Concerns About Bruce Banner Remaining Smart Hulk in the MCU’s Recent Appearances

Is Smart Hulk Here to Stay in the MCU?

Concerns are growing among fans that Bruce Banner may continue to embody the Smart Hulk persona for the foreseeable future within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Unlike many of his fellow Avengers, Banner’s journey has been distinctive, marked by just one standalone film, The Incredible Hulk, prior to his collaborations in the Avengers ensemble and films like Thor: Ragnarok. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Bruce Banner made a significant transformation, merging his consciousness with the Hulk’s physique during a formative period after the Snap, conducting experiments in his lab in Mexico.

Smart Hulk was pivotal in the success of the Avengers, particularly in orchestrating the Time Heist to reverse the devastating Snap. His intellect was key in orchestrating strategies, and his gamma-resistant abilities allowed the Avengers to bring back those who had been lost. However, while Smart Hulk undoubtedly played a critical role, many fans feel that this iteration lacks the raw charisma of the original Hulk, potentially impacting future storylines like the highly anticipated World War Hulk. Given the current narrative trajectory, it seems unlikely that Smart Hulk will take a backseat anytime soon.

The Implications of Recent MCU Appearances

The latest Hulk appearances in the MCU further indicate that the reign of Smart Hulk might be far from over. In the series She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, Bruce Banner returns, this time inadvertently infusing his cousin, Jennifer Walters, with gamma radiation, transforming her into She-Hulk. Throughout the series, he serves as both mentor and confidant to Walters, culminating in a retconned battle involving Abomination alongside his newfound son, Skaar.

Throughout his time in She-Hulk, Bruce Banner exhibits remarkable composure, even in chaotic situations. Not once does the series hint at a potential return to the turbulent persona associated with the Savage Hulk. Past triggers that previously would incite Hulk’s emergence, such as life-threatening scenarios or misunderstandings, notably fail to elicit a change. This portrayal is further emphasized by the introduction of a Hulk Inhibitor Device, which allows Banner to suppress his Hulk form at will, suggesting a commitment to maintaining the Smart Hulk identity moving forward.

The Future of Hulk in the MCU: Introducing Skaar

The introduction of Skaar raises intriguing questions about the future of Hulk in the MCU. Based on his comic book origins, Skaar is portrayed as a more complex figure, not necessarily burdened by his father’s anger, yet capable of significant brutality when necessary. While initially harboring resentment towards Bruce Banner for his absence, Skaar’s character evolves into an anti-hero within the Marvel Comics landscape.

With rumors circulating about a potential World War Hulk adaptation, Skaar’s role could indicate a shift in narrative focus. Should Marvel Studios lean into Skaar’s more aggressive characteristics, there is a possibility that he could take center stage, sidelining Smart Hulk even further. This potential evolution of the character could provide narrative depth, especially if Skaar’s feelings of abandonment manifest in conflict with Banner.

Is There Hope for Hulk’s Return to Normalcy?

Most fans are left pondering whether there is a path for Hulk’s character to revert to his traditional roots in upcoming Marvel projects. With the impending release of Captain America: Brave New World, which will introduce Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Red Hulk—a more classical representation compared to Banner’s current stable persona—speculation runs rampant about how the MCU might navigate this character transition.

Debates surrounding the new Captain America often center on how Sam Wilson could possibly confront a Hulk without similar superhuman capabilities. The prevailing theory is that the original Hulk could return to balance the scales, creating a clash of titans that fans crave. However, it seems unlikely that Marvel will capitalize on this opportunity. The narrative decisions so far indicate that Hulk is sidelined once more, signaling that Smart Hulk may be his permanent form moving forward.

Regrettably, it appears that the classic Hulk persona we have come to love may have been permanently retired in the MCU.

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