The Marvel Cinematic Universe just got a lot more exciting. The first look at Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk on the set of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ has sent fans into a frenzy, sparking a compelling theory that the upcoming movie could finally mark the return of the Hulk’s most feared and beloved incarnation, the Savage Hulk.
While Marvel Studios has remained tight-lipped, the new set photos and videos tell a story that longtime MCU followers have been waiting to see unfold. Tom Holland’s next outing as Spider-Man might be the key to restoring one of Marvel’s strongest heroes to his classic, uncontrollable form.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Set Photos Revealed A Troubled Bruce Banner
In the footage shared by marvel_updat3s on X, Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner is seen lying injured on a stretcher, visibly dazed and disoriented. His expression says it all. He looks confused, almost fearful, as if he doesn’t quite recognize where he is or how he got there. The look on his face alone has sent fans spiraling into speculation about what might have happened to him. For years, the MCU’s version of the Hulk has been a point of contention.
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After ‘Avengers: Endgame’, many viewers felt the Smart Hulk lacked the raw emotion and uncontrollable power that made the character iconic in earlier films. Fans missed the rage, the unpredictability, and the primal power that once made Hulk both terrifying and awe-inspiring. These new set photos could finally signal a change. The injured, confused Banner we see doesn’t look like the calm, confident Smart Hulk we last saw. Instead, he looks like someone who’s been through a traumatic transformation, perhaps even a violent one.
That could mean only one thing: the return of the Savage Hulk. If this theory holds true, ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ could explore Banner losing control once again. It would be the perfect narrative opportunity for Marvel to reintroduce the brutal, unrestrained version of the character who once tore through battlefields without mercy. The idea of a “Savage Hulk rampage” not only fits with the darker tone expected from the next Spider-Man installment but also aligns with fan desires to see Hulk regain his edge.
A New Villain Might Be Responsible For The Hulk’s Return To Rage
As of now, ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ has two villains confirmed, Scorpion and Tombstone. Both fit perfectly into the grounded, street-level tone that director Jon Watts helped establish in earlier films. However, neither of them seems powerful enough to trigger such a dramatic shift in the Hulk’s persona. This is where the rumors about Mister Negative’s involvement come into play. For months, fans have speculated that the villain could appear in ‘Brand New Day’.
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Known for his ability to manipulate and control others through his negative energy, Mister Negative could easily use his powers to bring out the darkest sides of Bruce Banner’s psyche. Mister Negative could easily use his abilities to exploit Banner’s inner conflict, suppressing his intellect and unleashing the beast within. As a result, we’ll get to see a full-blown Savage Hulk rampage in the middle of New York City. This is something that hasn’t been seen since ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’.
The thought of Spider-Man having to face a mind-controlled, raging Hulk is both terrifying and thrilling. It would create one of the most emotionally charged conflicts in the MCU to date. Peter Parker, who’s always tried to do the right thing, would be forced to choose between saving lives and hurting one of Earth’s most powerful heroes. This potential storyline also fits beautifully within the broader themes of ‘Brand New Day’.
