Skip to main content

As the culmination of “the Infinity Saga,” Avengers: Endgame had a lot to cover. The movie offers satisfying ends for several key heroes and effectively sets up the next few years of storytelling. But many fans believe it did a disservice to one of the original Avengers. But according to the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe rumor, the MCU powers-that-be hope to address that in an upcoming project.

Kevin Feige and the cast of 'Avengers: Endgame'
Kevin Feige and the cast of ‘Avengers: Endgame’ | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Fans think the epic ‘Avengers’ two-parter let down one central hero

Soon after Avengers: Endgame starts, audiences were shocked to see the story jump five years into the future. And indeed, much of the movie’s first hour focuses on catching up with everyone and reassembling the original Avengers. But the character who most jumped out to audiences is Hulk.

Last time fans saw Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) in Avengers: Infinity War, he was unable to transform into the Hulk at all. Suddenly, after the time-jump, Banner and Hulk have merged into what is known as “Smart Hulk.” The hero quickly explains he took time in the gamma lab to figure it out

But some fans weren’t satisfied by this sudden shift. And with She-Hulk coming to Disney+, it seemed like Banner’s time in the spotlight had passed. After all, the MCU is poised to replace just about every original Avenger in Phase 4. So no wonder Hulk’s Avengers: Endgame story left some fans cold.

The origin of ‘Smart Hulk’ might be in the works at Marvel Studios

Now, according to We Got This Covered, Marvel Studios plans to explore Banner’s journey to becoming Smart Hulk. For years, the notion of a second MCU Hulk movie — following 2008’s The Incredible Hulk — seemed impossible due to rights issues. But WGTC claims Marvel has sorted that out.

The Hulk sequel will reportedly focus on the period between Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. But it will also serve as a Hulk-centric sequel to the latter movie. In that way, the Hulk’s story could connect directly to She-Hulk, which Ruffalo has revealed he may appear in.

Of course, for now the WGTC story should be firmly considered a rumor. That being said, if the MCU were to make a new Hulk movie, this does seem like the best opportunity to explore the character a bit more in depth. Ruffalo has long said he wants the chance to headline a movie as the Hulk.

Related

‘She-Hulk’: Will Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk Team Up with His Cousin on the Disney+ Series?

Should the MCU explore other ‘interquels’ for longtime heroes?

Perhaps once upon a time, this rumored Hulk sequel would seem like nothing more than a pipe dream. However, the MCU recently proved its willingness to take creative approaches to fan-favorite characters. After all, Black Widow similarly is an “interquel” set between existing MCU adventures.

After Avengers: Endgame, the MCU clearly finds itself in a transitional period. Marvel Studios finds itself tasked with setting up a new generation of heroes without alienating longtime fans. Interquels like Black Widow, a Hulk sequel, and even Captain America 4 could serve fans and keep the franchise afloat in the meantime.

Best in Entertainment