A new on-set image offers the first look at Mark Ruffalo returning as Bruce Banner in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and it’s already sparking major speculation about what’s going on with The Hulk.
The photo, shared by UnBoxPHD, shows Ruffalo’s Banner appearing beat up and bruised, bundled in a hooded coat among crew members. But what’s raising eyebrows among fans is why Banner seems injured — something that shouldn’t happen if he could still transform into The Hulk.
No Hulk transformation? Where's the healing factor? What is going on??? https://t.co/aFOvtn2uUn
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) October 21, 2025
Why Didn’t Banner Turn Into The Hulk?
The big question from this image: why didn’t Banner change into the Hulk? The Hulk’s transformation has always acted as a built-in defense mechanism — not to mention, his healing factor is powerful enough to erase any visible wounds almost instantly.
That detail has led fans to speculate that something has happened since She-Hulk, possibly leaving Banner unable to transform or even separated from the Hulk entirely.
In Infinity War, it was revealed that the Hulk refused to let Banner transform, essentially teaching him a lesson after years of being used as a weapon. By Endgame, the two had merged into the so-called Smart Hulk, a balance between brains and brawn. Now, this new image of Ruffalo as an injured Banner could hint that he’s managed to separate himself from the Hulk entirely, setting up a return of the more dangerous, uncontrollable version of the character.
Could Hulk and Banner Be Split Apart?
Rumors have long suggested that Spider-Man: Brand New Day will feature the Savage Hulk — a more primal, uncontrollable version of the character — possibly as a villain.
If that’s the case, this new image could be teasing a major twist from the comics, where Banner and the Hulk become separated into two beings. Without his alter ego, Banner would be fully vulnerable, explaining the injuries seen in the photo.
Fans are now wondering if this separation storyline could connect to the reported “Hulk ambulance scene” filmed earlier, in which paramedics are seen transporting an unknown character.
Release Info
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and will release in theaters on July 31, 2026.
The film stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Mark Ruffalo, Jon Bernthal, Sadie Sink, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Marvin Jones III as Tombstone. Produced by Amy Pascal and Kevin Feige, the movie continues Holland’s run as the MCU’s Spider-Man.
