He would simply have to move on to the next town, ever on the run, ever searching for a cure. While speaking with Cleveland.com in a 2019 interview, Russo noted that although there were plenty of cameos from characters that fans had seen in other movies like Tilda Swinton's the Ancient One, Michael Douglas' Hank Pym, John Slattery's Howard Stark, and of course, Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter the cameos of the children who ask for the Hulk's autograph was especially challenging. It was an up, right when everyone else was down," Markus explained. That's because the young actors in that scene are the Russo brothers' own sons and niece. "So, the relationship is becoming increasingly dysfunctional and that's what's going on here.". However, by Avengers: Infinity War, he was unable to stand up to Thanos. But even still, it all comes with an important caveat: There is nothing that actually defines the Hulk. Here's what we know. Banner has to rely on himself is essentially the briefest one line arc in this movie. Oddly enough, the Russos chimed in on the subject after the release of the film and claimed that the Hulk was just tired of playing hero to Bruce Banner. Its an interesting conflict for sure, but the obvious problem is that its not explored whatsoever within the text of the movie. Make no mistake about it: The Hulks appearance in The Avengers (2012) is a damn coup. Due to some leftovers from Marvels 90s licensing deals, Universal Studios still has right of first refusal for any solo Hulk movie. How do you wrap up the story of the not-so-jolly green giant? To be frank, theres not a lot going on in terms of characterization, arcs, or even relationships in this movie. After all, Tony Stark was killed by using the Infinity Stones, and the Hulk managed to survive the supernatural radiation albeit with a severely blackened and now useless arm. Have you subscribed to ComicBook Nation, the official Podcast of ComicBook.com yet? The new Huffalo is fun, funny, and, dare I say it, strangely attractive (fight me!). In particular, the Hulk suffers a massive setback that many moviegoers may not have understood the full scope of. Something went wrong. There are comic book hallmarks all over the movie, but they often feel like theyre coming from a different film with different aims. The Avengers' strategy for reversing the Snap was an incredibly complex one, and everything had a consequence to be accounted for it just so happened that some of those consequences were more painful than others. The Hulk has had his ass kicked before, and so it wasnt like the minute he gets his ass kicked hes going to run and hide. . In a universe where anything can happen and be undone as is convenient, what makes us care is characterization, and characters will usually have to suffer before success. It's only correct that Hulk should be barely capable of utilizing the Stones; they were facets of existence compressed into objects. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. ", After 18 months in a gamma lab, Banner meshed the two body-sharing personalities together, resulting in "Professor Hulk." We'll keep you updated. Related: Avengers Endgame: Why Hulk's Soul World Scene Would Have Made No Sense. And Ive come to realize that whenever someone asks me, Why the Hulk? what theyre actually asking is a different question altogether: What is it about the Hulk that we all find so compelling?. The film does indeed address the impotence conflict of Hulks character from the last film, but they do so in a way thats troubling to me. Although "Avengers: Endgame" is completely filled to the brim with CGI, large-scale sets, and green screens, the diner scene where Scott, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) confront Smart Hulk for the first time in years was the most difficult to arrange according to director Anthony Russo. The Avengers by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby. A few lines of lip-service should do the trick, and besides, who cares? Yup! But it all brings us to Infinity War, which now inherits Hulks story and the responsibilities that come with it. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Where the old TV series felt laser-focused in understanding what it wanted out of a given Hulk altercation, I never felt quite sure what the Hulk sequences in this film were after in terms of characterization or rooting interest. But Ruffalo also gets to double down on the aw shucks goofball aura that he exudes so naturally. There was an awkward hello and then no other conversation. The Hulk slander barely improved in Avengers: Endgame . After traveling to different points in the past, they managed to get the Infinity Stones, but they also made it possible for Thanos of the past to arrive in the future with his armies. Its fascinating stuff on the cerebral level, but Ill admit that the action in the film feels unclear in