The Marvel Cinematic Universe has always thrived on surprise team-ups, and it looks like the upcoming ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ may feature one of its most unexpected yet. After reports confirmed that Mark Ruffalo will reprise his role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk in Tom Holland’s fourth Spider-Man film, theories have been rising about how the character might fit into Peter Parker’s story.
Adding fuel to the hype, Jon Bernthal’s Punisher will also make his big-screen MCU debut in the movie. So, the film might feature a crossover many fans never thought they’d see.
Mark Ruffalo Hopes To Team Up With Jon Bernthal’s Punisher
On the red carpet, Mark Ruffalo admitted he hasn’t officially received a script for ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ yet, despite the widespread reports about his return. “If I’m doing that, which the rumors are that I am, once I get a script, I’ll know it’s real,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. That kind of candid honesty is exactly what fans have come to love about Ruffalo. However, even without the script in hand, he made it clear that he’s thrilled about the direction Marvel is taking.
Related: Tom Holland Opens Up About His Marvel Future After ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
He is especially looking forward to Bernthal’s arrival as Frank Castle, a.k.a. The Punisher. “I love him, and we have a common friend in Lena Dunham, believe it or not, who just adores him. I can’t wait to work with him, he’s so funny and he’s such a great actor. He plays that character like nobody else. I’m really excited to meet him, I’ve never met him!” Ruffalo’s words reflect a genuine admiration for Bernthal.
Fans campaigned for years to see him integrated into the MCU. Now that it’s happening, even the Hulk himself is eager to share the screen. For Ruffalo, this will mark his first appearance in a Spider-Man film, despite years of working alongside Tom Holland in ensemble outings like ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’. That alone makes his inclusion in ‘Brand New Day’ a special milestone. Meanwhile, Bernthal’s Punisher brings a gritty, street-level perspective that could dramatically alter the dynamics of Peter Parker’s world.
Spider-Man Family Reunites For ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
While Ruffalo was busy praising his co-star-to-be, fans were equally thrilled by new behind-the-scenes photos from the set of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’. The internet nearly broke when the beloved trio, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon, were spotted filming together once again. The image showed Holland suited up as Spider-Man, while Zendaya and Batalon kept things casual in street clothes.
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However, it was Zendaya who ignited the biggest fan theories. Dressed in an oversized hoodie with the hood pulled tightly around her face, she appeared to be deliberately hiding her hairstyle. That simple choice sent social media spiraling into speculation: could this be Marvel’s way of reintroducing Mary Jane Watson with her classic redhead look from the comics?
The timing of this coincided with rumors that ‘Stranger Things’ star Sadie Sink was being considered for a role in the film. Some theorized that she might play a new version of Mary Jane, capitalizing on her natural red hair. Others argued that Sink could be cast as Gwen Stacy, potentially bringing the Into the Spider-Verse storyline to life in live-action form. Regardless of which theory proves true, the speculation only underscores how invested fans are.
