Punisher Vs Gangster Hulk: 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Missed A Chance For Marvel's Weirdest Fight
Before Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) was released, the MCU movie teased the appearances of numerous heroes and villains. Two of the biggest surprises were the debut of Punisher on the big screen, as well as Savage Hulk once again causing chaos.
In the movie, the Punisher helps Spider-Man take on the Hulk. But for any seasoned comic fan, they know this isn't a first for the characters. In the main 616 comic universe, the Punisher and a version of the Hulk had a standoff that didn't end well for Frank. Unfortunately, Spider-Man: Brand New Day didn't show us how far their fight could go.
The Punisher Took On A Gangster Version Of Hulk
The Incredible Hulk #395 by Peter David and Dale Keown isn't a particularly standout issue in the series, but it is the first time the Hulk and Punisher had a standoff in the comics. However, at this point, the Hulk in question was a gangster named Joe Fixit.
Initially, the Grey Hulk with an attitude, Fixit, once again became green but kept the pinstripe suit, and he and the Punisher crossed paths in Las Vegas. The Punisher put up a decent effort, firing bullets at him and even a grenade, but none of it worked. The "fight" was a great way to put to rest any possibility that the Punisher ever stood a chance against the Hulk.
While this difference of ideas led to a team-up in the end, it was still fun to see the Punisher frantically shooting at the Hulk and trying everything to hold him back, only damaging his suit. But seeing them work together was equally as strange and entertaining.
How 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Had Punisher Fight Hulk
When Spider-Man: Brand New Day initially announced the Punisher's inclusion, we all likely assumed that he, at the very least, would appear briefly. Instead, Jon Bernthal's character has an active role in the story, helping Spider-Man when he needs it most.
Even still, none of us could've anticipated that the Punisher would help Spider-Man take on the Hulk in any capacity. However, from the moment Hulk appears, Punisher unleashes hot lead on Hulk and does his best to hold Hulk back, culminating in Punisher sliding on the ground, being pulled by webs, as Spider-Man leaps around the Hulk.
As the Punisher shoots at Hulk, he knows he can't hurt Hulk; he even jokes about being scared of him. Instead, the Punisher fights the Hulk in other ways, doing his best to avoid the Green Goliath. Frank shoots to distract or disorient the Hulk as Spidey tries to put on an inhibitor chip on the Hulk. The Punisher also uses his tactical know-how to confuse the Hulk, who is under the control of Jean Grey. But while it is great to see these icons duke it out, it's important to note that Jean Grey is who the Punisher is really fighting, meaning Frank never actually faces the real Hulk in Brand New Day.
Could The MCU Ever See Punisher Face A Gangster Hulk?
Realistically, seeing Joe Fixit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be a wonderful thing. But considering the time it's taken to get a Savage Hulk return, as well as no Hulk movies being made since 2008, the odds are low that a story with him would ever be released.
Now, with Banner being sent to a psych ward because he lost control, it sidelines him for even longer. On the one hand, therapy could bring out the Grey Hulk one day. On the other, it means that there's still a wait for a return and, as a result, we won't see a fight like this any time soon.
Ultimately, Brand New Day is still Spider-Man's movie. The fight between these characters couldn't have lasted too long, and what we got was enjoyable and what many of us were waiting for. We may have missed out on great moments from Punisher and Hulk's one fight, like the Hulk catching a grenade, but we got other great moments and a chance to see someone as tough as the Punisher feel fear. The real tragedy, however, is the MCU missed out on delivering one of Marvel's weirdest fights.
