TheMarvel Cinematic Universeis set to do some interesting things inAvengers: Doomsday, but if rumors are correct,they will be telling stories of an evil Iron Man and an evil Captain America before they’ve ever used Hulk as a genuine villain.Each ofHulk’s appearances in the MCUhave been memorable, although it seems that the franchise has been reluctant in using him as a potential antagonist sinceAvengers: Age of Ultron. I believe Hulk has been watered down, making his MCU future seem quite unusual.
Fewer MCU characters than I would like have had genuine heel turns.Villains helping the heroeshas been a much more common trope in the franchise, with characters like Nebula and Loki switching sides in the larger conflict.In the live-action films, few other than Scarlet Witch have had the opportunity to become genuine antagonists to the Marvel heroes.That looks set to change soon, although it is strange that it will happen with several popular characters other than Hulk himself.
World War Hulk Has Long Been Rumored In The MCU
Following his recent appearances, there is reason toworry about Smart Hulkin the MCU. Despite the character’s powers being truly terrifying,Hulk seems to have been fundamentally transformed in the franchise, which is an unusual development in the series. So much has been set up foraWorld War Hulkmovie,which would see Hulk on a destructive rampage potentially after the loss of his wife. Elements of this were set up with Hulk being sent to Sakaar and the reveal of Skaar at the end ofShe-Hulk: Attorney at Law.
With the larger Hulk stories seeming to lead towardWorld War Hulk, it is surprising that the project has not been made into a priority for the studio.
Since, however, this has not been followed up on in any meaningful way. Clearly, Hulk had a past on Sakaar that has much room to be explored.His wife from Sakaar in the comics, Caiera, has not appeared in the films, although it is clear that Hulk still has connections to that world. InShe-Hulk, he traveled there, eventually bringing his son back with him. With the larger Hulk stories seeming to lead towardWorld War Hulk, it is surprising that the project has not been made into a priority for the studio.
Avengers: Doomsday’s Biggest Theories Make An Evil Iron Man & Captain America More Likely Than An Evil Hulk
The Evil Versions Of These Characters May Appear In The Next Avengers Film
Robert Downey Jr. has been confirmed to play Doctor Doom in the upcomingAvengers: Doomsday, but the origin of his character is yet to be confirmed. Still, I think it’s hard to imagine that his similarities in appearance to Iron Man do not matter to the upcoming film.This Doctor Doom is almost assuredly going to be an evil Iron Man variant who looks to save the multiverse in his own twisted way.Following the introduction of an evil Iron Man to the franchise, it makes sense that many other heroes may follow.
It seems thatevil Iron Man will bring a twisted Avengersteam with him. Chris Evans is confirmed to appear in the film, andScarlett Johansson may also return to the MCU.Rumors have suggested that a dark Captain America variant, potentially even Captain Hydra, may be played by Evans. Doing this would be an interesting twist that would allow the two greatest heroes of The Infinity Saga to be turned into villains. In the larger context of the MCU, however, this is a strange choice.
Why The Hulk’s Biggest Modern MCU Story Update Makes The Lack Of World War Hulk Even Weirder
Smart Hulk Makes All Of This So Much Harder
Hulk’s recent path in the MCU has been strange. While the character was introduced as a vengeful monster inThe Incredible Hulk, then was given a modicum of control inThe Avengers, he was still a hulking, violent beast. This was perfect and had me excited for more of Hulk. However,ever sinceThor: Ragnarok, the franchise has had a hard time letting Hulk be Hulk.Thistrend has restricted Hulk’s transformations, leaving him barely using his powers and never transforming with rage.
Despite setting up manyWorld War Hulkdetails,this version of Hulk, as Smart Hulk, does not seem anywhere close to who he would need to be to tell that story.This soft and personable Hulk does not seem set to break into a violent rage, even as the larger world of Hulks, including She-Hulk, Red Hulk, and The Leader are brought into the franchise. Some enormous events would have to occur to make a believable transformation for Hulk and to make aWorld War Hulkstory possible.
10 Things From Hulk’s Marvel Movie Appearances That Have Aged Poorly
Hulk is an incredible superhero, but his depictions on the big and small screen have been plagued with issues that occasionally get worse over time.
Someday, somehow, I really hope that we get aWorld War Hulkmovie.The franchise has really let Hulk down lately, and the introduction of an evil Iron Man and an evil Captain America before using Hulk as an actual antagonist would be extremely disappointing. I have faith that the future stories in theMarvel Cinematic Universewill still be effective and compelling, but it has been far too long since we got to see Hulk as a terrifying threat onscreen. I hope that this can be remedied soon.
