Not every cliffhanger needs a trailer. Sometimes a few behind-the-scenes photos are enough to set fans spinning. New images from Avengers: Endgame Encore give the best look yet at Bruce Banner’s role in the road to Avengers: Doomsday.
Table of Contents
The Scene at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Source of the photos | Second-unit director Anthony Leonardi, via Instagram |
| Scene | Mid-credits scene in Avengers: Endgame Encore |
| Characters | Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) and Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) |
| Timeline | Set after Spider-Man: Brand New Day; the meeting happens on January 12, 2029 |
| Re-release extras | A slightly altered ending and three post-credits scenes |
| Next in the story | Avengers: Doomsday, December 18 |
What We’ve Learned?
Marvel’s re-release strategy for Endgame Encore includes helping audiences get ready for Doomsday, and the new photos show how deliberate that is. Leonardi shared snapshots of Mark Ruffalo on set, alongside crew members including Matthew Haggerty and cinematographer Christophe Collette.
In the mid-credits scene, Doctor Doom “collects” Bruce Banner. The photos suggest this footage was filmed recently, which implies Marvel is actively weaving Spider-Man: Brand New Day into Doomsday rather than leaving Banner as a loose end for a later film.
Small Details, Big Story
Ruffalo’s beard is a quiet clue. It suggests Banner has been underground long enough to settle into isolation, treating his bunker like a lab instead of a holding cell. Some fans also felt the scene looked more at home in Brand New Day than in a re-release of Endgame. Even so, its place in Encore signals how much it matters.
Doom is, in effect, confirmed to have Hulk at his disposal heading into the looming clash with the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four.
Why “Collect” and Not “Recruit”?
Word choice matters. Doom said “collect” rather than “recruit,” which strongly implies Banner is an item on a list rather than an ally. The following ideas are theories rather than confirmed plot points.
A power source. Avengers: Endgame showed Banner surviving the Infinity Gauntlet with all six Stones. Gamma energy that can channel universe-scale power might make Hulk a living conduit for stolen cosmic energy.
A mind to use. Doom is already a genius, but Banner helped design the Time Heist with Tony Stark. A controllable brilliant mind could be valuable for Doom’s multiversal plans.
One fewer hero. Taking the “strongest Avenger” off the board early would make the heroes’ fight harder from the start.
Where to Learn More
If you want a refresher on the film that started it all, see the Avengers: Endgame page on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Doctor Doom collect in the Endgame Encore scene?
Doctor Doom collects Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner in a mid-credits scene.
When is Avengers: Doomsday released?
It is set for release on December 18.
Final Thoughts
One simple photo reveals how much planning sits behind Doomsday. For more MCU news and theories, follow our latest Marvel updates on TechnoSports and browse our Hollywood coverage. Why do you think Doom wants Hulk? Tell us in the comments.