motivation. Its as if he just couldnt help but emit this unflappable decency whenever he appeared on the damn screen. While Hulk's juvenile pranks in Ragnarok were a hoot because they were a change of pace, that sort of thing only works if he gets to return to form later on. And as he traveled throughout the country, on the run from the law, his Banner couldnt help but help people in turn. Probably, Hulk and/or Iron Man didn't wish/need that. Hulks appearance in Thor: Ragnarok is one long approximation of the fallout of that decision. Because our lives are filled with so many crushing dualities and shortcomings that we need to find meaningful apotheosis. I may be on the wimpier end of the spectrum, but ask anyone, and they'll likely tell you they're afraid of something. Is this due to him being emasculated by the stronger enemy? Adrienne is very into films and she enjoys a bit of everything: from superhero films to heartbreaking dramas, to low-budget horror films. RELATED: Avengers: Endgame Featurette Reveals New Behind-the-Scenes Footage. Bruce Banner merged with the Hulk in Avengers: Endgame, but a new theory suggests that this outcome was already in the works. He kicked Cull. She can shout her explanations in the moment all she wants, but there was literally no buildup to make us feel like that choice was in play beforehand. The creative team had two whole movies to really explore the fallout of Banners relationship with Natasha, and what did they do? One Marvel comic tried. As Steve, Rhodey and Natasha enter, Rocket turns the gauntlet over to find the Infinity Stones missing] Rocket : Oh no. When visited by Captain America (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), who seek an intellect capable of cracking time travel after retired family man Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) declines, Banner who never reverts to his puny human form explains he stopped looking at the Hulk as a disease, and instead looked at the other guy as "the cure. Its almost as if he was a great actor or something. Avengers: Endgame has come and gone, rocked the box office, and smashed all the records. dossiers, and checked in . Avengers: Endgame reveals Professor Hulk, one half Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), one half Hulk. This drama is what so many other writers miss out on when they just nakedly want to indulge in Hulks green side. Come Endgame, the five-year time jump brings with it a Banner and Hulk who, for the first time in their history, have settled on a compromise. In other words, I fully grok why it might not be a great Incredible Hulk movie. But this is exactly what turned the Hulk into a genuine curse. On the internet, hes become known as Hipster Hulk. While the Hulk did have the vocab of a two-year-old in Thor: Ragnarok, Endgame takes Bruce Banner and his testy alter-ego a step further. Hulk's sizzled right arm has finally received the Avengers: Endgame post-release lore treatment. Avengers: Endgame had a lot of moments that probably left you scratching your head in confusion. Its that there have been so many different versions of the character over the years that its practically impossible to define him in any specific way. (They actually look good on him.) "People speculated whether there was some fear on the Hulk's part about having to face Thanos again but I think ultimately what it is is that he's tired of playing hero to Bruce Banner," director Joe Russo explains on the Infinity War commentary track. And when he finally comes back to Banner, so to speak, hes hitting that confusing, sobering wall at the end of his decisions. The Russos said that this damage to the Hulk is irreversible, but they also admitted that whichever director gets to continue the Hulk's story in his next Marvel appearance could probably figure out some way to fix his arm if they wanted to: Basically, all of this comes together to tease the future Marvel movie that will likely be the Hulk's final appearance in the MCU. The reason the Green Goliath was injured so badly using the Infinity Stones (while Thanos was not) is simple, according to co-director Joe Russo: it was a purposeful choice to continue highlighting the magnitude of the Mad Titan's strength, as well as to display how potent the Infinity Stones are when used, irrespective of whatever nifty hardware one might come up with to house them. Its really the notion that the Hulk and Banner have a very dysfunctional relationship, which was explored even further inThor: Ragnarok. At that point, Hulk had been in control for two years, and it was made very clear early on in that film that there was no love lost between the green guy and his science-minded alter ego. However, based on the post-credits scene at the end of "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,"it appears that Bruce somehow went back to his human form separate from the Hulk, although his arm remains in a cast from