Marvel Studios has been steadily laying the groundwork for the Young Avengers, and it seems that one of the team’s most iconic members, Hulkling, is closer than ever to making his MCU debut.
For fans, the wait for Teddy Altman may be frustrating, but front he reports it’s clear Marvel is playing the long game. Moreover, the question isn’t if he’ll appear, but when. Teddy Altman is sure to make the wait for the Young Avengers worth it.
Hulkling Was Initially Expected To Make His Marvel Debut With Billy Maximoff
According to insider reports, Marvel has specific plans for Hulkling’s debut. This also was the reason why he didn’t appear in ‘Agatha All Along’, despite early discussions about introducing him in the series. “There is a plan to introduce Teddy Altman soon,” Insider Alex Perez told TheCosmicCircus.
However, Marvel ultimately opted not to include him, choosing instead to save the character for a more significant moment in their interconnected storyline. Marvel’s decision to withhold Hulkling from ‘Agatha All Along’ reflects a larger strategy of the MCU building toward the Young Avengers.
“The writers wanted to make Eddie Teddy originally, but it was denied because there are plans for Teddy already set in motion in the MCU.” Hulkling was initially expected to debut alongside Wiccan, his comic book teammate and eventual love interest, in ‘Agatha All Along‘.
The franchise has been steadily planting seeds: Kate Bishop from ‘Hawkeye’, Cassie Lang from ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’, and now Billy Maximoff are already in the mix. Moreover, Hulkling’s introduction will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in this storyline. Unlike his comic book counterpart the MCU’s take on Hulkling might expand on his cosmic origins
Why Teddy Altman AKA Hulkling Didn’t Appear In ‘Agatha All Along’
As ‘Agatha All Along’ further explored Billy Maximoff’s story, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce Teddy Altman. The show’s early scripts even named Billy’s boyfriend “Teddy” in homage to Hulkling. However, Marvel made a conscious decision to change course.
Showrunner Jac Schaeffer confirmed this in an interview with EW. “There were early conversations about Hulkling,” Schaeffer revealed. “Eddie was originally called Teddy because we were looking at the artwork and thinking about that. That was a Marvel decision to not have him be Hulkling for the purposes of our show,” she added.
In case you missed it: ‘Agatha All Along’ Showrunner Jac Schaeffer Opens Up About Billy Maximoff’s Potential Young Avengers Transition
Instead, Billy’s boyfriend, Eddie, was renamed, a tribute to someone important in the writers’ room. Schaeffer clarified that the choice wasn’t meant to tease fans but was a respectful nod within the production team. Moreover, Marvel insiders like MyTimeToShine have also hinted at Hulkling’s future.
