Spider-Man Fans Really Want This 5-Year-Old Hulk Moment Recreated in Spider-Man 4

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Spider-Man: Brand New Day is getting close on the Marvel Cinematic Universe slate as the next film after The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the last entry in the Multiverse Saga before Avengers: Doomsday. Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously helmed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Wonder Man for Marvel Studios, will direct the fourth Spider-Man film, adding his action flair to the already popular franchise. As the highly anticipated sequel prepares to begin filming, fans are getting brand-new reports about its plot and the characters who will appear therein.

The latest reports suggest that Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner will appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. These rumors reveal that this will be much more than a brief cameo, suggesting that Ruffalo will have a “substantive” role in the sequel. While Marvel Studios has yet to officially confirm these rumors, fans are already excited about the potential of a team-up between Spider-Man and the Hulk, who have surprisingly never directly interacted in the MCU despite appearing in several scenes together. While the sky’s the limit when it comes to these two characters, fans already know exactly which comic book moment they want to see come to life in Brand New Day.

Brand New Day Needs to Recreate This Iconic Spider-Man/Hulk Moment

The Hulk and Spider-Man Bond In a Surprising Way

Hulk’s involvement in Spider-Man: Brand New Day already has fans buzzing with excitement about what a partnership between the two characters could bring. Some fans aren’t too pleased with the idea of yet another team-up film in the Spider-Man franchise, which has already featured characters like Iron Man, Nick Fury, and other variants of Spider-Man. Other fans recognize the terrific potential that comes with a Hulk/Spider-Man team-up.

A viral X post offers the MCU a suggestion for a poignant interaction between the two superheroes ripped directly from the comics. The post features a screenshot of a panel from Immortal Hulk: Great Power, a 2020 crossover in which Spider-Man gains the Hulk’s powers, forcing Bruce Banner to rush to his aid before he wreaks irreparable harm to the city. Once all is set right, Spider-Man gives the Hulk a big hug, prompting the green giant to ask: “What are you doing, Peter?” Naturally, Spider-Man is shocked that the Hulk knows his secret identity.

Despite having revealed his identity on national television during Marvel’s Civil War event, Spider-Man recovered his anonymity thanks to his infamous deal with the demon Mephisto during “One More Day.” When Spider-Man inquires about how he still remembers his secret identity, the Hulk casually replies, “You made everyone forget who you are. Banner forgot. But I don’t forget.”

The circumstances of Spider-Man’s secret identity after “One More Day” closely resemble Peter Parker’s predicament after Spider-Man: No Way Home. In this timeline, Doctor Strange used a spell to erase the world’s memories of Peter Parker, preventing a catastrophic incursion event that would have surely destroyed the multiverse. While the world still remembers Spider-Man, no one has any memories of the face behind the mask.

This leaves Peter utterly alone by the beginning of Brand New Day, with no friends or family who still remember who he is. Not even the Avengers remember him, though they may recall teaming up with the masked Spider-Man. However, Immortal Hulk: Great Power offers the perfect opportunity for at least one person to remember Peter Parker. Brand New Day could adapt this iconic comic book panel, revealing that the Hulk was not subject to Doctor Strange’s spell at the end of No Way Home.

This would give Peter at least one person who still remembers who he is, which might be enough to encourage the young superhero as he works hard to rebuild his life. This would also create a surprising bond between Spider-Man and the Hulk, giving both Avengers a much-needed friend. Moreover, this team-up may also open doors for Spider-Man to team up with more heroes as the Multiverse Saga comes to an end.

Why Hulk Is Essential to Spider-Man’s Next MCU Story

The Hulk May Be Spider-Man’s Ticket Back Into the Avengers

Spider-Man and the Hulk’s team-up could be important to the web-slinger’s future as an Avenger in the MCU. Although Doctor Strange’s spell did not erase the world’s memory of Spider-Man, the superhero’s reputation still isn’t great after the events of No Way Home. The world still distrusts him, especially after J. Jonah Jameson’s public tirades against him. Spider-Man is still associated with damaging the Statue of Liberty in his fight against the multiversal villains in No Way Home and, therefore, may no longer be trusted by the other Avengers.

Even more troubling for the young superhero, he is the only member of the Avengers whose secret identity isn’t known to the rest of the team. The MCU has mostly done away with secret identities for its heroes, leaving Spider-Man as one of the few who still practice this common superhero trope. The rest of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes may have reservations about trusting someone whose true identity they do not know.

Now much more eager not to share his real name, Spider-Man also wouldn’t be inclined to reveal the truth to the other Avengers, even if they are allies. However, the Hulk’s aversion to Doctor Strange’s spell could offer the perfect solution for this difficult problem.

If the Hulk does still remember Peter Parker, he could vouch for the young hero to the other Avengers. Especially after fighting by his side in Brand New Day, the Hulk could assure his fellow teammates that Spider-Man is a trustworthy ally, even if they don’t know his secret identity. This would prove essential in Spider-Man joining the fight against Doctor Doom during the events of Avengers: Doomsday. Though Tom Holland has not yet been confirmed as part of the film’s cast, many fans are hopeful that another casting announcement is on the horizon.

Mark Ruffalo, however, has been confirmed to return in the next Avengers film, potentially giving his character the chance to smooth things over between Spider-Man and the other Avengers. The most recent shakeup to Marvel Studios’ slate now places Spider-Man: Brand New Day ahead of Avengers: Doomsday, lending credence to the idea that the events of the former will come into play for the latter. Reflecting on their partnership in Brand New Day, Hulk could be the key to ensuring that Spider-Man doesn’t sit out the Avengers’ next big battle.

The Hulk’s presence in Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens the door to numerous possibilities for both the characters themselves and the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. Revealing himself immune to Doctor Strange’s spell, the Hulk could prove himself to be the key to Spider-Man’s future as an Avenger.

“}]] Spider-Man: Brand New Day will feature the Hulk in a prominent role–and Marvel fans already know which comic moment they want recreated in the film.  Read More