The Hulk Movie We’ve Wanted for 18 Years Was Made More Possible by the MCU in 2025

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Suddenly, being a Hulk is becoming more common in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For years, Bruce Banner had to stay hidden, but now he can openly be himself because Jennifer Walters, his cousin, has also become a Hulk. In She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Jennifer, a successful lawyer, gains Hulk powers after exposure to Bruce’s blood. She quickly accepts her new life, so she’s unfazed when Bruce brings his son, Skaar, to a family gathering – Skaar clearly inherited his father’s Hulk traits.

In Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolt Ross is hesitant and overwhelmed when he discovers he can transform into a massive, red, rage-fueled creature – he needs time to come to terms with it. However, it’s unclear when he’ll fully process this change, as Marvel Studios doesn’t currently have a dedicated Hulk movie planned. Despite this, Marvel made considerable progress in 2025 towards finally bringing a Hulk film to life.

Marvel Fans Want to See an Iconic Hulk Story Adapted on the Big Screen

Early on in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, many thought the Hulk would be just as central a figure as Iron Man. His solo movie was released relatively early, and even featured a cameo by Tony Stark. However, complications with the character’s film rights meant Hulk mostly appeared in team-up movies, avoiding the need to headline his own. While he had some memorable moments, like throwing Loki around, it didn’t fully satisfy fans who wanted to see a dedicated Hulk storyline. To make matters worse, Marvel hinted at adapting a popular Hulk story, but ultimately decided against it.

At the conclusion of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Hulk flies into space, hoping to escape Earth and the destruction he’s caused. Although the comics don’t depict Hulk intentionally leaving on a spaceship, the “Planet Hulk” storyline features a similar outcome: Hulk crash-lands on the planet Sakaar and becomes a celebrated gladiator. Thor: Ragnarok draws inspiration from this story, but doesn’t fully explore it, as Hulk joins forces with other heroes to save Asgard instead of returning to Earth for revenge. Despite the detour, the events of “Planet Hulk” could still be adapted into a future Marvel Cinematic Universe story, particularly given recent developments.

The MCU Might Be Setting the Stage for “World War Hulk”

Hulk finds a peaceful life on the planet Sakaar in Marvel Comics, but his happiness is short-lived. After a personal tragedy, he returns to Earth seeking revenge on the Illuminati – the group who originally banished him to space – and anyone who opposes him. He quickly discovers the entire Marvel Universe is against him, but manages to defeat most of his enemies easily. However, some prove to be a real fight, most notably the Sentry, who is able to weaken Hulk and temporarily return him to his human form.

If Marvel had attempted to adapt the “World War Hulk” storyline in 2017, the character Sentry wouldn’t have been available. But the situation is different now, in 2025. Sentry, also known as Bob Reynolds, will appear in the Thunderbolts movie, establishing him as a powerful force that even Hulk would hesitate to challenge. Reed Richards, another key character from the comic book event who also wants Hulk neutralized, is now officially part of the MCU, and seems likely to share his comic book self’s views. While Sentry and Mister Fantastic don’t automatically mean we’ll see “World War Hulk” adapted, it’s now a possibility, especially if the Savage Hulk makes a significant debut in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and reminds audiences just how dangerous Banner’s other personality can be.

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2025-12-01 21:44