Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will smash again in the MCU.
At least that's the word coming from the folks at The Illuminerdi, as the site is claiming
that "sources" close to Disney+ and Marvel's upcoming She-Hulk series have provided "definitive"
proof that Ruffalo is officially on board to reprise his role as Bruce Banner on the
small screen.
A kick-ass, new hero and a returning fan favorite?
"Best of both worlds."
It should be noted, of course, that the site does not provide said proof for the masses
to see, nor do they actually say what that proof is; one would have to imagine they've
seen Ruffalo's signature on an actual contract for it to count as "definitive."
Either way, it still might be wise for MCU enthusiasts to temper their excitement about
Hulk's return until Team Marvel makes their own announcement.
That news would hardly come a shock, though, as it's been widely rumored in recent weeks
that Ruffalo's big green guy would indeed be joining the anxiously-anticipated She-Hulk
series.
ScreenRant reports that Ruffalo himself even recently confirmed that he was in talks with
Marvel and Disney to reprise his role as Banner-slash-Hulk for the Disney+ series.
Seems those talks might have been a bit further along than Ruffalo was letting on, as The
Illuminerdi is now reporting the actor's deal was likely already in place when he made those
comments.
There's still no confirmation as to how many episodes of She-Hulk Ruffalo might appear
in, or if his new deal with Marvel might include another big screen turn in the future, but
whatever the case, we're just psyched to see Ruffalo's Hulk on screen again in any capacity.
If you recall, Mark Ruffalo took over the role of Hulk after the folks at Marvel famously
parted ways with O.G.
MCU Hulk Edward Norton.
Making his first appearance in 2012's The Avengers, Ruffalo immediately made the role
his own.
"Now might be a really good time for you to get angry."
"That's my secret, Cap.
I'm always angry."
He continued to play Bruce Banner and Hulk in four subsequent MCU flicks, not including
uncredited cameo appearances.
Marvel's brass are clearly fans, and have now reportedly ensured that no other actor
will play Hulk for the foreseeable future.
As for what role Bruce Banner will play in She-Hulk, if the Disney+ series stays true
to the character's comic book origins, his role could be fairly major.
For those unfamiliar with She-Hulk, the character's name is Jennifer Walters, and she's a successful
attorney, often for the superhero set.
She also just so happens to be Bruce Banner's cousin.
If you're wondering how Walters becomes She-Hulk, the transformation occurs after she receives
a blood transfusion from dear cousin Bruce, after which she finds herself with a similar
green affliction, although she actually Hulks out with her intellect and self-control intact.
"How's this, hot stuff?"
Walters eventually becomes a member of the Avengers and A-Force, and she continues to
play a major role in Marvel comics, so you can likely expect to see a lot more of the
character as the MCU charges ahead.
As for what that could entail, well, Marvel Studios would be remiss not to use Walters'
career as an attorney, a 7-foot, green attorney, that is, as a way to introduce her to the
wider MCU.
The studio's head honcho, Kevin Feige, has already made it quite clear that characters
introduced via Disney+ series will be making appearances in future films, and we can think
of a hero or two who may be in need of legal representation in the very near future.
Case in point: Peter Parker, who was just publicly outed as Spider-Man and framed for
an extremely high-profile murder, and who suddenly has some blowhard named J. Jonah
Jameson ranting about what a menace he is.
"Spider-Man: A Psychopath wielding powers he has no right to possess, trying to pass
himself off as a hero.
You're no hero!"
As for Banner, well, for all we know, his stint on She-Hulk could be a one-off deal
that sees him supplying the necessary Hulk blood to facilitate his cousin's transformation,
and going on his merry green way.
We're not-so-secretly hoping, though, that this news means that Ruffalo still has a vital
role to play in future phases of the MCU.
She-Hulk has not yet received an official release date, but production on the series
is expected to begin in July; we'll keep an eye out for an official announcement, and
we'll be sure to keep you informed.
"Hulk out!"
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