Last year’s box office smash opened with Bruce Banner in full-on Hulk mode; but later on, he wouldn’t appear – despite Banner’s best efforts. Now, as we approach Endgame, Marvel fans are certain that Hulk will come out at least one more time. But why has he been reluctant to show up for Banner recently, and what’s the solution?
A theory by Reddit user smacksaw has been 95% Upvoted after responses by thousands of readers.
It says: “This is so simple. In fact, I won’t be surprised if someone puts a link in the comments showing that it’s been covered.
“Hulk wants friendship. It’s that easy.
“Watch Ragnarok. All they talk about is ‘Thor not Hulk friend’.
“[Director] Waititi makes is perfectly clear: Valkyrie comes. They are friends. It’s obvious. He helps her.
“He clears the air with Thor. They establish a friendship between Thor and Hulk, not just Thor and Banner.
“Hulk runs after Thor. ‘Friend!’ he exclaims. Because he’s lonely. Because no one likes or respects him for who he is.
“Banner treats him like a trained animal.”
The theorist elaborated: “Hulk liked being a gladiator. He got recognition for who and what he is. Which, at it’s core is all anyone wants.
“There’s nothing complicated going on. Ragnarok makes it clear over and over again that Hulk’s primary motivation is validation from others, most importantly through friendship.
“Hulk came out on the Bifrost because Hulk’s friends were in trouble. Not because Banner called him. In fact, Hulk was content to let Banner die. He waited. He didn’t do it for Banner. He did it for Valkyrie and Thor.
“This ain’t rocket surgery, folks. Banner will be friends with his inner Hulk.”
It’s been rumoured – but not confirmed – that star Mark Ruffalo will be exiting the MCU after the next film.
So will Hulk’s arc come to a neat end in Endgame?
We don’t have much longer to wait: the film is out in less than a month’s time, and a wide range of character posters were unveiled earlier this week ahead of the rumoured release date for ticket pre-sales.
Avengers: Endgame is out on April 25 in the UK.