If the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has shown anything about the Hulk, there could be a significant storyline shift in store for this character. Given what we’ve seen so far, Bruce Banner and the Hulk seem to have been given short shrift compared to other characters within the MCU. Instead of delving into Bruce Banner’s complex and heart-wrenching past or fully utilizing the Hulk’s potential, the movies have tended to brush over these aspects and tone down the Hulk to make other heroes look stronger. This is disappointing, though it might be partially due to the fact that The Incredible Hulk, the MCU’s film with the lowest gross for more than 15 years, sets certain constraints.
Although it seems like Hulk’s MCU journey might have concluded, I remain optimistic that Mark Ruffalo could be one of the actors yet to be revealed for “Avengers: Doomsday.” Despite being a bit disappointed that his name wasn’t mentioned alongside Chris Hemsworth, who co-founded the Avengers and Revengers, I believe Hulk deserves another significant role. If the Avengers films are the only places where Hulk’s narrative unfolds, then it’s high time for him to step back into the limelight, and I have a clear idea of how Marvel can develop his character further.
The MCU’s Hulk Storyline Has Stagnated Since Avengers: Endgame
Smart Hulk Has Barely Featured In The Multiverse Saga
The Infinity Saga primarily focused on the original Avengers, with Tony Stark and Steve Rogers playing key roles. Although Thor didn’t get a poignant farewell in “Avengers: Endgame”, it’s something I’m content about, his tale continued into the Multiverse Saga through “Thor: Love and Thunder”, making him currently the only Avenger with four standalone films. Unfortunately, the same level of attention was not given to Hulk, who like Thor survived the events of “Avengers: Endgame”, but found himself relegated to the sidelines instead.
It’s particularly noteworthy that almost all actors from Hulk’s first movie return in “Captain America: Brave New World.” The most significant advancement in Smart Hulk’s story since his role in coordinating the Blip in “Avengers: Endgame” has been a secondary, off-screen tale in “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” where his main function was to grant and then instruct his cousin on her Hulk abilities. Despite “She-Hulk” concluding with a Hulk revelation involving his secret son, Skaar, there’s been no indication that this plotline will be explored further in any upcoming MCU installment.
The MCU’s Smart Hulk Is Theoretically A Perfect Way To Open Up An Unused Part Of The Character’s Story If Used Right
Smart Hulk Suggests More Hulk Personas
Prior to Skaar and Jen Walters, a significant event in the life of Hulk was his metamorphosis into Smart Hulk. This change took place during a five-year time leap off-screen. Disregarding another pause in Hulk’s narrative, this transformation does suggest that the MCU is willing to delve into one of Bruce Banner’s most intriguing comic book aspects. Smart Hulk is modeled after Professor Hulk from Marvel Comics, which is one of several Hulk personas stemming from Bruce Banner’s dissociative identity disorder. Other personas of the Hulk in Marvel Comics include:
- Savage Hulk
- Grey Hulk/Joe Fixit
- The Maestro
- Guilt Hulk
- The Green Scar
- Worldbreaker Hulk
- Devil Hulk
- Kluh/Sad Hulk
Each version of the Hulk reflects a specific part of Bruce Banner’s troubled mind, and it’s generally agreed that Professor Hulk/Smart Hulk exhibits the greatest calmness. However, Joe Fixit could also be seen as a more chaotic counterpart, potentially stemming from the Smart Hulk character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Regardless of the specifics, the MCU holds a wealth of storytelling opportunities.
Why Showing The Different Sides Of The Hulk Would Be Good For The MCU
It Opens Up Wider Narrative Possibilities
In simpler terms, the Marvel Comics universe has a Hulk for every situation. Fans often feel that Smart Hulk lacks the excitement and intrigue of his original version. It’s possible that Bruce Banner’s role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) could be made more captivating if a fresh take on his Hulk character emerged in any upcoming storyline. I’m hoping that Skaar is setting up a World War Hulk adaptation, and this could mean the arrival of Worldbreaker Hulk – a devastating version of the Hulk who poses a real threat to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes because he’s supposedly at his strongest.
Introducing different manifestations of Hulk could enrich Bruce Banner’s character by reflecting his complex psychological state. Currently, Bruce Banner seems to have come to terms with a condition he once viewed as a curse, which diminishes his impact in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Introducing a new Hulk would provide an opportunity to delve into Bruce Banner’s tragic past, a aspect that has been overlooked thus far. This could be especially relevant before a potential reboot of the MCU, where Bruce Banner might be phased out entirely.
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2025-05-25 21:57