Why Bruce Banner Can’t Replace Tony Stark in Spider-Man: Brand New Day

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Summary

  • Bruce Banner being Tony Stark 2.0 as a mentor would stunt Peter Parker’s growth.
  • Spider-Man: Brand New Day aims to take Peter in a new direction without a mentor figure.
  • Marvel should allow Spider-Man to flourish without constant mentorship from other characters.

It is anticipated that Marvel will incorporate Mark Ruffalo’s character, Bruce Banner/Hulk, into the upcoming film titled “Spider-Man: A Fresh Chapter“. This announcement has sparked enthusiasm among many fans. Since Marvel has been hesitant about giving Hulk his own movie, it is crucial for him to appear in different films so he can continue to contribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and further develop his character.

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, it’s crucial for Marvel to approach the character of Bruce Banner in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” with finesse. Unlike in an Avengers project where he can command attention effortlessly, Banner should not be relegated to merely filling Tony Stark’s shoes. Instead, Marvel should aim to present a unique portrayal that showcases Banner’s individuality and depth, rather than simply creating a carbon copy of another character.

Marvel Fans Are Worried Bruce Banner Will Simply Be Tony Stark 2.0 In Spider-Man: Brand New Day

He Has The Same Level Of Intelligence To Tap Into If Needed

Ever since Peter Parker made his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he started learning from Tony Stark. Initially portrayed by Robert Downey Jr, Stark became a mentor to the young hero, guiding him in his journey to become both a superhero and a better person. Stark equipped him with advanced technology for his Spider-Man suits and at times, imparted tough lessons when necessary. Their bond became one of the most beloved relationships in the series. Consequently, Stark’s demise was a significant blow for Parker. Emotionally, it affected him greatly, but moreover, it left a void in terms of a male role model. With Banner being just as intelligent as Stark and adept at balancing intelligence with superhero duties, fans anticipate that he will fill the vacancy created by this loss in the upcoming movie.

While many fans wish otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense for Marvel to have Banner and Stark share a significant bond in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Though both are intelligent, their personalities differ vastly. The introverted Banner may not enjoy mentoring the chatty Parker, making their relationship feel contrived. Instead, it would be more intriguing to devise an original reason for Banner’s involvement in the storyline, rather than simply copying Stark’s character arc. As Banner is already well-established, repeating Stark’s role would signify uninspired writing.

Peter Parker Having A Mentor Is A Storyline Marvel Has Already Pursued

Spider-Man: Brand New Day Is Supposed To Take Tom Holland’s character In A Fresh Direction

It was smart for Marvel to assign a mentor to Spider-Man, given his youthful exuberance. The bond between Spider-Man and Stark served to keep him connected to the real world, while also fostering maturity. This growth was essential in shaping Spider-Man into the multi-dimensional character he is today. However, as the story progresses, it seems that having another mentor for Peter Parker might seem repetitive or lacking in originality.

In the upcoming “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the storyline promises a fresh take on the character, avoiding revisiting old plots that have already reached their full potential. Introducing Hulk/Banner as a mentor for Spider-Man could potentially hinder rather than help both characters, as Spider-Man has gained enough experience to handle himself effectively in terms of action and intellect. Therefore, Banner’s role as a mentor might not be necessary or beneficial for the character development of Spider-Man in this new chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Bruce Banner Being A Mentor Would Stunt Peter Parker’s Growth As A Character

Marvel Needs To Allow Spider-Man To Flourish In His Own Right

The main issue with Marvel’s portrayal of Spider-Man is that he isn’t given the opportunity to evolve independently. He’s frequently teamed up with characters from the MCU like Iron Man, Hulk, or Doctor Strange, which can make him appear less self-reliant as a hero. The idea behind Stark mentoring him was for Spider-Man to eventually take over when necessary, but this hasn’t occurred yet. Adding another mentor would further hinder his growth and continue to limit the development of Spider-Man as a character. Moreover, it doesn’t serve the Banner character well because it fosters constant comparisons with Stark instead of allowing them to establish a unique relationship within this movie. It’s crucial for Spider-Man to be given room to grow and shine on his own, building upon his existing character development and enhancing the MCU as a whole. Therefore, in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Banner’s role should not revolve around mentoring Spider-Man.

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2025-06-04 20:05