Earlier this year, the Hulk was the hot topic of Marvel movie news. Rumors began to surface that his next solo feature film would feature the epic ‘Planet Hulk’ storyline, but Joss Whedon quickly smashed those rumors since that story focuses on the Jade Giant rather than his human alter ego, Dr. Bruce Banner. Since Mark Ruffalo was highly regarded for his performance in ‘The Avengers’ and he’s contracted to do multiple pictures, it’s unlikely that they would adapt a story that barely has Banner in it. But it looks like they won’t have to.
Comic Book Movie has shared a new rumor that ‘The Incredible Hulk 2’ will be based on the excellent Marvel NOW series ‘Indestructible Hulk’ from ‘Daredevil’ writer Mark Waid. Similar to the character portrayal in Whedon’s 2012 mega-hit, this new Hulk book features a Bruce Banner who has decided that instead of trying to get rid of “the other guy”, he would embrace him. In this comic, Banner strikes a deal with S.H.I.E.L.D. where he gets a state of the art lab and access to the organization’s resources so that he can use his intellect to help the world instead of thinking of ways to eradicate his illness in exchange for the services of the Hulk whenever they need some heavy artillery.
Marvel’s movies have always been about the person behind the mask, so to speak. Considering that Kevin Feige and company are very keen on showing off Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner more, ‘Indestructible Hulk’ doesn’t seem like a bad way to go. Also, not only would it feature a Marvel Cinematic Universe fan favorite like Banner, but it would also include another one in the form of Maria Hill. Throughout the comic series so far, Hill and Banner have had a fun love/hate relationship that would be excellent to see onscreen between Ruffalo and ‘How I Met You Mother’ star Cobie Smulders.
Of course, one concern that could arise from Hulk fans is that this could ignore the years and years of quality gamma-infested stories that came before ‘Indestructible Hulk’. Well, it’s very possible that Marvel Studios could be using Waid’s book as a frame to put the bigger picture in. It is an adaptation after all. They’re allowed to take artistic liberties with the story.
Here’s how I see it: After whatever happens in ‘The Avengers 2’, Hulk teams up with S.H.I.E.L.D. in the same arrangement from the comics. ‘The Incredible Hulk 2’ picks up with Banner after being on some missions with the organization and discovering some life-changing breakthroughs in his research. Then, the Leader, Red Hulk, Radioactive Man, or some huge villain enters and the story begins. It definitely won’t be hard to get in classic Hulk tales and characters after using the establishing bits of the Marvel NOW series.
Hopefully this rumor ends up being true. This is a great idea that I am behind 100%. But what about you? What do you think about Marvel Studios potentially incorporating ‘Indestructible Hulk’ into the next Hulk movie starring Mark Ruffalo? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comment section.
