MCU Shifts Power Dynamics: Introduction of 2 New God-Tier Hulks Surpasses Red Hulk

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for What If…? season 3.

As anticipation builds for the introduction of Red Hulk in the upcoming 2025 film Captain America: Brave New World, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has unveiled two extraordinarily powerful Hulk variants in the latest season of What If…?. Following the introduction of a new Hulk character in season 2 through Happy Hogan’s mutation in a Marvel-inspired Die Hard narrative, season 3 significantly amplifies the Hulk legacy.

Currently, the live-action Hulk remains in his Smart Hulk persona, a synthesis achieved by Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner, who has found a delicate equilibrium between his dual identities. While this development has streamlined the character and paved the way for logical progression amid Avengers: Endgame, it has also diminished the Hulk’s most compelling narratives characterized by conflict and inner turmoil. Unless a pivotal shift occurs or an alternate variant is accessed through the multiverse, it seems unlikely that audiences will witness the return of a Savage Hulk. However, the new Hulk iterations featured in What If…? serve as an intriguing reminder of the character’s dormant potential.

This latest installment effectively disrupts the established Hulk power hierarchy, introducing two formidable contenders that rival Marvel Comics’ most robust Hulks.

Marvel’s Most Powerful Hulk in the Comics: An Overview

A Hulk Who Literally Destroyed Planets

Debates frequently arise regarding the most powerful iteration of the Hulk in the comics. Historically, the Merged Hulk—an amalgamation of Bruce Banner, the Gray Hulk, and the Savage Hulk—has often claimed prominence. This version, which would later evolve into the Professor Hulk that serves as the basis for Ruffalo’s portrayal, showcases a blend of intellect and raw power that represents the complete spectrum of the Hulk persona. Recently, however, Marvel has escalated its power narrative, introducing even greater threats.

The Immortal Hulk became a formidable force capable of overpowering the Avengers, yet the Maestro, a version that fans hope will mirror Ruffalo’s character in future events such as Secret Wars, surpasses him. Nevertheless, in terms of primal strength and existential dread, the fan-dubbed “Entropy Hulk,” also known as the Breaker of Worlds, stands as the apex of Hulk variants. This colossal being first appeared in The Immortal Hulk #25 and combines the qualities of both Hulk and Galactus, uniquely noted for obliterating planets rather than consuming them, effectively capable of annihilating all life.

Season 3 of What If…? introduces two new Hulk forms that could easily position themselves just below the Breaker of Worlds, reinforcing the immense potential Bruce Banner embodies as a living weapon.

In an attempt to manage his Hulk challenges, Bruce Banner resorts to overwhelming himself with Gamma radiation in What If…? season 3, inadvertently creating a new and significantly larger Hulk variant known as The Apex. This version resembles a creature out of a Doom video game, boasting nearly limitless strength and the ability to generate massive Gamma Beasts, akin to Gremlins multiplying when submerged in water, essentially forming an endless army under his command.

This formidable army proves its might by overpowering the original Avengers, despite Tony Stark arming them with Hulk-busting mech suits. The Apex’s threat escalates significantly as he endangers the secondary Avengers team, led by Sam Wilson (portrayed by Anthony Mackie). In a tense encounter, they attempt to unite their mech suits into a giant Mighty Avenger zord, propelling the action forward until the appearance of a new, god-like Hulk intercepts the clash.

If you’ve ever wished to see Bruce Banner’s powers in the MCU reach new heights, What If…? season 3 introduces the most potent version of his character to date. Faced with the daunting prospect of the Mighty Avenger’s defeat and Earth’s potential fall, Bruce once again floods himself with Gamma radiation, resulting in an immediate transformation into a colossal, kaiju-like entity dubbed “Mega Hulk”by Wilson.

This version of Hulk shares striking similarities with a mutant cross between Godzilla and the Hulk, featuring attributes like a massive tail and dorsal fins, as well as an impressive ability to unleash gamma breath akin to Godzilla’s destructive power. Mega Hulk ultimately melts The Apex, establishing his dominance over the new power spectrum. Consequently, the Gamma Beasts recognize him as their leader following The Apex’s demise.

While the Mega Hulk represents a significant threat to Earth, instead of inciting fear, Sam Wilson leverages his background as a PTSD therapist to pacify the beast, emphasizing the Avengers’ supportive bond. In a poignant moment, The Watcher underscores the narrative theme of friendship and understanding, yielding a peaceful resolution as Mega Hulk retreats to the ocean. Despite its somewhat whimsical tone, this prevailing theme resonates throughout What If…? season 3.

New episodes of What If…? season 3 are available every day on Disney+

Source & Images