As excitement builds following the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel fans are already shifting their attention to the next major MCU installment, Captain America: Brave New World. Amidst the anticipation, Anthony Mackie, who plays the new Captain America, may have dropped a significant hint about the film's plot, suggesting that another iconic Avenger could make a surprise appearance.

A Tease for Marvel Fans

The first trailer for Captain America: Brave New World recently debuted, giving fans a glimpse of Harrison Ford as Thunderbolt Ross, who is set to transform into Red Hulk in the film. With Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, stepping into the role of Captain America without the super-soldier serum, questions quickly arose about how he could possibly face off against a Hulk. Mackie’s recent comments might just hold the answer.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly at San Diego Comic-Con, Mackie hinted at the possible involvement of another well-known character. While discussing the importance of 2008's The Incredible Hulk in understanding the upcoming film, Mackie alluded to the appearance of Bruce Banner/Hulk. In what appeared to be a slip, he mentioned, "when he shows up," seemingly referencing Mark Ruffalo's Hulk. Mackie distinguished between Ford's Red Hulk and "the other Hulk," implying that Ruffalo’s version of the character could be involved in the new film.

Mark Ruffalo’s Possible Return

Mackie’s remarks align with earlier speculation fueled by Mark Ruffalo himself. During the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2024, Ruffalo was asked about his next project, to which he confidently responded, "Yeah," when Brave New World was mentioned. Although he later retracted the statement, claiming it was a mistake, his initial comment has kept the rumor mill turning.

This isn't the first time Ruffalo's Hulk has been the subject of speculation. After his appearance in the 2022 Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, where he trained Jennifer Walters as the first female Hulk, fans have been eager to see more of his character. While reports from Variety suggested that Hulk might not appear in Brave New World, the return of several characters from The Incredible Hulk—including Tim Blake Nelson as The Leader, Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, and Harrison Ford taking over as Thunderbolt Ross—adds weight to the possibility of Ruffalo’s involvement.