Even after 14 years, we’re still discovering new things about The Avengers. For the first two phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk felt lost and without a clear role. He described himself as a raw nerve, and believed his power was a danger to both his teammates and the planet. It wasn’t until Thor: Ragnarok that Hulk finally found a purpose, though it meant Bruce Banner had to give up control. But when he returned to Earth, he was immediately thrown back into personal struggles.
What if the Hulk’s and Bruce Banner’s story was always leading to something bigger? The sacrifice Hulk made in Avengers: Endgame to save the universe wasn’t a random act – it was foreshadowed seven years earlier in The Avengers. A conversation between Tony Stark and Bruce Banner in that first team-up movie actually hinted at Bruce’s ultimate purpose, almost as if it was planned from the beginning.
How The Avengers Predicted Hulk’s “Higher Purpose”
When Stark asks Banner to fight alongside the Avengers against Loki, he admits he won’t have the protection of his Iron Man suit, describing himself as vulnerable and terrified. He explains that the key difference between the Hulk and himself is control, revealing his worry about losing his own. Stark usually acts very confident, but this moment shows his underlying fear.
Stark: “Hey, I’ve read all about your accident. That much Gamma exposure should have killed you.”
Banner sarcastically acknowledges that the Hulk apparently saved his life, dismissing the idea with, “That’s nice. Save it for what?”
Stark: “I guess we’ll find out.”
It’s unlikely Hulk realized at the time that Bruce Banner’s specific abilities would be crucial for reversing Thanos’ snap, but this moment highlights how important Banner’s journey is. Just as significant as the rat saving Ant-Man, Hulk saving Banner during the initial Gamma explosion proved vital to the events of Endgame. It’s more satisfying to imagine Banner survived the Gamma radiation—which would have killed anyone else—because the universe had a greater purpose for him.
This concept also nicely aligns with Tony Stark’s tragic destiny to deliver the final, fatal snap in Endgame. Doctor Strange explained to Stark that there was only one path to defeat Thanos, and Stark’s sacrifice being crucial feels particularly satisfying, especially considering Hulk was the one to wield the Nano Gauntlet. This somewhat justifies Strange’s initial, incorrect belief that Thanos couldn’t be defeated any other way. If fate truly determined the outcome, and Hulk’s role supports this, then we can confidently say Tony’s sacrifice wasn’t a mistake.
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2026-01-03 03:41