The Marvel Cinematic Universe has slowly expanded Hulk’s mythos, but many of his greatest characters are still missing. While Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner has played a significant role in the franchise, the Green Goliath has largely been relegated to a supporting role, missing out on the rich cast of allies and enemies that made his animated and comic book adventures so compelling. With multiversal threats and a growing number of Hulk-related characters appearing in the franchise, particularly following Captain America: Brave New World, now is the perfect time for the MCU timeline to introduce more Hulk characters.
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Hulk has been repeatedly sidelined in the MCU, largely due to the fact that Universal Pictures own the distribution rights to solo Hulk movies. Marvel’s solution has been to insert Hulk into other characters’ narratives. The result of this has been that many of Hulk’s ancillary characters who are vital to his story still haven’t appeared in the MCU.
You are watching: After 17 Years, I’m Convinced These 10 Major Hulk Characters Need To Appear In The MCU Now More Than Ever
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Grey Hulk Is Conspicuously Absent From The MCU
First Appeared In The Incredible Hulk #1
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One of the most notable omissions from the MCU’s portrayal of the Hulk is his Grey Hulk persona. Grey Hulk was Hulk’s original form before his skin tone was changed to green. Subsequently, Grey Hulk was reintroduced as a separate personality in Bruce Banner’s fractured psyche. Grey Hulk, also known as Joe Fixit, had a distinct personality – smarter, more cunning, and a bit of an antihero compared to the usual rage-filled Hulk.
The character provided a fascinating contrast to Bruce Banner’s green alter ego and allowed for a more nuanced portrayal of the Hulk’s psyche. Given the MCU’s increasing focus on different Hulk variants, such as Smart Hulk, introducing Grey Hulk would be a natural next step. His presence could bring more depth to the character and possibly set up a Las Vegas crime story similar to his run in the comics.
9
Rick Jones Is A Classic Hulk Ally
First Appeared In The Incredible Hulk #1
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One of the most glaring omissions from the MCU’s Hulk storyline is Rick Jones. A pivotal character in Hulk’s comic history, Rick Jones was responsible for Bruce Banner’s transformation into the Hulk, as Bruce saved him from a gamma bomb explosion. Hulk: The Animated Series exemplified Rick’s role as a loyal sidekick and close friend to Bruce. In later comics, he even became his own gamma-powered hero, A-Bomb.
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The MCU referenced Rick Jones in passing in The Incredible Hulk (2008), but he has yet to make a proper appearance. Bringing him into the fold could provide Bruce Banner with a much-needed personal connection, similar to how Bucky Barnes serves as Captain America’s anchor to his past. With the potential for Young Avengers to rise in the MCU, Rick Jones could also be introduced as a new hero in his own right.
8
The MCU’s Doc Samson Still Hasn’t Gained His Powers
The Incredible Hulk #141
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The MCU technically introduced Leonard Samson in The Incredible Hulk (2008), played by Ty Burrell, but he never became the superpowered character audiences know from the comics and Hulk: The Animated Series. Doc Samson is a gamma-enhanced psychologist with superhuman strength, acting as both an ally and occasional rival to the Hulk. His presence provides a unique perspective on the Hulk’s condition, as he tries to help Bruce Banner manage his transformations.
One particularly memorable moment from the comics saw Samson counsel Bruce Banner, the Hulk, and Grey Hulk in group therapy. The MCU could easily bring back Burrell or recast the role, giving Doc Samson his due as a powered-up hero who could aid the Hulk in future battles. He is the only major unresolved character from The Incredible Hulk who wasn’t addressed in Captain America: Brave New World.
7
Jim Wilson Deserves More Than A Cameo
First Appeared In The Incredible Hulk (Vol. 2) #388
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Jim Wilson is another important character from Marvel Comics who has been completely overlooked in the MCU. A close friend of both Bruce Banner and Rick Jones, Jim was one of the few people who saw the humanity in the Hulk. Jim was introduced into Hulk comics to replace Rick Jones, who had become Captain Marvel’s sidekick.
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The character is also notable for being one of Marvel’s first openly HIV-positive characters, making his inclusion in the MCU even more meaningful in terms of representation. While a version of Jim Wilson technically appeared in The Incredible Hulk (2008) as a Harlem resident played by P.J. Kerr, he was nothing more than a background character. Giving Jim a proper role in the MCU could add more depth to the Hulk’s world and highlight his importance as a compassionate and courageous figure.
6
Marlo Chandler Was An Early Hulk Love-Interest With Ties To Lady Death
First Appeared In The Incredible Hulk #347
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Marlo Chandler was one of the most significant romantic partners in Hulk’s history, playing a crucial role in the 1990s comics. A former Las Vegas showgirl, Marlo was introduced as a love-interest for the Grey Hulk’s Joe Fixit persona. Marlo is later reintroduced as Rick Jones’ girlfriend and becomes close friends with Betty Ross. However, what truly sets Marlo apart is her unexpected connection to Lady Death.
