Sure, Avengers: Infinity War came out nearly four months ago, but that doesn’t mean we’re nearly finished discussing it. The conversation has been particularly hot this past week, as the digital copy of Infinity War was released July 31.
The release came with a number of special features , including director commentary from the Russo Brothers, who helped us out by answering some pressing questions.
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One of those key questions: Why wouldn’t Hulk come out during the Battle of Wakanda?
This is one of the biggest mysteries that’s been plaguing Marvel fans about Infinity War .
And what do Marvel fans do when they’re presented with a mystery? They create theories, of course.
Some pretty interesting ones, too.
For example, one fan proposed that Bruce Banner has actually been a Skrull impostor since Thor: Ragnarok , making him unable to access the real Hulk’s powers in Infinity War .
However, the more common theory among fans has been that the Hulk was simply afraid to face Thanos again.
To be fair, the Green Giant did receive quite the beatdown at the beginning of Infinity War .
But it’s sorta hard to believe that the Hulk would give up that easily, right?
Seriously, when have you ever known the Hulk to back down from a fight?
In the behind-the-scenes commentary for Infinity War, the Russo Brothers finally put an end to the mystery.
“People speculated whether there was some fear on the Hulk’s part about having to face Thanos again,” explains Joe Russo on the commentary track.
“But I think ultimately it’s that he’s tired of playing hero to Bruce Banner,” continues Joe.
That’s right, folks: The Hulk has feelings, too!
According to Joe, old Hulky is done playing Banner’s errand boy…
…and by “errands,” I mean fighting aliens, helping the Avengers save the world, etc.
To be fair, Banner does get all the praise and credit for what is ultimately the Hulk’s work.
“What makes [the Hulk] unique as a character is that there’s a host body that is being fought over by two distinct personalities who hate each other,” adds Joe.
“Both want control of the host body,” explains Russo.
“We thought an interesting direction to take him in is, well, what if Banner, who typically uses the Hulk to solve crisis situations, what if the Hulk were no longer interested in solving those problems for Banner?” posits the director.
In that case, Banner had better get more familiar with the Hulkbuster.
“The relationship is becoming increasingly dysfunctional and that’s what’s going on here,” Joe elaborates during the commentary.
Basically, the Hulk and Banner need to have a chat about living as equal parts, as opposed to the Hulk being Banner’s tool.
We’re guessing that this discussion will come up in Avengers 4 , because if you recall near the end of Infinity War , Banner says, “Hulk, we got a lot to figure out, pal.”
How these two are going to work things out is a mystery of its own.
And as per usual, we have a theory on that, too.
Specifically, that it might have something to do with the Hulk’s uniform in Avengers 4.
Earlier this year, an unverified piece of Avengers 4 promotional artwork was leaked, depicting the Hulk in what looked like a team uniform.
The theory here is that the Hulk will finally agree to appear once he is given an official slot on the Avengers team — as a hero, not just a weapon.
Let’s not forget that in Thor: Ragnarok, the Hulk experienced what it was like to be a hero among the people of Sakaar.
This happened after he became the Grandmaster’s champion.
Perhaps the Hulk isn’t only tired of being used, but has recently grown a liking towards purposely winning battles, as opposed to just smashing everything in sight.
Plus, in Ragnarok, the Hulk made major leaps in the area of teamwork when he helped Thor and Valkyrie fight Hela.
Looking at the Hulk’s growth as a teammate since The Avengers , he appears to be progressing as someone who can actually work with others as opposed to being a loose cannon.
In other words, the Hulk may finally be ready to focus his strength and become an official member of the Avengers team.
And what better way to make that official than for the Hulk to gear up in some Avengers armor?
Of course, if this happens, we can assume that Banner and the Hulk will work things out in Avengers 4.
It’s clear to see why the Hulk would benefit from this reconciliation: He gets to be a hero again.
As for Banner, he might actually be able to lead a relatively normal life. At least, one without uncontrolled Hulk outbursts.
There’s one more person who would benefit from a truce between Banner and the Hulk.
And that’s Black Widow.
It’s evident thatNatalia Romanova wants a relationship with Banner, and that the only thing standing in her way is Banner’s uncertainty about the Hulk.
So, a more stable unification between Banner and the Hulk will have wide-ranging benefits.
Frankly, it has the power to positively effect the entire universe.
Because if the Avengers are going to defeat Thanos next time around, they’re going to need all the man (or giant green beast) power they can get.
Plus, it’s safe to say that Marvel fans just won’t accept another Avengers film where the Hulk is more or less absent.
We’re more than ready to have him back, green fists swingin’!
