Penn Badgley has become a household name thanks to his portrayal of Joe Goldberg, the charming yet chilling serial killer in Netflix’s hit series You. Over the years, Badgley has proven his versatility as an actor, captivating audiences with his ability to seamlessly transition from a likable, everyday guy to a menacing predator. With his star power continually on the rise, fans are now speculating that Badgley could be primed for an even bigger role—this time, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Rumors once swirled that Badgley was in the running to play Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, in the MCU’s upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. Although the role ultimately went to Pedro Pascal, the idea of Badgley stepping into the superhero genre hasn’t faded. In fact, fans have a new theory: What if Penn Badgley were to replace Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, the brilliant scientist who transforms into the Hulk?

The Perfect Fit: Why Penn Badgley Could Be the Next Bruce Banner

It’s no secret that the MCU is known for its intense, character-driven narratives, and Badgley’s portrayal of Joe Goldberg has shown that he’s more than capable of handling complex roles. Joe is a character who embodies duality—he’s both the predator and the prey, the charmer and the monster. This duality is essential for Bruce Banner, a man who is constantly at war with himself, struggling to control the beast within. Fans on social media have been quick to point out the parallels between Joe Goldberg and Bruce Banner, noting that Badgley’s ability to convey both vulnerability and latent fury would make him an ideal candidate for the role.

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), fans have expressed their excitement at the possibility of seeing Badgley take on such a pivotal role in the MCU. Some have even gone so far as to suggest that if the MCU were to reboot after Secret Wars, Badgley should be at the top of the list to replace Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk. The idea of Badgley bringing his nuanced acting skills to the role of Bruce Banner has sparked widespread enthusiasm, with many fans convinced that he could bring a fresh, new perspective to the character.

From Dan Humphrey to Joe Goldberg: Badgley’s Evolution as an Actor

Penn Badgley’s rise to fame began with his role as Dan Humphrey in CW’s Gossip Girl, where he played the outsider who eventually became one of the show’s central figures. However, it was his turn as Joe Goldberg in You that truly showcased his range as an actor. Badgley’s performance in You is a masterclass in balancing charm with menace. Joe is a character who is, on the surface, the perfect boyfriend—attentive, caring, and romantic. Yet beneath that exterior lies a dark and twisted obsession that drives him to commit unspeakable acts.

This ability to play characters with such stark contrasts is what has fans so excited about the prospect of Badgley joining the MCU. Bruce Banner, like Joe Goldberg, is a character defined by his dual nature. Banner is a brilliant scientist who wants nothing more than to live a peaceful life, but he is haunted by the knowledge that he can transform into the Hulk, a force of destruction, at any moment. It’s a role that requires an actor who can convey deep internal conflict, and many believe that Badgley is more than up to the task.

The MCU’s Potential Reboot and the Future of Bruce Banner

The idea of Penn Badgley taking over as Bruce Banner is particularly intriguing in light of ongoing speculation about the future of the MCU. With Secret Wars on the horizon, there’s been talk that Marvel could be planning a soft reboot of its cinematic universe. Such a reboot would provide the perfect opportunity to recast some of the franchise’s most iconic roles, giving new actors a chance to put their own stamp on these beloved characters.

Mark Ruffalo has played Bruce Banner/Hulk since The Avengers in 2012, bringing a unique blend of intelligence, wit, and vulnerability to the role. However, as the MCU continues to evolve, there’s always the possibility that new actors could be brought in to take over these roles in order to keep the franchise fresh and exciting. If this happens, fans have made it clear that they would love to see Badgley step into the role of the Hulk.

Penn Badgley’s Transition to the Big Screen: What’s Next?

While Badgley is currently known for his work on the small screen, there’s no doubt that he has the potential to make a big impact on the big screen as well. His portrayal of Joe Goldberg has captivated audiences worldwide, and as You prepares to enter its fifth and final season, Badgley will soon be looking for new challenges. The timing could be perfect for him to transition into a major film role, and joining the MCU would be a natural next step.

As fans eagerly await the final season of You, they’re also keeping an eye on what Badgley will do next. His ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance makes him a strong contender for a role in the MCU, and the idea of him playing Bruce Banner is gaining traction. Whether or not Marvel decides to reboot the franchise after Secret Wars remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: fans are ready to see Badgley take on a superhero role, and Bruce Banner could be the perfect fit.

Wrapping Up You: Badgley’s Last Day on Set and What It Means for His Future

As Penn Badgley wraps up filming for the final season of You, he took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes video from his last day on set. The video, which shows Badgley in character as Joe Goldberg, provides a glimpse into the end of an era for the actor. Reflecting on his time as Joe, Badgley joked about the challenges of playing such a complex and romanticized character, all while remaining mindful of the impact the role has had on his career.

The final season of You promises to be a thrilling conclusion to Joe Goldberg’s story, with fans speculating that Joe’s past misdeeds may finally catch up to him. As Badgley bids farewell to Joe, it’s clear that he’s ready to move on to new challenges. For many fans, the next logical step is seeing Badgley take on a role in the MCU, where he can bring his unique talents to a whole new audience.

The Verdict: Is Penn Badgley the Next Bruce Banner?

While it’s still just speculation at this point, the idea of Penn Badgley playing Bruce Banner in a rebooted MCU is an exciting prospect for many fans. Badgley’s ability to portray characters with deep internal conflict makes him an ideal candidate for the role, and his growing popularity means he’s ready for the kind of global recognition that comes with being part of the MCU.

As we look to the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the possibility of Penn Badgley joining the franchise is one that fans will be watching closely. Whether he ends up playing Bruce Banner or another iconic character, one thing is certain: Badgley has the talent, the range, and the charisma to make a significant impact in the world of superheroes. And if the MCU does reboot after Secret Wars, don’t be surprised if Penn Badgley’s name is at the top of the list for casting directors looking to breathe new life into these beloved characters.