Mark Ruffalo Not to Return for "Avengers: Doomsday"

Bruce Banner/The Hulk's status in "Avengers: Doomsday" has received a definitive answer from star Mark Ruffalo.

The character has been in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since the first year of the franchise.

Eric Bana and Edward Norton were key early actors to portray the jade giant in the movie timeline, with Ruffalo becoming the face of the character after debuting in the MCU in 2012's "The Avengers".

Despite the actor being set to return to the franchise with "Spider-Man: Brand New Day", Ruffalo has yet to be confirmed for "Avengers: Doomsday".

The film is one of the MCU's 2026 movies and brings together fellow Avengers stars Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Robert Downey Jr.

Speaking to Empire, Ruffalo has revealed that the Hulk will not appear in "Avengers: Doomsday". That said, the actor is open to reprise the character after "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," saying, "As long as they keep finding cool things to do with Hulk." 

While Ruffalo claims the Hulk is not in "Avengers: Doomsday," the actor could be keeping his appearance in the movie a secret. After all, Marvel stars have been known for doing so in the past.

"Avengers: Doomsday" will be the big Christmas movie, premiering on December 18, 2026.