The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to reinvention. Characters evolve, tones shift, and beloved heroes are constantly redefined to keep fans invested. One character, however, has undergone perhaps the most controversial transformation of all: the Hulk.
Once the MCU’s unpredictable rage monster, he has now become Smart Hulk, who is a more measured, humorous version, dividing fans. However, a new theory tied to ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ may finally deliver what audiences have been waiting for: the return of the Savage Hulk.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Can Mark The Savage Hulks’s Return
Since his debut in 2008’s ‘The Incredible Hulk’, Bruce Banner has been at war with himself. Edward Norton first introduced us to the character before Mark Ruffalo took over in ‘The Avengers’, where Hulk quickly became a fan-favorite. His savage, uncontrollable outbursts made him both a terrifying liability and a secret weapon. The Battle of New York showed Hulk smashing Chitauri invaders left and right, while ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ reminded fans how dangerous he could be when Wanda manipulated his mind.
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This unpredictability was the essence of Hulk; nobody, not even Banner, knew what would happen once the green giant took over. However, that dynamic changed with ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Marvel surprised fans by revealing that Banner had merged his intellect with Hulk’s strength, creating “Smart Hulk.” While the idea was fresh, many felt it stripped the character of his primal, chaotic identity. Instead of roaring on the battlefield, Hulk was suddenly cracking jokes at diners and taking selfies with kids.
That transformation didn’t sit well with fans who missed the uncontrollable monster who could change the tide of any battle. And now, ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ might be the perfect place to bring that energy back. Marvel Studios has confirmed that ‘Brand New Day’ will lean into a darker, street-level story. Kevin Feige himself teased that Tom Holland’s Peter Parker would focus on “street-level crime” after the world forgot his identity in ‘No Way Home’.
The addition of Jon Bernthal’s Punisher fits perfectly with that gritty direction. But what about Hulk? At first glance, Hulk doesn’t belong in a smaller-scale, urban story. However, when factoring in the events of ‘Thunderbolts’, the theory begins to make sense. That movie reportedly introduces Sentry and his destructive alter ego, The Void. During the conflict, The Void engulfs New York City in a shadow that forces people to relive their darkest memories and traumas. The Void could destabilize Smart Hulk’s fragile balance. That could cause Banner to lose control, unleashing the savage Hulk once again.
Why Savage Hulk Matters For MCU’s Future
If Hulk does revert to his savage persona in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, the ripple effects could be massive heading into ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’. So far, Hulk hasn’t been confirmed for ‘Doomsday’. However, the Avengers roster is still expanding. Bringing back Savage Hulk would add a dangerous wildcard to the team. Unlike Jennifer Walters’ She-Hulk, who remains fully in control of her powers, Bruce’s savage side could force the Avengers to treat him as both an ally and an unpredictable threat.
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This sets the stage for a Hulk who feels different from the rest of Marvel’s heroes. With Doctor Doom rumored to be a major player in the Multiverse Saga, unleashing Hulk’s unrestrained power could be the Avengers’ trump card. For fans, it would also be a satisfying payoff. Marvel has often struggled with giving Hulk the spotlight he deserves. The return of the savage version would not only honor the character’s legacy but also bring back the sense of excitement Hulk brought.
