Mark Ruffalo Hulks Out on Firing Buzz: MCU Star Debunks Disney Axe After Golden Globes Backlash

Mark Ruffalo has shut down persistent online rumors suggesting Disney fired him from his role as the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe following his controversial remarks at the 2026 Golden Globes. Speaking during promotions for his latest project Crime 101, the actor dismissed the claims with humor, affirming his ongoing ties to Marvel. This clarification arrives as speculation mounts about the character’s trajectory in upcoming films, though no studio statements have supported the termination talk.

Here’s the TL;DR...

• Online rumors of Mark Ruffalo’s firing as the Hulk stem from his Golden Globes speech but remain unsubstantiated by Disney or Marvel.

• Ruffalo personally refuted the idea, emphasizing his solid standing with the studio and hinting at future involvement.

• He’s locked in for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, hitting theaters July 31, 2026.

• Fellow Avenger Chris Hemsworth labeled the rumors “nonsense” while co-promoting Crime 101.

• Ruffalo’s potential in Avengers: Secret Wars lingers, even as he’s not slated for Avengers: Doomsday.

What Sparked the Mark Ruffalo MCU Firing Rumors?

Speculation ignited after Ruffalo’s red-carpet comments at the 2026 Golden Globes. He highlighted the murder of Renee Good, described ICE agents as “literal stormtroopers,” and called former President Donald Trump “a convicted felon, a convicted rapist. He’s a p*dophile. He’s the worst human being.” These statements quickly went viral, prompting some to assume Disney, protective of its brand, would cut ties.

Outlets reported no evidence of fallout. Ruffalo’s activism isn’t new, yet it rarely impacted his MCU gigs before.

Did Mark Ruffalo Confirm His MCU Status as the Hulk?

Ruffalo addressed the buzz head-on. “Not that I know of. People keep going like, ‘Did you get fired?’ Not that I know of!” he stated in a Crime 101 interview. He followed up with, “I’ll be there as long as they’ll have me, but I have a good relationship with them. Who knows, there might be things I’m already doing that... I’m around, let me just say that.”

His spot in Spider-Man: Brand New Day remains firm. The film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, pulls from Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s comics, with Ruffalo alongside Tom Holland.

Why No Mark Ruffalo in Avengers: Doomsday—Is He Really Done?

Ruffalo isn’t listed for Avengers: Doomsday, due December 18, 2026, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. In a January 2026 Empire magazine interview, he confirmed his non-involvement but left room for surprises. This absence stirred rumors, but Ruffalo tied it to story needs rather than conflict.

Marvel’s multiverse allows flexibility. Ruffalo could surface in variants or cameos, especially in Avengers: Secret Wars.

Could a Standalone Hulk Movie Still Happen for Mark Ruffalo?

Ruffalo voiced interest in a solo outing during an October 2025 GQ interview. “Yeah, I’d love to have a solo Hulk movie,” he said. “I don’t know if you know the story of that, but it’s not really owned by Marvel. It’s a Universal property. I don’t know if it’ll ever really come to be, honestly.”

Universal’s hold on distribution rights, dating to the 1970s Incredible Hulk TV show with Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno, blocks easy progress. Hulk has thrived in team films like Thor: Ragnarok, but solo ventures face hurdles.

What Did Chris Hemsworth Say About the Ruffalo Rumors?

Hemsworth, Ruffalo’s Crime 101 colleague and on-screen pal, rejected the chatter. “It’s nonsense,” he declared in the same promotional chat. Their shared history in MCU entries like The Avengers underscores the bond.

Hemsworth returns as Thor in future phases. The duo’s thriller, helmed by Barry Jenkins, spotlights their off-screen rapport.

Have Disney or Marvel Issued Statements on Ruffalo’s Status?

No official responses emerged from Disney or Marvel. Trade sites like Deadline noted the quiet as a sign of stability. Ruffalo’s long-standing views on topics like environmentalism haven’t derailed his career previously.

Marvel supports varied actor perspectives, seen with stars like Evangeline Lilly or Anthony Mackie. The lack of comment points to no shift.

What’s Next for the Hulk in the MCU?

Since replacing Edward Norton in 2012’s The Avengers, Ruffalo has layered Banner with depth. His She-Hulk: Attorney at Law stint introduced son Skaar, teasing gamma family arcs.

Phase 6’s multiversal focus might leverage Banner’s smarts against threats like Doom. Crossovers with teams like the Thunderbolts or Young Avengers could expand his role.

How Are Fans Responding to the Mark Ruffalo MCU Drama?

Reactions vary online. Some amplified the firing claims, but many rallied for Ruffalo. Reddit threads highlight his spoiler-prone rep, with users noting Marvel’s tolerance: one post recalled how the studio handled his Infinity War slip by limiting info, not firing him.

X posts echo support, praising his authenticity. The discourse reflects broader talks on celebrity politics in franchises.

This saga spotlights misinformation’s speed in fan circles. Ruffalo’s blend of heroism and advocacy mirrors Banner’s duality, endearing him further. As Marvel evolves, his presence could anchor narratives amid fresh faces. In the end, these whispers remind us: MCU fates twist until officially sealed.

Hat Tips

• CBR, “Mark Ruffalo Breaks Silence on Rumors He’s Been Fired As Marvel’s Hulk,” February 3, 2026: https://www.cbr.com/mark-ruffalo-fired-hulk-disney-marvel-mcu

• Parade, “Did Disney Fire Mark Ruffalo? Explaining and Digging Into the Online Rumor,” accessed February 3, 2026: https://parade.com/news/did-disney-fire-mark-ruffalo-explaining-and-digging-into-the-online-rumor

• Hindustan Times, “Fact check: Have Disney and Marvel fired Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk?,” January 27, 2026: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/have-disney-and-marvel-fired-mark-ruffalo-as-the-hulk-what-to-know-amid-rumors-101769497094596.html

• Primetimer, “Did Disney and Marvel Studios really fire Mark Ruffalo following the 2026 Golden Globes Speech? Viral claim debunked,” January 24, 2026: https://www.primetimer.com/features/fact-check-did-disney-and-marvel-studios-really-fire-mark-ruffalo-following-the-2026-golden-globes-speech-viral-claim-debunked

• Hypebeast, “Mark Ruffalo Confirms Hulk Will Not Return in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’,” January 20, 2026: https://hypebeast.com/2026/1/mark-ruffalo-confirms-hulk-absence-will-not-return-in-avengers-doomsday-marvel-studios-mcu

• IGN, “’Does Anyone Really Want Another?’ Marvel Star Mark Ruffalo Unsure if a Hulk Solo Movie Will ‘Ever Really Come to Be, Honestly’,” October 20, 2025: https://www.ign.com/articles/does-anyone-really-want-another-marvel-star-mark-ruffalo-unsure-if-a-hulk-solo-movie-will-ever-really-come-to-be-honestly

• Yahoo Entertainment, “Mark Ruffalo reveals why a Hulk movie might not happen any time soon: ‘Does anyone really want another one?’,” October 19, 2025: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/movies/articles/mark-ruffalo-reveals-why-hulk-114608730.html

Article compiled by Newsroom Staff on February 03, 2026 and was fact-checked by Editorial before publication.