Mark Ruffalo seems to be game to keep playing the Banner/Hulk role for years to come, and this is sort of highlighted in a recent chat he had during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2024, where the “Avengers” actor revealed that there are zero plans for another solo “Hulk” film (Despite ongoing rumors) but we could end up seeing those events play out over multiple other films in the MCU.

“We’ll never give you a standalone ‘Hulk’…I don’t mean to burst anyone’s bubble but that’s not happening. So, we’ll do it over four movies, how’s that sound?” Ruffalo told the crowd when the subject of a solo ‘Hulk’ film came up without specifically naming what those movies could be and where he’d potentially appear.

This would indicate two things. Talk of a new solo “Hulk” movie is likely bogus (Maybe those elements will be used elsewhere) and rumblings of Marvel Studios getting back full control of both Hulk/Namor from Universal Pictures aren’t likely accurate either. Ruffalo is well-known for spilling the beans including the ending of “Avengers: Infinity War” during press for the film ahead of its release to the public. However, he’s been the one mainly championing a solo film in press interviews because he never was able to get one himself since “The Incredible Hulk” was before he was hired for the gig. If there was a shot of it happening he’d be telegraphing there is more of a chance than “it’s never happening.”

Some fans and outlets have sort of misconstrued Ruffalo’s comments here about “Captain America: Brave New World,” while he said he’s excited about the film after the interviewer brings it up, he never actually says he’s appearing in it. Hardly the smoking gun some folks are making it out to be. I mean, it could make some sense to fans given three big “Incredible Hulk” characters are confirmed to be in the film (Thunderbolt Ross, Betty Ross, and The Leader). Yet, hearing the original quote from Ruffalo he’s simply not saying he’s showing up just that he can talk about that film without getting in trouble.

It’s not like Marvel hasn’t been sneaky in the past as “Thor: Ragnarok” added a heap of elements but not all from “The Planet Hulk” comics without having to be directly part of a solo adventure and it’s a way to avoid Universal entirely. In theory, other Hulk events like “World War Hulk” could be applied to other upcoming films rather than a solo project.

Hell, even the recent Disney+ series “She-Hulk” was able to introduce both Banner’s cousin Jennifer Walters and his son Skaar.

We have to assume that it’s a gimmie that Bruce Banner will appear in both “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” It remains to be seen what other projects he’ll be part of given there might be opportunities for a cheeky cameo in “Deadpool & Wolverine” (Given Ruffalo’s connection to Shawn Levy/Ryan Reynolds via “The Adam Project” and he’d finally go toe-to-toe with Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine) and could end up appearing in “some capacity” in upcoming things such as “Thunderbolts,” “Armor Wars,” “Shang-Chi 2,” or that hypothetical “Thor 5.” Until it’s official it’s worth having a little patience and not jumping to conclusions.

You can watch that exchange with Ruffalo for yourselves below.

SOURCE: SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2024 VIA YOUTUBE