Marvel Studios isn't discussing a Hulk solo movie or any future film appearance at the moment, confirms Marvel Cinematic Universe star Mark Ruffalo. Technically, a standalone Hulk movie already exists in the MCU, in the form of 2008's The Incredible Hulk, which starred Edward Norton as Bruce Banner. However, due to the complicated movie rights of the Hulk character, the superhero has since only appeared in team-up films. Marvel also recast the character, with Ruffalo stepping into the Hulk's green skin for The Avengers. He's since appeared in all four Avengers movies and Thor: Ragnarok (and had a cameo in the Iron Man 3 post-credits scene).

But with the Infinity Saga concluded in Avengers: Endgame and Marvel Studios gearing up the launch Phase 4 with Black Widow this fall, it's unclear what's next for Hulk. Ruffalo's character became Smart Hulk in Avengers: Endgame, effectively merging Bruce Banner and the green rage monster into one being, completing his arc that began all the way back in The Incredible Hulk. It seemed like Marvel was moving away from Hulk with the announcement of the She-Hulk TV show, which will release on Disney+ in the coming years. Still, fans are no doubt eager to see more of Ruffalo's Hulk, either in the MCU movies or TV shows.

Related: What She-Hulk Reveals About Marvel's Problems With Hulk's Character Rights

Speaking to Variety about Hulk possibly appearing in She-Hulk, Ruffalo revealed that's the only Bruce Banner appearance Marvel is currently discussing as far as he's aware. Ruffalo further confirmed he's had talks with Marvel about appearing in the She-Hulk TV show, though he didn't offer any details on how big of a role he would have. He then said, "Right now that’s about it. That’s all there is on the table." The actor's comment confirms Marvel isn't talking about a movie return for Hulk, either in a solo film or another MCU outing.

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If Marvel isn't talking about a movie return for Ruffalo, we may be able to presume Hulk isn't in Thor: Love and Thunder, Taika Waititi's upcoming follow-up to Ragnarok. Considering Thor and Hulk went their separate ways in Avengers: Infinity War and their stories pointed them in vastly different directions at the end of Avengers: Endgame, it's not surprising that Hulk wouldn't be in Love and Thunder. After all, Thor was set to leave Earth with the Guardians of the Galaxy, who will appear in Thor: Love and Thunder. Considering the Guardians will be included and Love and Thunder will see Natalie Portman's Jane Foster become Mighty Thor, Waititi's movie has plenty of other characters to deal with without adding Hulk.

Still, Hulk fans may be disappointed to hear a solo movie isn't even being discussed, considering how much of a favorite character Ruffalo's superhero has become. Given the character's solo movie rights still reside at Universal, it's not very surprising - that's why there hasn't been another solo film since The Incredible Hulk, after all. That said, Ruffalo could still appear in She-Hulk, which could be the best way to continue Hulk's story in the MCU. Fans will just have to wait and see if Ruffalo officially signs on for the She-Hulk TV show and what kind of Hulk story it will tell.

Next: Marvel's She-Hulk Show Can Finally Give Incredible Hulk An MCU Sequel

Source: Variety

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