Joe and Anthony Russo have confirmed that Bruce Banner’s story is tied to Doctor Doom in “Avengers: Doomsday” and declined to say whether Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk will appear on screen.
Joe Russo told Empire that Banner is “certainly involved” in the story built around Robert Downey Jr.’s villain. He then closed the door on specifics: the brothers will neither confirm nor deny an appearance. Anthony Russo added that the film includes characters and actors Marvel has not yet announced. He likened the directors’ spoiler discipline to guarding presents until Christmas morning.
Ruffalo’s name is missing from Marvel’s official cast announcement, and his last outing as Banner came in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” where Jean Grey, played by Sadie Sink, turns the Hulk against Spider-Man and the Punisher. Joe Russo said Banner is coping with the trauma and consequences of those events while trying to shield the world from himself.
Fresh evidence points toward a Doom encounter. Footage attached to the “Avengers: Endgame Encore” rerelease shows Banner recording a message in an underground facility before a voice, apparently Doom’s, announces it has come to collect him. Entertainment outlets noted that the scene neither confirms Ruffalo’s casting nor explains Doom’s motive. It echoes the closing moments of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” when Doom pursued Franklin Richards.
The Russos also disclosed how the film was made. They told the Associated Press that cameras rolled before the script was finished. Joe Russo described the pair as directors who rely on improvisation and rehearsal, and said the actors’ contributions often produce the best moments. Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay.
The production has drawn a similar reaction from its stars. Alan Cumming said this week that he cannot fully explain the plot, and Marvel has withheld the full script from at least some of its cast.
Fans have shown few signs of concern. The first trailer passed 500 million views in 24 hours, and advance ticket sales topped $50 million in North America three months before release. “Avengers: Doomsday” opens December 18. A sequel, “Avengers: Secret Wars,” follows December 17, 2027.
