Mark Ruffalo Says Future of Solo Hulk Movie Remains Uncertain Due to Rights Issues

Actor Mark Ruffalo revealed today that a standalone Hulk movie remains uncertain due to ongoing distribution rights complexities between Marvel Studios and Universal Pictures.

Ruffalo, who has portrayed Bruce Banner/Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2012’s The Avengers, reiterated that the character is “not really owned by Marvel,” but is instead a “Universal property” during a recent career retrospective with GQ. “I don’t know if it’ll ever really come to be, honestly,” he stated. This complicates Marvel’s ability to fully integrate Hulk into its solo film plans, despite the character’s popularity and appearances in numerous MCU projects like Thor: Ragnarok and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Rumors of potential Hulk-centered projects, including adaptations of storylines like “World War Hulk” and “Hulk vs. Wolverine,” have circulated for years, but Marvel Studios has yet to announce any official plans. The rights situation also raises questions about whether the MCU can even utilize “Hulk” in a film title. The character’s introduction of his son, Skaar, in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law received a mixed reaction from fans, adding another layer to the character’s evolving storyline within the MCU.

Ruffalo emphasized his appreciation for the continuity within the MCU, describing his role as an Avenger as a “steady job” and highlighting the creative freedom Marvel allows its directors. He noted the distinct tonal shifts between projects, citing The Avengers and Thor: Ragnarok as examples of this directorial approach. Disney has not commented on the status of negotiations with Universal regarding the Hulk character rights.

Marvel Studios continues to explore options for integrating Hulk into future storylines, and officials stated they will provide updates as they become available.