A solo Hulk film seems unlikely, based on the poor latest MCU update, but the character would make a great antagonist in Avengers 7. Fans had hoped that Hulk will star in a standalone film or television series since he is the only one of the original six Avengers not to have a solo project. Hopes were high, especially because Mark Ruffalo has expressed a desire to play the character going forward. However, a new Hulk update from Ruffalo suggests that a movie starring him isn't in the works.
That does not, however, imply that Ruffalo's Hulk is leaving the MCU timeline, unlike many of his original Avengers teammates who have done so recently. Alternatively, this shift in the Hulk's Marvel Cinematic Universe trajectory might portend a much more interesting upgrade for the character. Given that Avengers 7 is still in the early stages of development and has not even been officially confirmed, it is possible that Hulk will play the villain, which would be a fantastic development for both the character and the greater MCU.
(World War Hulk Would Have to Be in a Different Movie Due to the MCU's Allegedly Solo Hulk Movie Promise)
The history of the character would not be new to the concept of a wicked Hulk. The World War Hulk comic book concept was the one that many people thought would be the main subject of a solo Hulk film. In that tale, the Hulk gets even with the Illuminati for duping him into believing he was traveling to space. As a result, the Fantastic Four, the New Avengers, and the X-Men face off against the Hulk. Considering the number of these characters that have already been included in or are scheduled to appear in future MCU films, this seems like a plausible option for the Hulk's ongoing MCU narrative.
The Illuminati made an appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Considering their animosity toward Doctor Strange due to the danger he presented in their universe, it is plausible that they would be prepared to trick the Hulk into going into hiding, especially if they considered him to be a threat. Although the premise of the film is unknown, the Fantastic Four movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is scheduled for release in 2025, bringing yet another set of opponents for Hulk during World War Hulk. Additionally, the planned Deadpool & Wolverine film may hint at the arrival of the X-Men.
"A major incident upsetting the Hulk's well-earned Smart Hulk composure would make for an exciting plot."
The World War Hulk storyline would have to find its way into another MCU film because a solo Hulk movie is not going to happen. This is where Avengers 7 comes in. Bruce Banner combined the two personas to create the Smart Hulk form of the Hulk, however that persona isn't necessarily permanent after Avengers: Infinity War. If a bigger incident were to upend the Hulk's well-earned calm and cause him to lash out like in the World War Hulk plotline of an upcoming Avengers film, that would make for an exciting tale.
(A Malevolent Hulk Would Grant Mark Ruffalo All He Desires)
It appears that Mark Ruffalo is open to this new chapter in the Hulk's tale. Ruffalo stated in an interview with GQ that he wants to "be bad too," implying that he would be more than willing to see the Hulk become less heroic in a future film. Considering that Ruffalo has also expressed a strong desire for the Hulk to have more screen time, this may be the ideal method to combine the actor's ambition to play more villains with a chance to address his displeasure that a standalone Hulk movie has not materialized.
(Why a World War Hulk movie is still necessary for the MCU, even if a solo Hulk movie is never made)
A World War Hulk narrative is still necessary, even though it is unfortunate that a standalone Hulk movie won't be produced—especially since the Hulk is a beloved character and Mark Ruffalo has been one of the most well-liked performers to play the character in live-action. The MCU's franchises that feature earlier Avengers from Phases 1 through 3 tend to be more popular, despite the film company's declining box office receipts and problems with superhero weariness among viewers. Beyond this, though, the World War Hulk plot is an intriguing one that would bring something fresh to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Source: GQ
Past appearances:
The Incredible Hulk (2008): This film served as the official introduction of Hulk within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, it featured Edward Norton instead of Mark Ruffalo portraying Bruce Banner/Hulk.
Multiple MCU appearances (2012-2021): Following The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo took over the role of Bruce Banner/Hulk and appeared in several MCU films, including:
The Avengers (2012)
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Captain Marvel (2019) (cameo)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) (post-credits scene)
Upcoming appearances:
While there's no confirmation of a solo Hulk movie currently, there have been talks and speculations about a potential project. Additionally, Mark Ruffalo recently reprised his role as Bruce Banner/Hulk in the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022), which introduces his cousin Jennifer Walters as the titular character.
It's important to note that due to complex distribution rights, creating a solo Hulk film might be challenging for Marvel Studios. However, Hulk's appearances in future MCU projects remain a possibility.
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