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Hulk Has No MCU Story Left After Avengers: Endgame
The Hulk has no substantial future in the MCU following Avengers: Endgame. The fourth Avengers film acted as a sendoff for the original 6 team members; those who were not killed off retired on their own terms. While characters like Hawkeye and Thor are set to return, however, Hulk is left in a tough spot: he only has 1 solo movie to his name, but his overall character arc is already at its end. There is nothing left for the Hulk to do in the Marvel Cinematic Universe post-Endgame.
Bruce Banner has had a rough go in the MCU, as 2008's The Incredible Hulk is widely considered one of the weaker installments. Originally played by Edward Norton, the character was recast in 2012 for The Avengers. From there, Mark Ruffalo would play the "Jade Giant" in a host of Marvel films, although he has never gotten one of his own. Instead, Kevin Fiege had to come up with an unorthodox plan to include Hulk's narrative.
In place of a trilogy, "The Green Goliath" would feature in other movies in a supporting role. This would allow him a condensed character arc to match his companions. The beginning was in Thor: Ragnarok, which incorporated elements of the comic storyline "Planet Hulk"; this bled into Avengers: Infinity War and then concluded with Avengers: Endgame. Hulk's MCU arc was far from perfect, but it was better than nothing, even if it didn't last very long. Only a couple years later and Hulk's story potential in the MCU has officially run dry.
Avengers: Endgame Completed Hulk's MCU Arc
Avengers: Endgame was a conclusion for many of the MCU's mainstays. The original Avengers team finished their respective stories which had been built up for over a decade. They stepped aside so a new set of heroes can lead the team into the future. The Hulk is included among the old guard, with his makeshift arc wrapping up in the film. His Avengers: Endgame portrayal was somewhat lacking, but he managed to go out in the biggest way he possibly could all the same.
The fusion between Banner and Hulk was jarring at first glance. As he said himself, the brains and the brawn were put together. The result was a massive, green celebrity in the science world. Banner's intellect and verbal skills combined with Hulk's massive frame to form Professor Hulk. In the 5-year time jump, the two personalities compromised after some time in the gamma lab. For years, that power struggle defined his MCU journey — finally putting it to rest is a good endpoint for the character.
Also worth mentioning is Banner's willingness to step up and snap the Stark gauntlet. It contained all 6 Infinity Stones which he used to bring back those lost in Thanos' snap. His arm sustained extensive damage, but he knew he was the best person for the job. This was one of the few important Hulk-centered scenes in the MCU. There is no better curtain call for a character that struggled for years with being a hero than the ending that Endgame provided.
Marvel Can't Make A Solo Hulk Movie
Even if Marvel Studios wanted to take Hulk on another solo adventure, there are legal barriers in the way. Universal Studios retains distribution rights to Hulk, so they would have to be involved with the project. He is allowed to appear as a side character MCU films, but not in one of his own. Even if they could do a Hulk film legally, it has proven very difficult to get right. Previous attempts were met with lackluster response critically and financially. It would be a major gamble all around if it were even a possibility in the first place.
All things considered, such a venture is not worth it at this stage in the game. Though it has taken unconventional avenues to get told, Hulk's story is complete. His character evolved exponentially over the past few years, leaving little room for him to progress further. He doesn't require any further exploration as a character. Endgame granted him a big hero moment, one that would only be tarnished by keeping him around. Another go at a Hulk movie isn't plausible legally or creatively, he doesn't warrant the effort anymore.
She-Hulk Should Be Marvel's Focus In The MCU's Future
With the original Avengers disbanding, Hulk is now surrounded by rookies. With so many new characters arriving in the coming years, he'll be pushed by the wayside one way or another. He already has a ready-made successor on the way to the franchise in She-Hulk. Starring in an upcoming Disney+ series of her own, lawyer Jennifer Walters is a classic Marvel character most casual fans are aware of. Marvel bringing in a suitable actress for She-Hulk as a replacement for the original green Avenger is the only logical way to go. There is no reason why she couldn't become a focal point of the MCU going forward.
Shifting the focus from Hulk onto She-Hulk would be a smart call heading into the future. The transition could very easily be pulled off by including the original Hulk in her show. Banner could fill the role of a mentor, grooming her for his former position on the Avengers. He could get something resembling a sequel to his first movie while giving She-Hulk a boost. His worldwide popularity can help sell fans on her introduction. Her story has yet to be told, unlike her predecessor, so she has a bright future ahead of her regardless. If presented correctly, She-Hulk could be a tentpole figure in the next few phases of the MCU.
The Hulk had a respectable run in the MCU, going through a remarkable metamorphosis over the years. Even if Ruffalo's character didn't get much time in the spotlight, he became a fully fleshed-out part of the franchise. Endgame brought his arc to its finale in the strongest way it could. He was, at last, a true hero, willing to put his life on the line for a world that long shunned him. The best thing for him to do now is to act as a springboard for She-Hulk. She can learn a lot from him and his varied experiences as one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Aside from that, Avengers: Endgame has left the Hulk with no other stories to tell.
