With the introduction of Red Hulk, the MCU can finally utilize the Hulk story we've been waiting 15 years for

Red Hulk's debut in Captain America: Brave New World allows the MCU to finally adapt a story that audiences have been waiting for years. The last time MCU viewers saw Hulk in anger was in Avengers: Infinity War before being insulted by Thanos. Shortly thereafter, Bruce Banner learned to combine his two roles into one, combining his mind and his brawn. While Professor Hulk provides a unique direction for the character, it's disappointing that Hulk was essentially neutered by Marvel for Phases 4 and 5.

Many want to see Hulk smashed again, and that could happen soon, but with a different character. Harrison Ford's Thunderbolt Steed will transform into Red Hulk Captain America 4 and It's likely he'll start a killing spree that Sam Wilson will have to stop. However, Sam will have a hard time stopping Red Hulk on his own, which means he may need the help of other MCU heroes. It's unclear whether Red Hulk's rampage will continue for much longer Brave new worldbut the MCU could use this opportunity to adapt a version of Hulk from World War I.

Red Hulk is a better MCU candidate for World War Hulk

Hulk from World War I is one of the most iconic storylines in Hulk comic history. The 2007 story begins with Hulk and his pregnant wife being banished from Earth by the Illuminati. After the spaceship explodes and kills his wife, Hulk blames the Illuminati for her death and returns to Earth for revenge. However, his revenge extends beyond the Illuminati and threatens the Earth as a whole, causing destruction and devastation that must be stopped.

Hulk from World War I is an excellent story because it shows the Avengers' nightmares fully realized. What if Hulk's anger was used for brutality rather than protection? Unfortunately, since Mark Ruffalo's Hulk is no longer a rage machine, it no longer makes sense to adapt this storyline to his character. However, Red Hulk allows the MCU to tell a story where Hulk goes on a rampage and must be stopped by the Avengers. It may not have the personal touch of Hulk from World War Ibut it would be cool to see a project where a Hulk is the central villain.

Why Red Hulk's World War I Hulk story would prevent an awkward MCU Hulk switch

The MCU's Bruce Banner has full control of his anger and strength. He's incredibly laid back and knows how to take out Hulk while keeping his composure. Red Hulk prevents the MCU from quickly changing Bruce's character arc while still giving audiences an MCU Hulk rampage they want to see. However, there's still a chance that Banner could exit Hulk after his latest revelation.

She-Hulk ended with Hulk introducing his son Skaar, whom he had recently met after a trip in space. The details of his son are unknown, but if the comics are anything to go by, Skaar was conceived during Hulk's time on Sakaar. If something happens to Skaar, it could be the trigger that makes Hulk angry again. Red Hulk is the MCU's best chance Hulk from World War I plot, but it's not impossible for Bruce to return to the green rage monster.

director

Julius Onah

Release date

February 14, 2025

Studio(s)

Marvel Studios

Pour

Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosa Salazar, Takehiro Hira, Anthony Mackie, Tim Blake Nelson, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Danny Ramirez, Rachael Markarian, Jacqueline Loucks, Tony Mareno, Zo'Anne Mckinstry, Phuong Kubacki, Colby Lopez , Xosha Roquemore

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Upcoming MCU films