The first trailer for the upcoming She-Hulk Disney+ streaming series confirmed a lot of speculation about the show for fans, including some details of how Jennifer Walters becomes She-Hulk. But the trailer also spurs questions about Jennifer and her role in the MCU. Does she represent Abomination as his lawyer? What does his return mean for his future and possibly the Thunderbolts?
She-Hulk plays a major role in Marvel Comics history, first appearing in her own monthly title and then becoming a member of both the Avengers and the Fantastic Four. Her MCU destiny likely involves both, though the trailer keeps things relatively down to Earth. The trailer does pose intriguing questions about how Jennifer fits into ongoing storylines in the MCU and how much of her comic origin carries over into live-action.
Does She Represent Abomination?
Jennifer Walters works for a Superhuman Law Division within her law firm, Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg, and Holliway. The trailer reveals she meets with Emil Blonsky, better known to comics and MCU fans as Abomination. The question becomes whether or not she represents him in the series.
Jennifer representing Blonsky adds an interesting wrinkle to her relationship with her cousin, Bruce Banner. Banner fought Abomination in the first and so far only MCU Hulk movie from 2008. Why does she represent him? What happens if she wins the case?
Is She Connected To The Thunderbolts?
Abomination ranks among the coolest Hulk villains but a question arises from the trailer regarding his possible turn toward heroism. Blonsky served on the Thunderbolts team in Marvel Comics and Jennifer's representation of him could lead to his joining the live-action version.
Many Thunderbolts comic book characters exist in the MCU, including Baron Zemo and John Walker, hinting this team may be forming. They operated out of The Cube for a time, and the new high-tech prison seen in the trailer seems as though it takes some cues from the comic prison. The Thunderbolts once operated as a government-affiliated team, and Jennifer may be negotiating some kind of work release for Blonsky.
Will The Contessa Appear?
John Walker last appeared beside The Contessa, and the She-Hulk series may be where her mysterious character next appears in the MCU. The Contessa also manipulated Yelena Belova into attacking Hawkeye over the death of her sister, Black Widow.
The Contessa's motives remain unknown, but she appears to be assembling some kind of team. These characters largely exist on the fringes of good and bad in the MCU and characters like Abomination fit right into that profile, making him her likely next candidate.
Is That Frog Man?
The trailer throws out a lot of questions about supervillains and one concerns a character with ties to Spider-Man. The trailer introduces a costumed character who appears to be Frog Man, a fantastic deep-cut to an obscure character.
Frog Man first appeared in Marvel Team-Up #121 and definitely ranks among Spider-Man's strangest comic book allies. He fought crime but very unsuccessfully often frustrating Spider-Man. Is he a hero in the MCU? Does he need a lawyer?
How Does Jennifer Get Her Powers?
The trailer makes clear Jennifer acquires her superhuman powers from her cousin, but how this happens remains a question. The trailer shows a car crashing in a jungle, possibly hinting that Jennifer gets injured and requires a blood transfusion from Bruce.
A version of this happens in Marvel Comics. Jennifer requires a blood transfusion from Bruce after a crime boss shoots her in her first appearance, The Savage She-Hulk #1 in 1980. She gains his powers but as the trailer reveals, is able to switch back and forth between her regular self and the She-Hulk.
Can The Hulk Change?
Another question the trailer asks surrounds the Hulk. Bruce Banner gained the ability to merge his two selves in Avengers: Endgame, but in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, he appears in human form. In the She-Hulk trailer, he's still the Hulk.
Jennifer changes back and forth, with some external pressure it seems from the trailer. Bruce's different appearances in Phase Four hint at potential changes for the iconic character that could stem from developments in the upcoming series.
What Is The Hulk Training Her For?
The trailer features numerous shots of the Hulk training Jennifer on how to use her powers. Most center on him trying to trigger her turning into the She-Hulk but the question remains why. Does she need to turn into She-Hulk for some reason?
She-Hulk moves back and forth between her Hulk and human selves in the comics, unlike her cousin. Her emotional state contributes to her strength though, and the more afraid or angry she is, the more powerful she becomes. Perhaps Bruce attempts to unlock this potential within her.
What's Up With Titania?
Titania, played by Jameela Jamil from The Good Place, appears in the trailer in a brief shot. Her attire differs greatly from her comic book counterpart, and seems more in line with a professional wrestler, begging the question of what is up with Titania.
Titania counts among the most powerful She-Hulk villains and debuted in Secret Wars #3. Doctor Doom experiments on her, giving her superhuman powers. This origin likely changes significantly in the MCU, but how remains a question for fans.
Will She Become An Avenger?
Jennifer's friend throws out a big question in the trailer: will she become an Avenger? All signs point to yes as Jennifer served as a key member of the team in the comics for decades. She continues to be part of the team in current comic book storylines.
The Hulk trains her to use her powers in the MCU for some reason, possibly to take his place among the Avengers. Bruce appears healthy in his Hulk form, but could still be suffering from his use of the Infinity Gauntlet in his human form, limiting his capacity to fight.