The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has recently unveiled two of its most formidable incarnations of the Hulk, yet it seems their appearances may be painfully fleeting. As one of the most compelling characters in Marvel’s rich universe and a pivotal member of the original Avengers, the Hulk’s presence on-screen has faced notable underutilization over the years. Consequently, fans have voiced their desire for deeper narratives that explore the character’s extensive comic book history, hoping for more significant adaptations in the future.
Amid these calls for greater representation, there are hints that the Hulk could reemerge as a key player. Teasers from recent MCU installments—such as Bruce Banner’s involvement with the remaining heroes at the conclusion of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the introduction of his son Skaar in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law—point towards a potential revival of Hulk-centric storylines. Additionally, although many fans feel the character has been sidelined, the MCU has still managed to deliver some thrilling Hulk moments, particularly noticeable in the latter half of 2024.
The MCU Introduced Two Extremely Powerful Hulks in Late 2024
December 2024 Featured Two of the Most Powerful Hulks in MCU History
The last week of 2024 witnessed the MCU introducing two compelling yet powerful versions of Hulk, igniting excitement among fans eager for fresh narratives featuring the iconic character. In the highly anticipated What If…? Season 3, Episode 1, viewers were treated to the introduction of two mighty titans, rather than just the traditional streamlined Hulk.
The first Hulk introduced is known as The Apex, a terrifying creation born from Bruce Banner’s desperate attempt to rid himself of the Hulk. By subjecting himself to an intense dose of radiation, Bruce effectively separated his Hulk persona—resulting in a more ruthless and unintelligent entity. Unfortunately, The Apex possesses the alarming ability to spawn various gamma beasts, ultimately transforming the world into a grim battleground, as these creatures pose a formidable threat to Earth’s heroes.
Demonstrating his immense power, The Apex annihilates the original Avengers team and an upgraded version equipped with advanced mechs, highlighting just how dangerous he truly is. Nevertheless, even The Apex is ultimately outmatched by an even more potent incarnation of the Hulk.
Bruce Banner evolves into a mightier version when he resolves that only he can confront The Apex. He exposes himself to an extraordinary amount of gamma radiation to become the Mega Hulk. This monstrous form channels Godzilla-like energy, enabling him to reclaim control from The Apex with devastating radiation blasts. However, this transformation comes at a considerable cost: Bruce chooses to isolate himself from humanity to protect the world from the gamma monsters he has attracted.
The Unlikely Return of the Two New MCU Hulks
The Unlikelihood of Future Appearances for MCU’s Newest Hulks
While both The Apex and Mega Hulk present thrilling interpretations of Hulk lore—drawing from some of the most iconic story arcs in the comics—the likelihood of their return is slim due to several reasons. Notably, the climactic battle sees Mega Hulk decisively defeat The Apex, which makes it challenging for this specific rendition of the character to resurface, as reintroducing him would diminish the significance of that confrontation.
Conversely, the Mega Hulk himself appears unlikely to return, as the events of this story occur within the alternate realities that What If…? explores. Although future titles, such as Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, may feature multiversal character crossovers, they are more likely to focus on characters from the existing MCU narratives rather than resurrecting these particular Hulks.
What If…? Season 3 Finale Sparks One Hope for Hulk Returns
A Theoretical Path for the Hulks’ Return in the MCU—Though Unlikely
While much of What If…? stands independently, Season 3’s conclusion diverges from this formula, highlighting the Guardians of the Multiverse, a team convened by Captain Carter. The finale showcases their journey through the multiverse, ending with the Watcher inviting the remaining members to oversee the new multiverse alongside him—a concept that tantalizingly opens the door for potential multiversal narratives in upcoming Avengers films.
This development suggests a possibility for characters from What If…? to join future MCU events. While this may provide a theoretical pathway for both new Hulks to make a comeback, the feasibility of such an appearance remains uncertain, especially given the plethora of characters already vying for screen time as the Multiverse Saga reaches its conclusion.
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