Seventeen years after his inaugural appearance in The Incredible Hulk (2008), the Hulk remains one of Marvel’s most underexploited heroes. While other characters like Iron Man and Captain America have been awarded detailed arcs and fulfilling emotional resolutions within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Hulk’s narrative appears fragmented, frequently positioned as a supporting character or a source of comic relief. Furthermore, with the recent debut of numerous new characters and the expanding multiverse, Marvel has a unique chance to revitalize Hulk’s legacy and advance his storyline.
Hulk’s journey through the MCU has been anything but linear. After Edward Norton’s rendition in The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo took over the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers (2012), steering the character toward a blend of humor and restraint instead of sheer rage. Over time, Marvel has humanized the Hulk, culminating in the “Smart Hulk,”a fusion of intellect and strength showcased in Avengers: Endgame. However, this character development is piecemeal, primarily emerging through ensemble appearances, leaving significant emotional arcs unexplored.
10 Bringing The Hulk Back vs Smart Hulk
Savage Hulk Is More Compelling Than Smart Hulk
While the concept of Smart Hulk introduced an innovative element, it arguably diminished one of the character’s most fascinating characteristics: the stark contrast between Bruce Banner’s intellect and Hulk’s primal instincts. Many fans long for the chaotic presence that once dominated the screen, with the most engaging aspect of this transformation occurring off-screen.
Marvel has a chance to reinstate this internal conflict by portraying Smart Hulk’s vulnerabilities; perhaps his composed demeanor starts to fracture, or the savage Hulk resurfaces in response to emerging threats. Reviving the rage-fueled Hulk doesn’t imply discarding Smart Hulk entirely; rather, it invites a nuanced exploration of the character, weaving in deeper emotional and psychological complexities that elevate Hulk beyond mere “comic relief.”
9 Exploring Hulk’s Story with Skaar
Skaar Was Introduced but Largely Forgotten
The surprise appearance of Skaar in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law left many viewers puzzled due to the lack of context surrounding his character. This gap presents the perfect opportunity for a rich, emotional storyline that could finally provide Hulk with the character arc he desperately needs. Delving into Hulk’s time on Sakaar and examining his relationship with Skaar could amplify drama, regret, and paths toward redemption.
This exploration could force Bruce Banner to come to terms with fatherhood while revisiting significant chapters of his past. Additionally, expanding on Hulk’s “Planet Hulk” origins and his interactions with alien cultures presents the opportunity to humanize this character further while tackling themes of legacy, loss, and intergenerational trauma without relying on crossover events.
8 Letting The Hulk Have the Spotlight More Often
Hulk Has Mostly Been an Ensemble Character
Since his role in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Hulk has gradually transitioned to a supporting role, often serving as comic relief or a secondary character. Although he shines in ensemble casts, this treatment has lessened his impact within the MCU. As new heroes such as Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, and Echo shine in the spotlight, Hulk’s return to lead status seems overdue. There is promise in a standalone series or film that explores the psychological intricacies of Banner’s character, revisiting themes of trauma and self-identity in a fresh light.
The MCU thrives when showcasing flawed, vulnerable heroes, and Hulk is a prime candidate for this narrative depth. With multiple new avenues to explore—Skaar’s introduction, lingering trauma from encounters with Thanos, and evolving powers—there’s no shortage of content to elevate Hulk’s trajectory. He deserves more than just quips and cameos; Hulk requires a narrative that is as ambitious and emotionally rich as the universe he helped establish.
7 Introduce Additional Hulk Villains from Comics
Only a Few Major Foes in the MCU
One significant oversight in the MCU has been the underrepresentation of Hulk’s renowned adversaries. Apart from Abomination, the Leader, and Red Hulk—of which two were never truly an opposition—Hulk’s rogues’ gallery remains largely unexplored. Iconic foes like Zzzax, Bi-Beast, and psychologically complex villains like Devil Hulk offer unique perspectives and challenges that could force Hulk to evolve morally, emotionally, and existentially.
For instance, introducing Gargoyle could challenge Banner to confront a similarly deformed character who has taken a vastly different life path. Hulk’s adversaries provide more than just physical confrontation—they act as thematic mirrors, pushing him toward growth or collapse. With Phases 5 and 6 hinting at multiversal threats and darker tones, the timing is ripe for Hulk’s enemies to step from the shadows, testing him in unforeseen ways.
