Avengers Doomsday Directors Confirm Hulk Fate After Endgame Encore

Fans frequently figure out major twists in Marvel Cinematic Universe movies long before release. This forces directors and actors to play coy for months. The most recent example involves Sadie Sink’s role as Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Although it was the worst-kept secret in the world, the casting remained unconfirmed prior to release. Now the Russo Brothers face a similar cycle ahead of Avengers: Doomsday regarding Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk.

Marvel has revealed dozens of returning actors for Avengers: Doomsday. Mark Ruffalo’s absence from the confirmed list left fans wondering if the Hulk would skip the film. That changed with the recent re-release of Avengers: Endgame, which includes new scenes tying directly into Doomsday. One scene taking place after Brand New Day shows Dr. Banner in self-imposed confinement. An off-screen voice interrupts him, saying he has come to collect Banner. A flash occurs, leaving green runes behind as Banner disappears. The mystery man who breaks Banner out is Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr.

This strongly suggests Banner will appear in Doomsday. Empire Online asked Joe and Anthony Russo to confirm the appearance in a new interview. The directors avoided a direct answer. Anthony Russo stated there is no way to step around the question, adding that they are fighting themselves to save presents for Christmas morning. Joe Russo added that Banner is certainly involved in the story revolving around Doom, though they will neither confirm nor deny his appearance in Doomsday.

Anthony Russo reminded audiences that many characters and actors remain unannounced for the upcoming film. While this is the closest thing to a confirmation available, Ruffalo might actually skip Doomsday entirely. The Endgame Encore scene could instead set up his appearance in the 2028 film Secret Wars.

What does Doctor Doom want with Bruce Banner in Avengers: Doomsday?

The Endgame Encore scene raises questions about why Doom wants to collect Banner. The Russos only teased that Doom’s interest may extend beyond just Banner. This might mean Doom wants Banner’s work on gamma suppression, which Peter Parker expanded upon using his own mutation inhibitor device. Access to technology that negates hero powers would serve as a major tool in Doom’s imminent battle with the Avengers.

Alternatively, a thematic reason might motivate Doom. Doomsday appears to play up the fact that Robert Downey Jr., who previously played Tony Stark, now plays Doom. Footage in the Endgame Encore draws a direct parallel between the two characters. Stark and Banner shared a close relationship and camaraderie as genius scientists since the first Avengers movie. Forcing Banner to aid Doom creates an opportunity to play off a twisted version of that past dynamic.

Source: Polygon