The difficulties with bringing the Hulk to the big-screen have been well documented over the years. The Incredible Hulk remains one of Marvel Studios’ least successful films and in order to bring him to the screen in another solo outing, they would need to strike a distribution deal with Universal. The easiest way to avoid the messy legalities, is to use the Hulk like a wild card and attach him as a supporting character to another established property.
When Guardians of the Galaxy became a smash hit, it seemed inevitable that we would see him appear in Guardians of the Galaxy vol 2. However those hopes were eliminated when the Hulk was sent adrift at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron. Many hoped that he would float into space and we would get a loose adaptation of the Planet Hulk storyline. However Marvel apparently had other plans for the Green Goliath, that not many people saw coming.
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Deadline reports that actor Mark Ruffalo will join Chris Hemsworth in the upcoming movie Thor: Ragnarok. The film will be directed by up and coming director Taika Waititi, whose short resume seems to tilt more towards the comedic side of the spectrum. The third film in any trilogy is a challenge, much less one as effects heavy as a movie starring Thor, the Hulk, and whatever army could possibly match them. Plus Waititi will also have to interwine the story into the larger Marvel cinematic universe. It’s a daunting task for any filmmaker and hopefully Marvel has a plan that will blow us all away.
While this may initially may come as a bit of surprise, it does make sense financially and narratively. Thor and Hulk are essentially gods among humans, that’s what is keeping them out of the grounded conflicts in Captain America: Civil War. Also keep in mind that the Thor vs Hulk fight was one of the most enjoyable parts of the first Avengers. Additionally there hasn’t been a beatdown in the entire MCU as satisfying as when the Hulk bodyslams Loki. There’s no chance that they will pass up on the opportunity to capitalize on that tension once more.
It’s still is up in the air how Bruce Banner will end up, presumably, in space with Thor. Perhaps we may get a hint, or even a stinger, explaining the Hulk’s fate in Captain America: Civil War. It’s also still within the realm of possibility that we may still get elements of Planet Hulk in Ragnarok. If so, that would set up the Hulk for a triumphant return from the cosmos in Avengers: Infinity War. How the Hulk and Thor end up driving off the galactic Grand Canyon holding hands together is anyone’s guess at this point. But what a great time to be a Marvel fan. We will be sure to bring you the latest as it develops.
Thor: Ragnarok will be opening in theaters on November 3rd, 2017.
Do you think the addition of the Hulk is a good idea? Or a way to sell extra tickets? Let us know on the comment boards, , , and !