Hulk’s Unusual MCU Power Boost Suggests Marvel Will Finally Pursue the Long-Awaited Storyline Fans Have Desired

Hulk’s Apex form, showcased in episode 1 of What If…? season 3, represents a significant milestone as it introduces an alternative Hulk personality within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Since his debut in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, the character has only starred in that single feature film. Over the years, the MCU has chronicled notable events in Hulk’s journey, including his tenure as an Avenger, exile in space, and the emergence of a Hulk-Banner amalgamation known as Smart Hulk. Despite these developments, Bruce Banner and his Gamma-powered alter ego have remained largely sidelined during the ongoing Multiverse Saga.

Looking ahead, Captain America: Brave New World is slated for release in 2025 and is poised to reintroduce two of Hulk’s most formidable foes, Red Hulk and the Leader. This upcoming film promises an intense showdown between Captain America and a furious Red Hulk, as well as attempts to thwart the Leader’s plans to undermine global stability. Interestingly, Smart Hulk appears oblivious to the activities of these adversaries, though their resurfacing may ignite a new conflict that eventually draws him back into the fray, whether it be in a crossover like Avengers: Doomsday or a long-awaited standalone Hulk film.

What If…? Season 3 Introduced A Crucial New Hulk Identity

What If…? Season 3 Episode 1 Features The MCU’s First Alternate Hulk Personality

In the intriguing episode titled “What If… The Hulk Fought The Mech Avengers?, Bruce Banner attempts to suppress his alter ego using a unique device. However, instead of eliminating the Hulk or simply converting into him, he inadvertently generates a colossal creature that expands into a Godzilla-like monstrosity. This Apex Hulk is not merely an alternate version of the longstanding Gamma creature; it boasts a distinct personality and consciousness.

In the original comics, Bruce Banner hosts several Hulk personalities, each possessing unique identities and intentions. These personas often vie for dominance over Banner’s psyche and have even manifested as separate entities. In the case of Season 3’s Apex Hulk, when faced with this potent being, Bruce Banner must transform into the classic Hulk to ultimately confront and replace it.

Why Smart Hulk Doesn’t Really Count As A Separate Hulk Personality In The MCU

Smart Hulk Displays One Big Difference To His Comic Book Counterpart

Smart Hulk vs Angry Hulk — Custom image by Nicolas Ayala

Smart Hulk, as portrayed in the MCU, emerges from Bruce Banner’s quest to intermingle “man and monster”into a unified identity. However, upon his initial appearance in Avengers: Endgame, it quickly becomes clear that Smart Hulk is still very much Bruce Banner. He retains Bruce’s memories and personality traits while also acquiring a portion of the Hulk’s formidable attributes. Interestingly, Banner developed a suppressor device that allows him to revert to his human state post-creation of Smart Hulk.

Contrasting this, the comic book version termed Professor Hulk is a more complex character. Rather than a simple enhancement of Bruce, he represents a fractured psyche where Bruce, Savage Hulk, Gray Hulk, and Joe Fixit coexist. This version retains Bruce’s intellectual capabilities alongside elements of Savage Hulk’s strength, crafting a nuanced individual. However, due to tumultuous events, Professor Hulk has largely been absent from modern comic narratives.

Hulk’s Other Personalities Could Be Coming To The MCU Soon

Apex Hulk Could Be The Start Of A New Era For The MCU’s Hulk

The events of each What If…? episode exist in a parallel narrative separate from the main MCU timeline. Nonetheless, the emergence of Apex Hulk in Season 3 may hint at Marvel’s intention to delve into Hulk’s alternate identities within the core universe. Iconic arcs from Marvel Comics, such as World War Hulk, World War Hulks, and Planet Hulk, prominently feature various Hulk personalities like Green Scar / World-Breaker Hulk and Devil Hulk, each playing crucial roles in the storylines. Should the MCU follow this path, Mark Ruffalo’s Smart Hulk might experience a schism, leading to the rise of additional Hulk personas.

Hulk Personality	Standout Trait
Savage Hulk	Original rage-fueled monster
Professor Hulk	Intelligent and calm
Gray Hulk	Cruel, selfish
Joe fixed it	Street-smart
Doc Green	Intelligent but unfriendly
Green Scar	Vengeful, strategic
Devil Hulk	Pure evil

The reintroduction of Red Hulk and the Leader in Captain America: Brave New World suggests Hulk will soon regain significance in the MCU. If the Leader survives, he may aim for Hulk once more, potentially triggering a revival of Hulk’s dormant personalities. The Leader’s transformation of President Ross into Red Hulk could very well stem from his obsessive quest to harness the Hulk’s powers, as established in previous narratives. With newfound methodologies for creating similar beings, he might strive to produce even more potent versions.

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