6 Make Maestro the MCU’s Next Major Villain
Maestro: Hulk’s Most Intriguing Adversary
Introduce Maestro as a formidable multiversal threat or an unintended consequence of a timeline gone awry; this addition would enrich Hulk’s presence in the post-Endgame MCU. The Avengers would face an enemy equipped with knowledge of their collective weaknesses, driven purely by ego and rage. As the Multiverse Saga unfolds, bringing Maestro into the fold would serve as a compelling link between Hulk’s lore and ominous future possibilities, transforming Bruce’s greatest strength into his most significant challenge and presenting a menace worthy enough to sustain an entire saga.
5 Introduce the Grey Hulk
The Grey Hulk as Original Hulk
The MCU has showcased various aspects of Hulk’s persona, but it’s time to delve deeply into Joe Fixit—the grey-skinned, streetwise alter ego of Hulk. The Grey Hulk is more than just a variant; he embodies a cunning, morally ambiguous side of Hulk, once functioning as a Las Vegas enforcer. This character diverges from the naïve Savage Hulk and the composed Smart Hulk, offering a more grounded and unpredictable rendition of Bruce’s psyche.
By exploring Grey Hulk, Marvel can enhance the character’s complexity and foster a gritty, noir-inspired narrative, potentially introducing him via multiverse implications, trauma-triggered transformations, or psychological crises. This incarnation could mesh street-level intensity with cosmic thrills, showcasing a truly unique evolution in the Hulk’s character arc.
4 Make Hulk a Mentor for the Young Avengers
The MCU Is Forming a New Generation of Heroes
With the MCU steadily assembling a new generation of heroes, from Kate Bishop to Kamala Khan, the time is ripe for Hulk to assume a mentoring role. Having weathered numerous trials, Bruce Banner has transformed from a hesitant fugitive to a balanced intellect-power hybrid. His insights into gamma radiation, emotional regulation, and the duality of being a scientist and superhero could be invaluable to young heroes facing their own transformations.
Hulk mentoring his son Skaar, introduced in She-Hulk, or guiding heroes like Ms. Marvel through the nuances of power and identity can signify meaningful character development. It mirrors Tony Stark’s journey with Peter Parker but amplifies the emotional stakes with perhaps a bit more smashing. This transition could seamlessly keep Hulk relevant in the MCU’s forthcoming chapters.
3 Explore Bruce’s Fractured Psyche
Bruce Banner’s Many Faces, Including the Hulk
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Hulk’s narrative arc is the internal struggle within Bruce Banner. The films have only minimally addressed this concept, offering fleeting insights in Age of Ultron and Thor: Ragnarok. A deeper exploration of Bruce’s dissociative identity disorder, perhaps akin to how Moon Knight navigated Marc Spector’s mental landscape, could yield a daring, character-driven storyline.
Fans have long sought psychological depth for Bruce Banner, and comic lore provides rich material featuring multiple Hulk personas, including Devil Hulk and The Green Scar. Delving into Bruce’s mind—potentially via mystical or technological journeys—would yield an introspective narrative that resonates. This approach could emphasize that Hulk’s true conflict lies not on physical battlegrounds, but within the fractured psyche of the man behind the monstrous facade.
2 Produce a Hulk vs. Wolverine Adaptation
The Pair’s Iconic Rivalry
The recent teaser of Wolverine battling Hulk in Deadpool & Wolverine has reignited one of Marvel’s most legendary rivalries. Fans have eagerly awaited the chance to witness the confrontations that launched Wolverine’s comic journey come to life on the big screen. This concept presents a visually stunning brawl while providing a narrative platform to explore the depth of both characters.
Hulk signifies raw power, whereas Wolverine brings a mix of ferocity and a troubled history to the table. A comprehensive adaptation could provoke exploration of their emotional undertones, particularly if it references Logan’s connections to the Weapon X program or presents a multiverse clash. Such an intense, high-stakes struggle would serve both characters well, offering cinematic experiences that have been overdue for years.
1 Collaborate with Universal on a Solo Hulk Movie
Marvel Should Partner with Universal for a Solo Hulk Film
It remains perplexing that after 17 years, Marvel Studios has yet to produce a dedicated solo sequel for Hulk in the MCU. The snag appears to derive from distribution rights being held by Universal. Nevertheless, if Marvel can negotiate terms with Sony to integrate Spider-Man into the MCU, there is no logical reason they cannot do the same for Hulk.
The character warrants a full-fledged, grand-scale narrative—one that delves into Banner’s stakes, his evolving relationship with Skaar, and the ramifications of becoming Smart Hulk. A dedicated film could return to the poignant emotion and spectacle of The Incredible Hulk while presenting it through the lens of contemporary storytelling. Audiences are craving closure, continuity, and intricate narratives that extend beyond mere cameos or humorous snippets. Collaborating between Marvel and Universal for a Hulk sequel would not only fulfill this demand but also honor one of the cornerstone characters of the MCU.