Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk has had an interesting arc in the MCU over the years. While he was a force to be reckoned with in the first two Avengers films, fans have been divided ever since Banner and Hulk merged into one in Avengers: Endgame. While some find this to be a natural progression of the character, the majority believe that the MCU’s Hulk has been on a downward spiral since then.
One of the scenes that has angered most fans is the fact that Thanos managed to defeat Hulk very easily at the beginning of Avengers: Infinity War. However, if one looks closely, there is a very impressive and logical explanation for this.
Fans Finally Realize The Logic Behind Thanos Winning Over Hulk
Avengers: Infinity War was a great entry for Thanos in his full-fledged role in the MCU after many teases in previous films, The heroes of the MCU came together to face the ultimate threat to the universe in the epic crossover film. However, one scene in the film disappointed fans at the time the film was released.
Fans did not like the way Mark Ruffalo‘s Hulk was easily defeated by Thanos at the beginning of the film. Many criticized that the Hulk was wasted in the scene and also throughout the entirety of the film. However, fans have now slowly begun to realize why the Russo brothers and the writers decided to let Thanos win over Hulk.
On X, fans have now stated that the intro to Thanos in the film established him as a powerful fighter and created an aura of intimidation from the start. Even without the stones, the fact that he could beat Thor, Hulk, and Loki raises the stakes for the remaining Avengers to an unprecedented level, where they didn’t stand a chance (they do lose in the end). Here are some of the explanations,
It’s actually a really good move: you wanna establish this villain is a different breed, he can beat the Hulk in hand to hand.
— Gunner Dobbins (2nd Invincible Era) (@GunnerDobbins) January 22, 2024
I think the main issue here is that…Hulk kinda hadn't really done much? He doesn't really have any major strength feats that put him SO far above the other characters that Thanos kicking his ass had much weight
— Steveroni François 🏴 (@Stephen_Fremel) January 23, 2024
Thanos's IW intro is still awesome because it establishes without the stones, this is a guy who can outfight the Hulk, makes Thor a ragdoll, and can outmaneuver and outwit Loki.
— Gunner Dobbins (2nd Invincible Era) (@GunnerDobbins) January 22, 2024
Right, Thanos was a nearly unstoppable threat without the stones. The point of the film is to covey that the Avengers never had a chance. The moment he got his hands on the stones, it was over.
— Jack of Some Trades #StandUpUAW #SagAftraStrong (@JGoku18) January 23, 2024
Especially since it’s a believable beating. Hulk is a bruiser through and through, no technique, just raw force. Thanos is a warrior-king (tyrant), and even in this short clip, uses evasion, mix ups, targeted strikes, and environmental advantages to take him down.
— GRUMM🐀 (@GRUMM9301) January 23, 2024
There are still people who have problems with the overall logic and narrative of the whole scene. However, these explanations provide a clearer picture of the intention of the filmmakers and wanting audiences to be instantly terrified of Thanos right from the start.
Also read: Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Destroys Mark Ruffalo’s Berserker Hulk in Marvel Battle Art
Mark Ruffalo is Optimistic For A Hulk Standalone Film In the Future
Since Mark Ruffalo became the Hulk replacing Edward Norton, he has not starred in a solo Hulk movie. While The Incredible Hulk is now under Disney, the character is still owned by Universal. Thus, doing a standalone Hulk movie in the MCU is still not possible.
Ruffalo was recently asked by Comicbook.com about a possible solo film in the future through the efforts of the studios working out a deal together. The actor revealed that he has no idea as of now but expressed his optimism about its possibility in the near future. He said,
“Not that I know of. I’ve been asked not to comment on it, that specifically. Hopefully, one day though they’ll work it out. I think it could be really cool and I’ve been putting a lot into what it could be to be cool, but I don’t know yet.”
Also read: Fans Half-Expect 1 What If…? Character Will be MCU Canon and Replace Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk
Disney has been taking over all the Marvel properties from Fox and Netflix in the past few years and made them a part of the MCU. A similar thing is expected to happen for the Hulk as Disney may acquire the character from Universal or they could agree to share the character just like they are doing with Sony’s Spider-Man.
