Marvel Has the Perfect Chance to Bring Savage Hulk Back in This Wild New MCU Theory

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A fresh fan theory posits that Marvel Studios’ latest “Thunderbolts” film could pave the way for the highly anticipated feral version of Hulk to resurface in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mark Ruffalo has embodied Bruce Banner’s Hulk since 2012’s “The Avengers,” a character initially portrayed by Edward Norton in the MCU through 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk.” Initially an uncontrollable and wild rage creature, the Hulk has undergone significant transformations over the past 17 years. However, this theory suggests a means for him to revert to his original form.

There’s a strong desire among fans to witness the Hulk unleashed once more, particularly following the contentious introduction of Smart Hulk in Avengers: Endgame. A recent theory posted by @comicodigy on Instagram proposes that the events of the upcoming Thunderbolts* film could provide the ideal scenario for the Hulk to revert. The Void’s attack on New York might have triggered Bruce Banner to relive his most traumatic experiences, similar to how Yelena was forced to return to her Red Room training and Robert Reynolds was subjected to abuse by his father again. These harrowing memories could have caused Bruce Banner to regain his uninhibited form.

*Thunderbolts is a fictional team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

The last occasion when Smart Hulk (Bruce Banner) was seen, he made a trip back to Sakaar in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. During this visit, he found and brought his son, Skaar, to Earth. Afterward, he reconnected with his family and had a get-together with Matt Murdock. Since that time, it’s quite plausible that Banner has returned to New York City, where he often works as an Avenger member and ally to other heroes like Wong and Doctor Strange. Consequently, he might have been in New York during the Void’s attack in Thunderbolts*.

As a seasoned movie critic, I can’t help but reflect on the tumultuous journey of Bruce Banner, a man whose life has been marked by an unending series of harrowing events. The transformation that first unleashed the Hulk upon Culver University, the injuries inflicted on Betty Ross and the subsequent chase led by her father, the fierce battles against the Abomination and Iron Man in Johannesburg – these are but a few of the trials we’ve borne witness to on the silver screen.

A lesser-known moment, a deleted scene from The Incredible Hulk, revealed that Banner had even contemplated taking his own life. Rehashing those memories alone would be enough to drive him back to the precipice of transformation.

This theory paints a grim outlook for the Hulk within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). There have been demands for Banner to revert back to his wild Hulk form, and anticipation that this might occur in “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” However, Mark Ruffalo’s return has not been officially confirmed yet. But there are also whispers suggesting he will appear alongside Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, and Sadie Sink in the 2026 film “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” This movie, set in New York, provides an ideal platform to investigate the consequences of the Void’s attack on characters like Spider-Man, the Punisher, and the Hulk.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/new-spider-man-4-rumor-could-finally-tie-up-forgotten-mcu-tv-series-tease/embed/#

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2025-07-12 05:10