s a good thing? We’ll find out in 2026.
