After Spider-Man: No Way Home, one of the biggest questions that needs to be answered in Spider-Man: Brand New Day is whether or not anyone still remembers that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. But the big question for fans right now is, can Hulk be the answer? And Tom Holland may have given them a major hint.
Peter Parker was erased from everyone’s memory at the end of No Way Home when Doctor Strange cast a spell on him. While people still remember Spider-Man’s existence and heroic actions, they no longer know who is behind the mask. Even Peter’s closest companions, his friends MJ and Ned Leeds, have completely ignored him.
It’s that sad truth that will have to factor into a lot of what Peter will do in the pages of Brand New Day. But, Holland says, there’s one person that still knows the truth.
When discussing this with IGN Benelux, the actor said he had been asked if the Avengers were unaware of Spider-Man’s secret identity. Holland responded:
“I think no one remembers that I’m Spider-Man, except for one person. No one remembers that Spider-Man is Peter Parker, apart from one person.”
The statement immediately sparked speculation online, with one theory standing above the rest: Hulk.
Why Fans Think Hulk Remembers Peter Parker
The Hulk theory isn’t all pure speculation, but it is based on some solid Marvel Comics concepts.
Immortal Hulk: Great Power #1 took Hulk through a magical experience that caused the rest of the world to forget that Peter Parker was Spider-Man, but Hulk still remembers. Interestingly, Bruce Banner didn’t remember, but Hulk did, which is a unique separation between the two personalities.
Thanks to reports that Savage Hulk will make an appearance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, that comic story line is becoming more relevant. Unlike the Hulk who was so strong, Savage Hulk was treated more like a standalone Hulk with Banner’s Intelligence. If Marvel takes a similar idea from the comics, then Hulk would remember Peter’s identity.
There’s One Problem With the Theory
The theory is popular, but not without its share of problems.
In the MCU universe, Hulk might not have known who Peter Parker was. In Avengers: Infinity War, Bruce Banner was unable to turn into Hulk for most of the movie. In later appearances, Peter openly admitted who he was to other heroes and Hulk was mostly gone.
This makes some fans wonder if Hulk would even have some memory left to remember in the first place.
Yet, we know that Marvel’s never afraid to tweak its comic ideas for the big screen, and there are a number of ways the film could reveal how Hulk knows the truth.
Another Candidate Could Be Jean Grey
While Hulk remains the leading theory, he isn’t the only possibility.
However, many fans think that Sadie Sink will play Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day; but, as of yet, the role has not been confirmed by Marvel. If it’s true, Jean could possibly see through Doctor Strange’s magic with her strong telepathic skills.
Several leaked scenes and rumors have indicated Sink’s character is already aware that Peter and Spider-Man are one in the same. The fact that these leaks were never officially published makes it unclear as to whether they are valid or not. But Jean Grey’s psychic abilities would have a simple answer for why she is the only one that remembers when the others have forgotten.
The Mystery Could Be Someone Else Entirely
Others have also been thrown into the mix; Wong and Steve Rogers. Some fans believe that Wong was immune to the spell, or that his particular timeline may be different for him, so that he may be the exception.
But, while it’s possible, Marvel could be preparing for a totally unanticipated reveal. As there will be several heroes and villains featured in Brand New Day, the mystery person referenced by Holland might not have been something fans had even thought of at this point.
At this point, it’s safe to say that Peter Parker will be back in the mix, and he’ll be the secret identity again. Until Marvel gives an official response, it remains to be seen:
Will Hulk recall that Peter Parker is Spider-Man?
The latest Spider-Man movie, called Brand New Day, is set to release in theaters on July 31, 2026.
