The Russos Hint Doctor Doom Is Collecting More Than Just the Hulk in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

It has been a rough stretch for Bruce Banner. After Mark Ruffalo’s character went on a rampage in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, his Hulk alter ego emerged for the first time in over a decade, fought Spider-Man and left Banner carrying the fallout. The scientist then locked himself away to make sure it never happened again.

That is where the new ‘Avengers Endgame: Encore’ footage picks up. The theatrical re-release added about 4 minutes of new material, including a Loki scene, a look at the TVA and a post-credits sequence that quietly reframes the film’s famous clanging sound as Doctor Doom forging his mask. The most talked-about addition, though, belongs to Banner.

In that scene, Banner is deep underground in a military bunker, recording a video log about his efforts to keep the Hulk contained. An off-screen voice, unmistakably Doom’s, says he is there to collect him. Green magic fills the room, Banner transforms, and when the camera returns, he is gone, leaving behind only a glowing sigil on the floor.

The scene raised an obvious question, and the directors of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ have now addressed it. Joe Russo told Empire that Banner is “certainly involved in the story that revolves around Doom,” though the brothers would neither confirm nor deny his appearance in the film. Anthony Russo added that there are characters and actors who have not been announced but are part of ‘Doomsday’.

Joe also noted that somebody pays Banner a visit in what he thinks is perhaps the most secure place on the planet. And when pressed on what Doom wants with him, he suggested that Doom’s interest may extend beyond just Banner. That has fueled theories that this is part of a wider recruitment effort.

The headline circulating online suggests the Russos teased that Hulk could join Doom, but it is worth being precise. The directors did not say that. The idea that Doom might want the Hulk as muscle comes from commentary on the scene, which reasons that taking on the Avengers would be easier with a Hulk on your side.

Even so, the brothers did little to shut it down. Nothing in the footage confirms that Banner has willingly joined Doom, and the abduction framing points the other way. Still, the image of the Hulk standing beside Doom rather than against him is one fans are finding hard to shake.

Ruffalo was not part of the initial cast reveal for the film, so the scene served as a surprise. Some fans have wondered whether Doom’s plan is to build his own team, with theories ranging from a version of the Illuminati to a group of powerhouses for a wider multiverse scheme. The Russos have described the Encore additions as premeditated and as setting up the story that follows.

It also adds to a campaign that has already been full of surprises. The film features Robert Downey Jr. as Doom, along with a huge ensemble that includes Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth, and the plot sees heroes from 3 universes on a collision course. The re-release itself also performed well, reportedly reaching about $26 million domestically and $86 million worldwide.

Because the Encore scene takes place after ‘Brand New Day’, Banner’s status is more uncertain than ever. He may be a victim, an ally or a weapon, and the Russos are keeping that answer for the theater. For now, the only thing confirmed is that Doom knows where to find the most dangerous scientist on Earth.

He used to be different. Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters everywhere December 18. Get your tickets now: https://t.co/J5PUbxvAkc https://t.co/OUutSMZneq

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 15, 2026

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ arrives on December 18, with China getting it 2 days earlier. Between now and then, expect more teases, since the directors have compared their efforts to avoid spoilers to saving presents for Christmas morning. Whether the Hulk smashes for the Avengers or for Doom is now one of the film’s biggest open questions.

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