Reports are swirling across social media and entertainment circles that Disney and Marvel Studios have abruptly terminated Mark Ruffalo’s lucrative, multi-picture contract—valued at an eye-popping $500 million—after his outspoken and viral remarks at the 2026 Golden Globes. The fallout, according to these circulating claims, has prompted emergency reshoots to replace the Incredible Hulk in upcoming projects, potentially reshaping the MCU’s future in dramatic fashion.
The controversy ignited on the red carpet of the 83rd Golden Globes on January 11, 2026. Ruffalo, long known for his progressive activism and willingness to speak on political and social issues, arrived wearing a “Be Good” pin in memory of Renee Nicole Good, a woman fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier that month. The incident had sparked nationwide protests against immigration enforcement practices, and Ruffalo used the platform to amplify calls for justice and accountability.
In interviews with outlets like USA Today, Ruffalo didn’t hold back. He described the current political climate as terrifying for many Americans, saying people were “terrorized and scared” and that what he was witnessing “is not America.” He expanded his critique to foreign policy, referencing U.S. actions involving Venezuela and alleging disregard for international norms. The most explosive moment came when he directly targeted former President Donald Trump, labeling him a “convicted rapist,” “pedophile,” and “the worst human being in the world.” Ruffalo framed his comments as coming from love for his country, emphasizing that relying on such morality for global leadership put everyone “in serious trouble.”
The remarks quickly went viral, amplified by clips shared across platforms. Supporters praised Ruffalo’s courage and moral clarity, with some calling it a powerful stand against injustice. Critics, however, accused him of politicizing a Hollywood event and crossing into inflammatory territory. The backlash intensified online, with hashtags and posts demanding boycotts of his work or Disney properties.
Within days, unverified reports began circulating on social media, forums like Reddit and InvestorsHub, and gossip pages claiming Marvel had pulled the plug on Ruffalo’s deal. The alleged contract—said to encompass backend profits, development ties, and future appearances—was reportedly worth around $500 million in total value over its lifespan. Insiders (speaking anonymously in these accounts) suggested the studio viewed the comments as “unauthorized” and damaging to the brand’s family-friendly, apolitical image in certain markets.
One recurring quote attributed to a Marvel executive—”We’re doing reshoots, he can find work some place else”—has fueled the narrative, appearing in multiple posts and videos. Claims suggest emergency reshoots are underway for scenes featuring the Hulk, particularly in upcoming Avengers films or crossovers, to facilitate a recast. Some speculation even floated potential replacements, though no names have solidified in these rumors.
The timing feels particularly charged. Ruffalo’s Hulk has been a fixture in the MCU since replacing Edward Norton after The Incredible Hulk (2008), debuting in The Avengers (2012) and evolving from rage-fueled monster to “Smart Hulk” in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Post-Endgame, his appearances have been limited—cameos in Shang-Chi, a starring role in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022), and voice work in What If…?—partly due to Universal’s lingering distribution rights complicating solo projects.
Recent interviews add nuance to the picture. In a January 2026 chat with Empire Magazine, Ruffalo addressed his MCU future directly, confirming he would not appear as Hulk in Avengers: Doomsday (slated for 2026). He expressed openness to returning “as long as they keep finding cool things to do with Hulk,” crediting the role for opening doors to other projects like his upcoming film Crime 101 with Chris Hemsworth. He is, however, set to reprise Banner/Hulk in Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31, 2026), alongside Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, and Sadie Sink—suggesting any “termination” hasn’t fully severed ties yet.
These reports remain unconfirmed by major outlets, Marvel Studios, Disney, or Ruffalo himself. No official statements have emerged addressing contract status, reshoots, or a recast. Reputable trades have noted the absence from Doomsday announcements but framed it as creative choice rather than punitive action. The $500 million figure appears exaggerated or speculative—typical MCU star deals involve base pay, bonuses, and backend points, but rarely reach that aggregate without massive box-office success factored in.
Still, the story has legs in polarized online spaces. Supporters see it as evidence of corporate intolerance for dissent; detractors celebrate it as accountability for “going woke.” It taps into broader debates about celebrity activism, Hollywood’s political leanings, and the MCU’s struggle to balance star power with brand control amid franchise fatigue.
Ruffalo’s history of outspokenness—on climate change, social justice, Palestine, and more—has rarely impacted his Marvel tenure before. His Hulk has been beloved for blending intellect, humor, and heart. If these rumors prove baseless, they highlight how quickly misinformation spreads in the social media age. If elements hold truth, it could mark a turning point: one of the MCU’s longest-serving actors exiting amid cultural flashpoints.
For now, the Hulk’s future hangs in rumor-fueled limbo. Fans await official word, while the internet debates whether this is corporate overreach, creative evolution, or fabricated drama. In the MCU’s ever-expanding saga, even off-screen stories pack a punch.
