Marvel fans around the world are buzzing after recent confirmation that Mark Ruffalo will not reprise his role as the Hulk in Avengers: Doomsday. This news has sparked intense discussion across social media and fan forums, and it changes expectations for the MCU’s most ambitious crossover movie yet.

Avengers: Doomsday is one of the most anticipated films of 2026 (set to release December 18, 2026), but Hulk’s absence raises questions about the story direction, character lineup, and Marvel’s evolving strategy for its Phase 6 slate.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what this means, why Ruffalo isn’t returning, and how the MCU may pivot without one of its original core Avengers.

Why Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk Matters

Since The Avengers (2012), Mark Ruffalo has embodied Bruce Banner/The Hulk — a character beloved for both comedic depth and raw power. Ruffalo’s portrayal added emotional complexity and moral nuance to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional.

Across multiple films, including The Avengers, Thor: Ragnarok, and Avengers: Endgame, Hulk became more than just muscle — he became a symbol of conflict, fear, and eventual reconciliation between rage and purpose.

So naturally, fans expected him to return in Avengers: Doomsday, especially in a story that promises to bring together the biggest heroes in the MCU.

What Mark Ruffalo Actually Said

According to industry sources and statements reported online, Mark Ruffalo confirmed that he will not be returning for Avengers: Doomsday. While the exact quote hasn’t been published in full, Ruffalo’s representatives and interviews have strongly indicated he will sit this one out for creative and scheduling reasons.

Rather than simply being written off, his absence appears to be a deliberate choice — both from the actor and Marvel Studios — as the story for Doomsday focuses on other characters and themes.

This isn’t the first time a major MCU actor has skipped a big ensemble film, but it is notable because Hulk was part of the original six Avengers whose reunion was teased repeatedly over the years.

Why Hulk Might Be Missing from Doomsday

There are several possible reasons behind Ruffalo’s decision and Marvel’s direction:

1. Story Focus Is Different

Avengers: Doomsday is expected to focus on a crisis that branches beyond Earth, involving multiverse threats and cosmic stakes. The film may be centering characters whose arcs are more directly tied to this specific conflict.

2. Hulk’s Arc Was Already Explored

Hulk’s journey — from rage and exile to acceptance — has been a long arc. Some fans and creators might feel his story in the mainline Avengers saga is already complete.

3. Scheduling & Creative Priorities

Ruffalo has worked steadily in both Marvel and non-Marvel projects. It’s possible he chose to pursue other roles rather than commit to another long MCU shoot.

4. Future Returns Aren’t Ruled Out

Just because he isn’t appearing in Doomsday doesn’t mean Hulk is gone forever. Marvel could bring him back in later phases or spin-offs — especially with the ongoing multiverse storytelling.

Who Is Confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday?

Even without Hulk, the confirmed cast for Avengers: Doomsday still reads like a fan dream roster:

• Chris Hemsworth — Thor
• Chris Evans — Steve Rogers / Captain America
• Anthony Mackie — Captain America
• Paul Rudd — Ant-Man
• Simu Liu — Shang-Chi
• Tom Hiddleston — Loki
• Letitia Wright — Black Panther
• Tenoch Huerta — Namor
• Many members of the X-Men universe (e.g., Magneto, Professor X)
• Fantastic Four cast members

With such a massive roster, Doomsday still promises an epic ensemble experience — but Hulk’s absence leaves a notable gap that Marvel fans are debating intensely.

Fan Reaction & Social Media Buzz

The reaction online has been mixed:

✔ Some fans believe Hulk’s absence will allow Doomsday to spotlight newer or previously sidelined heroes.
✔ Others feel a core part of the original Avengers “heart” is missing without Ruffalo’s Banner.
✔ Many fans are already theorizing how the story will explain Hulk’s absence within the narrative — including multiverse implications or a separate gamma storyline.

Social media platforms like X (Twitter), Reddit, and YouTube are full of discussions about:

• Why Marvel made this call
• Whether Hulk might show up in a future tie-in series or movie
• What this means for Ruffalo’s future in entertainment

What This Means for the MCU Post-Doomsday

Hulk’s absence may signal a changing of the guard in the MCU:

➤ New Leaders Emerge

Characters like Sam Wilson’s Captain America, Shang-Chi, and even Loki could take more central roles.

➤ Multiverse Focus

With the MCU diving deeper into multiverse storytelling, some classic characters may be used more selectively.

➤ More Spin-offs & Solo Projects

Marvel might focus more on character-specific films or series rather than large ensemble pieces.

Mark Ruffalo’s decision not to return as Hulk for Avengers: Doomsday is a major moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It doesn’t necessarily mean the character is gone forever — but it does highlight how the MCU is evolving.

Whether fans see this as disappointing or an exciting opportunity for new stories, one thing is clear: Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal films in Marvel’s long-term saga — with or without the Hulk.

Stay tuned — this story is still unfolding as Marvel releases more updates.