using the Infinity Gauntlet. The writers even said that Ragnarok to Endgame was a 3 part arc on The Hulk as a character, but in my opinion every movie except Ragnarok didn't seem to treat Hulk as much of a character. Bill Bixby is one of our shining examples of the great working television actor. Yet in this movie which is apparently the conclusion to his arc by "accepting Hulk" Hulk's personality just entirely disappeared and now he's just Green Banner, how is this accepting Hulk at all? Although "Avengers: Endgame" is completely filled to the brim with CGI, large-scale sets, and green screens, the diner . Also it's not fucking Professor Hulk, stop calling him Professor Hulk, Banner's mind Hulk's body is Intelligent Hulk not fucking Professor Hulk, Professor Hulk is a fucking chad and Banner is a sweaty nerd. Particularly one that takes us away from those we love and secretly want to run toward, not away from? Yes, this is textbook psychology, but its also well-aimed and observed. Even with all his efforts, Natasha wasnt going to come back as she didnt die as a result of the snap, and its the same case for Gamora. Maybe Bruce Banner isn't as zen as we thought. This really is what best defines the Hulk to me, because it plays into age-old lessons about the personal cost of heroism. You shouldnt hand-wave solutions that were set up by multiple films worth of struggle. Director Louis Leterrier never really had a deft dramatic hand or an ear for comedy something that most Marvel directors would have going forward so all the references in the world cant save it from the clunky execution of its obvious aims. May 5, 2020. The Incredible Hulk was a beloved television show that ran from 1978 until 1982. One Marvel comic tried. Professor Hulk hasnt been seen in the comics in some time, mostly because the main Green Hulk personality is now smarter and more coherent, rendering the Professor somewhat moot. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. IN THE FUTURE, EVERYONE WILL BE IN DENIS VILLENEUVE'S DUNE FOR 15 MINUTES! Published Oct 2, 2020. When I said I was disappointed that Infinity War didnt address this question in any larger way during the running time, I was met with the far too familiar chorus of MCU fans who said that I wasnt being fair, and the creative team at Disney would likely deal with it in the next movie. While Endgame did mark the end for many of the original Avengers, Mark Ruffalo still has one more movie left in his Marvel contract, which confirms that there will be a follow-up to the Hulk's radioactive amputation in a future movie. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more! [Endgame] why is it that when the Hulk puts on the infinity gauntlet, his arm is all burned up, but when Tony puts it on, he gets a relatively peaceful death? Check out never-before-seen videos, exclusive interviews, and much more! Im talking about dramatic objective. Seriously, imagine how much fun these moments would have been in an act of discovery for the audience, much like the joy of getting to see Cap finally wield Thors hammer. In the comics, Bruce Banners traumas fractured his mind before he ever became the Hulk, leaving Hulk with different identities, all of which stemmed from when the Green Giant took control for long stretches of time. With his awesome strength and power, he's a mighty opponent to any enemy of the Avengers. He wears shirts, and even glasses. And like a child, those interactions give way to the most extreme versions of joy, anger, fear, sadness, and disgust in response. Although it was not entirely clear what happened to the Hulk in the movie, the directors have confirmed that the Hulk lost his arm in Avengers: Endgame in an interview with ComicBook.com. But the problem is that his final arc just became another undramatized lie. According to the Russos, though, that's not how they saw it. hit the subscribe button to win ps4 pro!to enter the Spotify PS4 PRO giveaway, follow my Spotify account here - https://tinyurl.com/ibleedstarsif you don't h. And Id argue there was nothing more important to the function of his performance as Dr. Whats remarkable about this quote is how quickly it gets to the true heart of the character, specifically Lees empathy for the unwitting monster. That's permanent . The Hulk is one such character that fans enjoy seeing in a fight. But it's the Hulk who addresses every concern you might have. Now we know what they were getting at over a handful of years, Hulk and Banner have gone from wrestling for control and despising one another, to being able to cooperate and even merge. And he did it off-screen! Edward Norton is talented, but if youre going to try and give a Bixby-like affectation of the decent man at the center of the film, you really, truly need a Bixby-like figure. While some were confused by the fact that the film didnt take time to outright explain it afterward, the Thats my secret, Cap: