The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has spun a complex web for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is set for release on July 31, 2026, poised to be a pivotal chapter in Peter Parker’s journey. Following the multiversal spectacle of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which saw Peter team up with Doctor Strange and two alternate Spider-Men, the anticipation for Spider-Man 4 is sky-high.
Recent rumors suggest that Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner/Hulk may play a “much larger than a cameo” role in the film. While this pairing promises to amplify box office hype and tie Spider-Man 4 to the broader Multiverse Saga, it risks overshadowing Peter Parker’s ability to stand alone as the definitive Spider-Man, emotionally, thematically, and narratively.
The MCU has a history of pairing Spider-Man with prominent heroes like Iron Man in Homecoming, Doctor Strange in No Way Home, and even Nick Fury in Far From Home. These team-ups have delivered blockbuster results, but they’ve also tethered Peter’s growth to the influence of these other big characters. As Spider-Man 4 looms, positioned between Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027), the inclusion of Hulk could continue this trend, potentially diluting Peter’s chance to shine as a standalone hero.
The Case for a Solo Spider-Man: Why Peter Needs to Stand Alone
Spider-Man’s enduring appeal lies in his relatability—a young hero grappling with personal loss, responsibility, and the weight of great power. No Way Home left Peter in a profoundly isolated state, with the world forgetting his identity and his loved ones, including MJ played by Zendaya, no longer recognizing him. This reset offers a golden opportunity to explore Peter’s emotional resilience, forcing him to rebuild his life without the safety net of mentors like Tony Stark or magical allies like Doctor Strange.
However, introducing Hulk risks shifting focus from Peter’s internal struggle. Bruce Banner’s presence could steer the narrative toward a broader, action-driven showdown, overshadowing Peter’s personal journey. For Holland’s Spider-Man to become the definitive portrayal, Spider-Man 4 needs to prioritize Peter’s emotional arc, delving into his loneliness, guilt, and identity. A solo story would allow Peter to confront these challenges head-on, cementing his growth as a hero who doesn’t need a mentor to save the day.
Thematically, Spider-Man is the ideal street-level hero, defined by small-scale heroics and personal battles. No Way Home set the stage for Peter to embrace this identity, stripping him of his Stark tech and global recognition. Rumors of Hulk’s involvement, combined with Spider-Man 4’s placement before the multiversal epic of Avengers: Doomsday, suggest a potential pull toward larger, Avengers-level conflicts that could distance Peter from his neighborhood roots.
Hulk’s inclusion could elevate the story to a cosmic or global showdown, potentially clashing with Spider-Man’s grounded essence. A solo narrative would allow Spider-Man 4 to focus on street-level villains like Scorpion or Mister Negative, both teased in earlier MCU films, reinforcing Peter’s role as New York’s protector. By keeping the focus on Peter’s local battles, Marvel could deliver a film that resonates with the everyman spirit of Spider-Man, setting it apart from the multiversal spectacles of Doomsday and Secret Wars.
The Upside: Hulk’s Potential to Elevate Spider-Man 4
There’s no denying the appeal of pairing Spider-Man with Hulk. From a box office perspective, Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner brings star power and fan excitement, especially given Hulk’s underutilized potential in the MCU. Hulk’s appearance could address a longstanding MCU issue: the character’s lack of a solo outing and the Russo Brothers’ admitted struggle to integrate him in Infinity War and Endgame. A significant role in Spider-Man 4 could give Hulk the narrative depth he deserves.
Moreover, Hulk’s involvement could enrich Spider-Man 4’s place in the Multiverse Saga, adding a layer of intrigue that connects to the MCU’s broader narrative without overshadowing Peter’s story. Many fans have expressed excitement for a potential Spider-Man/Hulk dynamic, with some hoping for a return to the “Savage Hulk” persona, which could lead to an intense battle between Peter Parker and Hulk.
How Marvel Can Make It Work
To mitigate overshadowing Tom Holland's Spider-Man, Marvel, and director Destin Daniel Cretton must carefully balance Hulk’s role with Peter’s prominence. They can do this by:
Limiting Hulk’s Screentime: Hulk could appear in a supporting capacity, perhaps in a few key scenes. This would keep Peter as the narrative driver while leveraging Ruffalo’s star power.
Centering Peter’s Perspective: To prevent Hulk from overshadowing Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, Marvel could frame the story entirely through Peter’s lens, using his decisions and emotional journey to drive every major plot point. Even if Hulk appears as a powerful ally or antagonist, the narrative could emphasize Peter’s resourcefulness, such as outsmarting Hulk’s brute strength or resolving conflicts through wit and heart, ensuring he remains the friendly neighborhood hero Marvel fans love and adore.
Geraldo Amartey is a writer at The Direct. He joined the team in 2025, bringing with him four years of experience covering entertainment news, pop culture, and fan-favorite franchises for sites like YEN, Briefly and Tuko.
