Two 2024 projects confirmed the biggest mistake theMarvel Cinematic Universehas made with the character of the Hulk, while simultaneously proving this can be fixed. TheMarvel projects of 2024were not expected to feature the Hulk to a big extent given only one movie was released that focused on the FoxX-Menmovies. The fourMCU TV showsof 2024 were also focused on characters or storylines devoid of the Hulk’s involvement.
All that said, theMarvel movies of 2025could see a return for the Gamma-infused genius. The reason for this stems primarily fromCaptain America: Brave New World,which involvesThe Incredible Hulkcharacters like Thunderbolt Ross, Betty Ross, and The Leader. While it remains to be seen if Hulk himself will appear inupcoming Marvel shows, one clear mistake that has been made with the character was highlighted in 2024. This is not to do with his lack of appearances, but instead a characterization error made inAvengers: Endgame.
Angry Hulk Made A Big Return In 2024
Firstly, it is worth exploring Hulk’s minor appearances in the MCU in 2024. The first came as a bigMarvel cameo inDeadpool & Wolverine. The scene was quick, but it showcased an iconic moment from Marvel Comics in which Wolverine, clad in his yellow and brown costume, faced off against an angry, unhinged Hulk.
Hulk’s Deadpool & Wolverine Cameo (& Which Multiverse Version) Explained
The Hulk’s brief but memorable cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine raises some interesting questions about the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s multiverse.
The second Hulk appearance came inWhat If…?season 3, episode 1, “What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?” The episode culminated with Hulk being turned into an incredibly rageful Kaiju version of the character named Mega-Hulk. Mega-Hulk fought off another Kaiju in the episode before threatening to trample the world with an army of equally giant minions. Although this never came to fruition, seeing angry Hulk inWhat If…?andDeadpool & Wolverinebrought the biggest mistake the franchise has made with the character to the fore.
Endgame’s Smart Hulk Twist Has Robbed Us Of His Greatest Potential
The mistake in question wasAvengers: Endgame’s decision to turn Hulk into Smart Hulk. While this twist was enjoyable enough and worked within the context of the movie, it robbed the character of his greatest potential.Rarely has an unadulterated, outraged Hulk been shown in the MCU, andAvengers: Endgame’s developments meant the possibility of this in the future was unlikely, if not impossible.
This remains as unlikely as ever in 2024, with both of Hulk’s angrier appearances coming as a result of the multiverse. Without other universes in which Smart Hulk does not exist, angry Hulk would be all but lost. Not only did theMCUreleases of 2024 make this clear, but they at least proved that the greatest potential Hulk has as the raging monster audiences know and love can still appear.
What If…?
Cast
What If… ? is an animated anthology series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe which features fan-favorite characters, including Peggy Carter, T’Challa, Doctor Strange, Killmonger, Thor, and more. The new series, directed by Bryan Andrews with AC Bradley as head writer, features signature MCU action with a curious twist. The show sees Uatu the Watcher, an omnipotent being that observes the events of multiple universes from afar as they unfold, unable to interfere. However, things shift when an entity peers beyond the veil, jeopardizing the multiverse.
