Reactions to Hulk’s makeover as Professor Hulk in Avengers: Endgame were pretty divisive, to say the least, as many weren’t happy with how the Russo brothers handled everyone’s favorite green Brute. While in the earlier Avengers flicks, Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk was an absolute beast, driven by his rage, seeing him become a shell of his former self rubbed many the wrong ways.
Considering the future of Hulk in the MCU remains uncertain for now, having Professor Hulk be the ultimate resolution for the character has once again caused fans to outburst.
Professor Hulk Hasn’t Aged Well Among Fans
The recent years haven’t been kind to the MCU and its fans, and reflecting back on Hulk’s treatment isn’t ameliorating things. Although the conflict between Bruce and Hulk in Infinity War was engaging, considering the amalgamation of Bruce’s mind and Hulk’s body took place off-screen, many weren’t sold on Professor Hulk. Furthermore, having one of the strongest Avengers become a comic relief in Endgame caused fans to outcry.
While many still didn’t mind this change at the time, in hindsight, things haven’t aged well for Ruffalo’s Professor Hulk, as recently, fans have riled up to criticize MCU’s treatment of Hulk.
One of the strongest Marvel characters, just reduced to a joke.
— YAWANDU (@yawandu) March 5, 2024
The biggest waste of potential in the entirety of the MCU was the Hulk.
Shit makes me sad bro. pic.twitter.com/BjUl7Ixlf6— 🐩 (@Yolkswagon) March 5, 2024
Ever since Endgame, Hulk has lost the aura among newbies. MCU did very dirty to my boy H U L K
— Yotsu或 (@yakipacks) March 5, 2024
i still can’t believe they never brought a new Hulk out bro deserves allot more then a trilogy pic.twitter.com/UbFCNIt5ql
— frynec 🪤 (@frynecgotit) March 5, 2024
This still disgusts me pic.twitter.com/XvZMoTWrnK
— 𝐍𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐦 (@NakeemHere) March 5, 2024
Considering the Russo Brothers admitted that they had the hardest time figuring out what to do with Hulk in Infinity War and Endgame, it’s reasonable to see why the end product left a lot to be desired.
Mark Ruffalo Seemingly Killed off Hopes for a World War Hulk Feature
Although fans hoped a World War Hulk was in the corner, which would finally see the character return to his true form, unfortunately, this might not be the case. During his appearance at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Mark Ruffalo revealed that the MCU had no plans of working on a standalone Hulk feature. However, he did clarify that Kevin Feige and co. do have plans for his character, which will be carried out within the span of four films.
“Yeah. Kevin [Feige] was like, ‘What would you like to do?’ And he said, ‘What would you do if you had a standalone Hulk movie?’ I said, ‘Well, I’d like to take him from this raging maniac to kind of this integrated character.’ And he’s like, ‘Okay. We’ll do that over the course of four movies. We’ll never give you a standalone Hulk…I Don’t mean to burst your bubble, but that’s just not going to [happen.] So, we’ll do it over four movies, how does that sound?’ As far as I know. [when asked if it’s still true that Marvel Studios doesn’t want to do a Hulk movie.] I can talk more about it, but I’ve been told not to.”
It remains to be seen when will Hulk mark his return to the MCU, as with 2024 being a scarce year for the cinematic giant, it might be a while before we see the green brute in action again.
Avengers: Endgame is available to stream on Disney Plus.