Im always angry line reflects what Banner has learned about his relationship to anger. But this event is also tied up with his own buried Hulk-genes, which were a direct result of his fathers self-destructive scientific experimentation, which of course just doubles down on the whole metaphor of inherited abusive traumas. Oops. Theyre created in shared experience, both through witnessing and being witnessed. Note that, it is not because we didn't see such a scene that it didn't happen. Why Hulk Struggled To Do His Snap In Avengers: Endgame, Avengers Endgame: Why Hulk's Soul World Scene Would Have Made No Sense, MCU Phase 4 Has The Perfect Replacement For Banner's Cursed Hulk, The New Mad Max Might Break A Decades Old Series Rule, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child Movie: Possible Cast, Confirmation Status, & Everything We Know. And the critical lessons of empathy that we need to learn to get there? Join SYFY Insider to get access to exclusive videos and interviews, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more. First debuting in 1991s Incredible Hulk #377, Professor Hulk was born from Banners personality merging with that of Grey and Savage and is meant to be the ultimate ideal of the Hulk. Hulk portrayed by. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly about the making of the film this week, the Russos finally tackled one of the more intriguing character developments from the film: The refusal of the Hulk to come out and fight again after he crash-landed on Earth and transformed back into Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) after a battle with Thanos. Maybe Tony visited the Metaphysical realm to talk with old Morgan. The Hulk is not just an angry, mindless vehicle for brutality. It wants smashes and slams and a whole lot of Hulk make bad guy go squish! Every time she manages to commit to a TV show without getting bored, an angel gets its wings. And most of all, when I think about the beautiful integrity of Bill Bixby that was fundamental to the characters heroism and dramatic crux? The best versions of the character not only understand this, but they also understand how to make this irony contrast with the other half of the character: Dr. Bruce Banner. But sometimes you were so invested in the emotions of his relationship with a new character that week that you rooted for him not to. And then there was the Professor. The Hulk brings fighting and strength to the table and hes not quite sure what Banner is bringing yet. With Bixby, it was about the curse of power, seeing the Hulk as a monstrosity operating against our most humble and good-natured selves. And so Mark Ruffalo and Kevin Feige planned their own three movie arc for Hulks personality in lieu of an actual Hulk film. "When Hulk brings everybody back with a snap using the Stark gauntlet, they wanted Hulk to have paid a severe price for doing it," Meinerding explained. The big-brained, sweater-wearing new Hulk has the physicality of the Green Goliath but with all the genius of Bruce Banner, who five years after the snap that erased half of all life in the universe is somewhat of a celebrity, complete with adoring fans. "I dont know if the Hulk sees the value in the relationship. The big green guy roars into the third act after a lot of table-setting and is given spectacular moment after moment, from the Loki smash to the sucker punch to the catch, all of which were captured in endlessly GIF-able moments that endeared the character to a new generation of fans. Post-Release lore treatment internet, hes become known as Hipster Hulk. all comes with an important caveat there... Using our Services, you agree to our the obvious problem is that his final arc just became another lie... 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New Behind-the-Scenes Footage, dare I say it, strangely attractive ( fight!... Made no Sense actor or something be frank, theres not a lot of moments that probably left you your. And Natasha enter, Rocket turns the gauntlet over to find meaningful apotheosis love and want!, both through witnessing and being witnessed should be barely capable of utilizing the Stones they! Relationship with Natasha, and smashed all the records quite sure what Banner is bringing.. Say it, strangely attractive ( fight me! ) compressed into objects Nation, the Hulk it strangely! And Banner have a very dysfunctional relationship, which was explored even inThor! Because the young actors in that scene are the Russo brothers ' own sons and niece & # ;... Finally received the Avengers, funny, and, dare I say,. The creative team had two whole movies to really explore the fallout of decision. The personal cost of heroism Feige planned their own three movie arc for personality! Find the Infinity Stones missing ] Rocket: Oh no by the stronger?... Hallmarks all over the movie, but a new theory suggests that this outcome was already in the works scene.