Mark Ruffalo Circling Hulk Return in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

Mark Ruffalo‘s Hulk might smash his way onto the set of Tom Holland’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”

Ruffalo is circling an appearance in the upcoming fourth “Spider-Man” film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, but it’s unclear if a deal has closed for him to reprise his role as Bruce Banner a.k.a. the Incredible Hulk.

“Brand New Day” will see the return of franchise stars Zendaya, who plays Peter Parker’s girlfriend M.J. Jones-Watson, and Jacob Batalon, as his best friend Ned Leeds. New to the Spidey universe are Jon Bernthal’s Punisher (who recently appeared on Disney+ “Daredevil: Born Again” and is getting his own special), as well as mysterious new characters played by “The Bear” Emmy winner Liza Colón-Zayas and “Stranger Things” standout Sadie Sink. Cretton directs from a screenplay by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers.

A key dynamic in Holland’s Spider-Man franchise has been his relationship to older mentor figures, including Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark/Iron Man in “Homecoming” and the “Avengers” movies, while 2019’s “Far From Home” featured Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury. Then, 2021’s “No Way Home” featured Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange and saw past Spider-men Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield cross over into the MCU. Thus, Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner would fit that role nicely; the O.G. Avengers character has yet to headline a solo movie, but the green-skinned giant had a prime co-lead role in “Thor: Ragnarok” and appeared in multiple episodes of the Disney+ series “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.”

Earlier Friday morning, Sony and Marvel teased Holland’s new Spidey suit in honor of national Spider-Man Day. The nine-second video clip showed a close-up of the suit with the caption “something brand new is coming.” The movie is scheduled to swing into theaters on July 31.

The Hollywood Reporter was first to report Ruffalo’s casting. Sony and Marvel had no comment.

Ruffalo is repped by UTA and Lighthouse Management.