The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s handling of the Hulk hit a major snag in Avengers: Endgame, and two projects from 2024 brought this issue back into focus. Surprisingly, Hulk wasn’t heavily featured in the 2024 slate, which included only one movie tied to the Fox X-Men franchise and four Disney+ shows that explored other characters and stories.
However, the groundwork for a potential Hulk resurgence is being laid for 2025. Captain America: Brave New World will reintroduce key characters from The Incredible Hulk, such as Thunderbolt Ross, Betty Ross, and The Leader, opening the door for Hulk’s possible return to the spotlight.
The problem isn’t just the limited appearances—it’s how his character was portrayed in Endgame. Fans have long debated the depiction of the Gamma-powered genius, and these recent projects make it clear that the MCU still has the opportunity to correct course and restore Hulk’s complexity in the next chapter of Marvel’s cinematic journey.
Hulk’s Fiery Comeback: Two Epic Battles in 2024 Reignite His Unstoppable Rage
In 2024, the Hulk made two unforgettable appearances that reminded fans of his raw power and unleashed fury. His first cameo occurred in Deadpool & Wolverine, where he clashed with Wolverine in a scene straight out of the comics. The battle featured Wolverine in his classic yellow-and-brown suit, squaring off against an uncontrollable, enraged Hulk in a moment fans had long awaited.
The second spotlight came in What If…? season 3, episode 1, titled “What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?” Here, Hulk transformed into the monstrous Mega-Hulk, a Kaiju-like version of himself. In this alternate scenario, Mega-Hulk not only fought another massive Kaiju but also threatened to unleash devastation worldwide with an army of colossal minions. Although the story stopped short of global destruction, these appearances brought attention to a recurring misstep in how the MCU has treated the character, sparking hope for a more dynamic portrayal in the future.
Endgame’s Smart Hulk Choice Held Back Hulk’s True Power—But There’s Still Hope
The decision to introduce Smart Hulk in Avengers: Endgame worked within the movie’s narrative but ultimately limited the character’s true potential. Fans have rarely seen the pure, uncontrolled rage of the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and this shift made it seem like the days of an untamed Hulk were gone for good.
By 2024, this issue remains unresolved, with Hulk’s angrier forms only appearing in multiverse-based scenarios. Without alternate realities where Smart Hulk doesn’t exist, the ferocious, unrestrained Hulk fans adore might have been permanently sidelined. However, the MCU’s 2024 releases offered a glimmer of hope, showing that the classic, rage-fueled Hulk still has a chance to make a triumphant return.