2024 Reveals the MCU’s Major Mistake with Hulk in Endgame

Recent Marvel projects have shed light on a significant oversight in the portrayal of the Hulk character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As 2024 progresses, the focus on the Hulk may not be as pronounced, with the year seeing only one major film centered around the Fox X-Men franchise, while several MCU series steer clear of Hulk-related narratives. Nevertheless, the tides may turn with upcoming projects in 2025, particularly with the anticipated release of Captain America: Brave New World, which integrates characters from The Incredible Hulk such as Thunderbolt Ross, Betty Ross, and The Leader. This resurgence could potentially reignite Hulk’s role in the MCU.

A pivotal error in the Hulk’s characterization was highlighted throughout 2024, not necessarily due to his absence but rather stemming from a critical decision made in Avengers: Endgame. This film shifted the character’s identity, ultimately affecting his representation moving forward.

Hulk’s Exciting Comebacks in 2024

The Return of the Angry Hulk

Sam Wilson approaching the giant Hulk in What If...? season 3

In 2024, Hulk made notable minor appearances in the MCU that reignited interest among fans. One memorable moment featured Hulk as a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine, where audiences witnessed an iconic clash between a furious Hulk and Wolverine, dressed in his classic yellow and brown attire.

The second notable appearance was in What If…? Season 3, Episode 1, titled “What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?”This episode concluded with Hulk transforming into the menacing Mega-Hulk, a rage-fueled Kaiju version of himself. Mega-Hulk faced off against another formidable Kaiju, showcasing the Hulk’s destructive potential, even threatening the world with an army of massive minions. Though these scenarios didn’t materialize as a reality within the MCU, watching Hulk unleash his rage in these projects brought attention to the character’s potential that has often been underexplored.

The Impact of Endgame’s Smart Hulk Transition

The aforementioned oversight centers on the decision to introduce Smart Hulk in Avengers: Endgame. While this new identity provided entertaining moments and contributed to the film’s storyline, it inadvertently stripped the Hulk of his most compelling qualities. The portrayal of an enraged Hulk has been rare in the MCU, with the developments in Endgame diminishing the likelihood of this dynamic character returning to form in future installments.

As we observe the landscape of 2024, it becomes evident that Hulk’s more ferocious persona is relegated to the multiverse, emphasizing the limitations imposed by the Smart Hulk transformation. Without alternative universes to explore his primal nature, the raw, emotional Hulk seems confined to contained appearances. Nevertheless, the films of 2024 serve as a reminder that the potential for the beloved, raging Hulk remains alive, even as the current narrative pushes him into the background.

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