Bruce Banner has been feeling out of place in recent years, given that he was one of the characters who helped to jumpstart the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Hulk has been full of big moments and little follow-through.
This is why ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ can turn out to be much more significant for the Jade Giant than one might think. Mark Ruffalo is set to reappear, which means that this Spider-Man sequel might be the first to give one of the most convoluted Avengers of the MCU some much-needed attention.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Could Bring Back The Hulk Fans Have Been Missing
Ever since ‘Avengers: Endgame’, Bruce Banner has lived as Smart Hulk, a combination of brains and brawn that solved years of inner conflict. It was a gratifying development then. It felt like a reward for the trauma and tension since The Avengers.
However, to tell the truth, something was lost. Smart Hulk has been lovable and consistent, but he never felt threatening. The uncivilized unpredictability that used to make the Hulk seem dangerous even to his teammates was gone.
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The news that ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ might feature a revival of Savage Hulk is not only thrilling in terms of spectacle but also in terms of emotional resonance. The Hulk performs best when he is a barely contained force of nature.
A Spider-Man film may not be the most natural location of such a transition, yet Peter Parker narratives have always been based on chaos invading personal lives. A feral Hulk tearing up that corner of the MCU would reintroduce the tension the franchise lacks.
After Years Of Silence, Hulk Could Finally Get Answers
In addition to the possible personality change, Bruce Banner’s story is full of unanswered questions. The most obvious one is Skaar, who was presented in ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ with virtually no explanation. Banner’s return to Sakaar, his son’s origins, and what that means for Hulk’s future were teased, then left hanging. It’s been radio silence ever since.
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There is also the lack of Bruce in the events of ‘Captain America: Brave New World’, which revisited plot lines of ‘The Incredible Hulk’ without him. Banner’s silence was weird with such characters as Samuel Sterns and even Red Hulk returning to the limelight. ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ can rectify that. It does not have to respond to everything.
But even a couple of lines of dialogue or a substantial development would be a long way. Bruce Banner has been drifting from cameo to cameo for years. Perhaps, lastly, this Spider-Man sequel will make us remember why the Hulk was important in the first place, not as muscle, but as one of the MCU’s most human tragedies.
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