MCU’s Next Movie Is the Perfect Chance to Bring Back Classic Hulk After Endgame’s Smart Hulk

Analyzing the development of the Hulk within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I firmly believe the series has cleverly laid the groundwork for his return to his original form, nearly six years after his transition into Smart Hulk in Avengers: Endgame. The Hulk’s journey in the MCU timeline is undeniably convoluted, largely due to the fact that a significant portion of his tale unfolds in collaborative films that must accommodate several lead characters. Consequently, key moments in the Hulk’s MCU narrative often take a secondary role or occur away from the screen.

In “Avengers: Endgame,” it was shown that the Hulk underwent a transformation into Smart Hulk, an event that had previously happened off-screen. This aspect of the Hulk’s narrative has often been a topic of debate among viewers. However, the way the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has set up a convincing explanation for the character revert back to his traditional destructive form is significant, and it presents an intriguing direction for the Hulk’s storyline in future MCU productions.

The MCU’s Smart Hulk Storyline Has Been Part Of The Franchise Since Avengers: Endgame

The MCU’s Smart Hulk First Came To Screens In 2019

Since 2012’s “The Avengers”, Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk has been a key figure in MCU crossovers. However, the revelation that a crucial aspect of the character altered in “Avengers: Endgame” took many viewers by surprise, despite its roots in comic book lore. In “Endgame”, Banner merged his civilian and Hulk forms into one being, resulting in the “Smart Hulk”. This new version combines the strength of the Hulk with the intellect of his scientist alter ego, as the Hulk had previously refused to reappear after being defeated by Thanos in “Avengers: Infinity War”.

This decision aligns with resolving Bruce Banner and the Hulk’s struggle, borrowing elements from the Professor Hulk comic tale where Doc Samson combines their minds temporarily after earlier attempts to physically divide them proved risky for both. However, the Smart Hulk narrative has faced some justified criticism regarding its placement within the current Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline.

In essence, the Smart Hulk narrative shifts focus away from the traditional Hulk character, spotlighting Bruce Banner instead in his intelligent Hulk persona. This alteration significantly reduces the number of characters in the story, as the conventional Hulk has been absent for several years now. Furthermore, this development offers a resolution to the ongoing struggle between Hulk and Banner that may not be wholly satisfying, as it appears more like Banner suppressing the Hulk even deeper rather than fostering a harmonious partnership with him.

Captain America: Brave New World Is The Perfect Excuse For A Hulk Reset

Captain America: Brave New World Sets Up A Stressor For The Hulk He Might Not Be Able To Resolve

Prior to assuming the presidency and transforming into the Red Hulk within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Thaddeus “Thunderbolt Ross” initially served as an adversary of the Hulk, as depicted in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. Furthermore, his attempts to apprehend the Avengers who opposed the Sokovia Accords during Captain America: Civil War made him a foe to many MCU heroes. Although Bruce Banner’s changed perspective on life may have led to some level of forgiveness for Ross chasing him in The Incredible Hulk, it is less probable that the Hulk has completely moved past this confrontation.

Considering Ross’ transformation into the MCU’s next Hulk in “Captain America: Brave New World”, it makes perfect sense that the classic Hulk form might reappear. Not only does Ross transitioning into the Red Hulk suggest trouble for the Hulk if he discovers this, but also the possibility that others could become Hulks without his knowledge following the movie’s events is enough to potentially trigger a breakdown in Banner.

If the MCU plans to delve into the Hulk’s story concurrently with the events of “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” it might be that the calm and thoughtful version of Hulk, Smart Hulk, becomes overwhelmed by the stress. This could provide an ideal opportunity for the traditional Hulk form to resurface as a reaction to the intense pressure this scenario seems to generate.

Why Bringing The Hulk Back Makes Sense For The MCU After Years Of Smart Hulk

The Smart Hulk Story Has Had Plenty Of Time In The MCU

Taking the “Smart Hulk” angle for the MCU’s Hulk might not be a bad idea, but it could potentially lead to the character becoming static in future installments. One of the key elements that keeps the Hulk’s story engaging, both in comics and movies, is the tension between Bruce Banner’s calm demeanor and his aggressive Hulk alter ego. Eliminating this conflict could weaken a fundamental aspect of what makes the character compelling.

In examining the original content that inspired this storyline, it’s important to mention that the Professor Hulk transformation in Marvel comics was also not permanent. This transient aspect of the Hulk’s metamorphosis seems to be a deliberate choice, as it adds an element of change without establishing a new status quo. Considering this, allowing the MCU version of Smart Hulk to remain for over half a decade seems reasonable, especially since he didn’t appear in numerous films during that time.

In the upcoming movies “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars“, which appear to mark the conclusion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga, it seems sensible that Smart Hulk might revert back to his traditional Hulk form. This is because he has mostly been in this state during the second phase of the MCU, and prior films such as “Captain America: Brave New World” have hinted at this possibility on a narrative level. Nevertheless, we’ll need to wait and see what the future holds for the Hulk and his journey within the MCU.

2025-05-22 05:38