At one point, Marlo is possessed by the personification of Death, which leaves her with cosmic abilities and a connection with Death. With Death established in the MCU in Agatha All Along, Marlo Chandler could be readily introduced into the franchise, possibly serving as a bridge between street-level Hulk stories and cosmic mythologies. Her presence could also provide Hulk with a proper love-interest after Betty Ross way back in The Incredible Hulk (2008).
5
Maestro Is One Of The Greatest Hulk Villains Ever
The Incredible Hulk: Future Imperfect #1
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Few villains in Hulk’s rogues’ gallery are as terrifying as Maestro, the dark future version of Bruce Banner. A twisted, tyrannical ruler with the strength of Hulk and the intelligence of Banner, Maestro represents the nightmare scenario of Hulk’s unchecked power. This alternate version exists in a post-apocalyptic world where he has killed nearly all other heroes, ruling as an unstoppable force.
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As the MCU leans further into multiversal conflicts and dystopian futures, Maestro would be a perfect antagonist for a future project. His introduction could come through the Time Variance Authority, a corrupted timeline, or even a vision of Hulk’s worst potential future. If the MCU explores the Wastelands or introduces more alternate realities, seeing Mark Ruffalo portray an evil, aged version of his character could be an unforgettable experience, pushing Hulk to battle his own worst self.
4
Jarella Could Connect Hulk With The Quantum Realm
First Appeared In The Incredible Hulk #140
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Jarella is a warrior queen from the subatomic world of K’ai, and her introduction could naturally connect Hulk with the Quantum Realm. In the comics, Hulk was transported to K’ai, where he found a people who revered him as a hero rather than a monster. This love story gave Hulk one of his few moments of peace, adding emotional depth to his character.
Given the events of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the MCU has already established the existence of hidden micro-universes, making it an ideal time for Jarella’s debut. She was one of Hulk’s truest loves, and her world offers a setting filled with political intrigue, mystical powers, and a level of sci-fi fantasy unlike anything seen in the MCU so far. A storyline involving Hulk journeying to K’ai to protect her people could offer a unique twist to his usual earthbound struggles.
3
Nadia Dornova Has A Romance With Hulk And A Connection To Abomination
First Appeared In The Incredible Hulk #382
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Nadia Dornova is one of Hulk’s lesser-known love interests, but her backstory could bring an intriguing dynamic to the MCU. A Russian spy who falls for Bruce Banner, Nadia’s story is filled with espionage, tragedy, and betrayals. Her arc explores themes of love, trust, and the moral gray areas of loyalty, making her a compelling addition to Hulk’s narrative. What makes her even more relevant is her marriage to Emil Blonsky, a.k.a. Abomination.
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Given Abomination’s unexpected return in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, exploring more of his history through Nadia could deepen his character while also giving Bruce another emotionally complex romance. Nadia’s involvement could also pull Hulk into the world of espionage, creating an MCU storyline where Hulk interacts with SHIELD, the remnants of HYDRA, or even a revitalized Red Room, pushing him into thrilling new conflicts.
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Ms. MODOK Could Redeem MODOK’s Failure In The MCU
First Appeared In The Incredible Hulk #287
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MODOK’s portrayal in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania was exceptionally disappointing, but there’s a way to salvage the concept: introducing Ms. MODOK. A relatively obscure but fascinating character, Ms. MODOK – also known as Maria Tarasova – has been depicted as a genius scientist and a formidable force in her own right. Unlike her male counterpart, she’s a far more sinister and calculating presence, having been a high-ranking AIM scientist before transforming into her MODOK-like form.
If the MCU wants to revisit AIM or the world of mad science, Ms. MODOK could provide a fresh take on the concept. Marvel could present a more terrifying and competent version of the character while still embracing the campy fun. She could also introduce a new villainous faction, reviving AIM as a serious threat, ensuring that the legacy of MODOK is redeemed in a meaningful way.
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Devil Hulk Could Be An Avengers-Level Threat
First Appeared In The Incredible Hulk (Vol. 3) #19
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One of the scariest aspects of Hulk’s mythology is the Devil Hulk, a monstrous and highly intelligent persona buried deep within Bruce Banner’s psyche. Unlike the Savage Hulk or Smart Hulk, Devil Hulk is a cold, calculating, and vengeful entity that seeks to protect Bruce but despises humanity. This version of Hulk is more akin to a horror villain, capable of manipulation and psychological warfare.
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His appearance could bring the MCU into darker territory, exploring themes of inner demons and the nature of Bruce’s fractured mind. If the MCU wants to introduce a terrifying, psychological take on Hulk while setting up an Avengers-level threat, Devil Hulk is the perfect candidate. His emergence could be tied to a major mystical or cosmic event, leading to a Hulk rampage unlike anything seen before, forcing the Avengers to confront a Hulk they may not be able to stop.
Hulk
Created by
Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
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