Is Mark Ruffalo Returning as Hulk in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’? New Leak Sparks Speculation
Marvel’s marketing playbook has always thrived on secrecy, treating every casting reveal and post-credits scene like a tightly guarded event. That approach tends to backfire occasionally, though, especially when a film built around connective tissue to a bigger release starts leaking well ahead of its official rollout.
That’s exactly the situation unfolding around this week’s Marvel rerelease, where reports out of overseas screenings have sparked fresh speculation about a character whose franchise future has been genuinely murky for months. What started as scattered scooper claims has since snowballed into one of the more talked-about rumors heading into the fall.
A new report claims ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ includes a post-credits scene where Doctor Doom recruits Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, potentially confirming the character’s involvement in December’s ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’ Marvel has not officially confirmed the scene, where it appears in the rereleased film, or whether Hulk factors into ‘Doomsday’ at all.
The claim traces back to online leakers, including accounts identified as X0XLEAK, ProjectHurts, and Blue Minutes, along with commentary from filmmaker Robert Meyer Burnett. According to their reported description, the scene shows Bruce Banner imprisoned in a military complex before Doctor Doom’s voice is heard saying, “Mr. Banner, I’m here to collect you.”
That description has circulated widely across multiple entertainment outlets since ‘Endgame Encore’ began playing in overseas markets like Korea ahead of its wider September 25 release. Still, every report covering the leak has been careful to frame it as an unverified account rather than an officially confirmed plot point.
New trailer for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) August 15, 2026
In theaters December 18 pic.twitter.com/1wsiTk1Nnv
What makes this rumor especially significant is how directly it contradicts previous statements. Ruffalo himself told Empire Magazine earlier this year that Hulk would not appear in ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ explaining his absence came shortly after Marvel’s official cast reveal for the film omitted Bruce Banner entirely. At the time, Ruffalo indicated he remained open to returning as the character but didn’t specify which future project that might involve.
Since then, reporting has consistently pointed toward Hulk instead appearing in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ this summer, with some scoopers suggesting a further Hulk return in ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ rather than ‘Doomsday.’ If this new leaked scene holds up, it would mark a genuine shift from that earlier narrative.
It’s worth noting that this Hulk rumor is just one of several competing theories currently circulating about what ‘Endgame Encore’s’ added footage actually contains. Other reported scenes involve characters like Doctor Strange, Wanda Maximoff, Loki, and even a possible appearance from Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter, none of which Marvel has formally acknowledged.
Some outlets have also connected the alleged Hulk scene to broader theories about masked followers serving Doctor Doom in ‘Doomsday,’ though neither Banner’s involvement nor the identities of any such characters have been officially announced. Given how many overlapping rumors are floating around right now, fans are being encouraged to treat all of it with appropriate skepticism until Marvel weighs in directly.
Reassemble the team & relive the experience as Avengers Endgame: Encore returns to theaters September 25.
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 25, 2026
Tickets now available for IMAX and Infinity Vision screens: https://t.co/pZZ4PiOyQb pic.twitter.com/2wKSVG4FLz
The one confirmed detail is straightforward: ‘Endgame Encore’ returns to theaters September 25 with additional footage connected to ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ which itself opens December 18. Beyond that framework, everything specific to what the new footage contains remains speculation pulled from scooper accounts rather than studio confirmation.
Given Marvel’s history of both intentional marketing leaks and genuine accidental ones, it’s entirely possible official confirmation could arrive within days as the film’s wider release approaches. Until then, this Hulk and Doctor Doom rumor remains exactly that, a rumor, however compelling the details might sound.
Do you think Hulk is secretly being set up for Avengers: Doomsday?
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