There is a catch as Marvel prepares for Hulk vs. Wolverine
Many fans have been screaming for the Hulk vs. Wolverine in a live-action film, and Marvel Studios might be able to deliver—but with one big catch.
After a long wait, the Marvel Cinematic Universe might finally bring to life one of the most epic showdowns from Marvel Comics in Phase 5. However, there’s a catch.
Wolverine and Hulk have had some of the most intense fights in Marvel Comics, and they have been popular characters in various franchises for around twenty years. This has led to a significant desire among fans for a live-action version of their epic rivalry.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe enters Phase 5, the second phase of the Multiverse Saga, there are indications that the Wolverine vs. Hulk showdown is in the works. While the Hulk is the only character from this duo present in the MCU, Marvel has hinted at the possibility of introducing Wolverine.
Clues in projects like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law suggests he could be brought into Earth-616. Alternatively, a version of Wolverine from another universe could be introduced in Deadpool 3. Nevertheless, the hinting at a possible Hulk vs. Wolverine matchup comes with a noteworthy caveat.
Now It’s Unlikely That The Real Hulk vs. Wolverine Will Take Place In The MCU
Although Wolverine might have a showdown with the Hulk in the MCU, it is improbable that it would be with Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of the character. In Avengers: Endgame, it was disclosed that the Hulk transformed into Smart Hulk during the five-year hiatus after Thanos’ snap.
Bruce Banner merged his intellect with Hulk’s body, allowing him to manage his temper using his mind. As a result, Hulk is no longer the furious giant he was in the first three phases of the MCU, which reduces the possibility of him battling Wolverine in upcoming MCU movies.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine will appear in Deadpool 3 in the MCU, but his proper introduction will only happen in Phase 6.
This implies that Hulk will have more opportunities to be developed and may even be removed from the MCU before Wolverine’s proper introduction. Despite this letdown, the groundwork has been laid for another epic battle between Wolverine and another powerful character.
Red Hulk vs. Wolverine: How the MCU is Preparing instead
Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross is set to return to the MCU through Harrison Ford in Captain America: New World Order, implying that the character has a future in the franchise.
The movie will also feature Samuel Sterns, also known as The Leader, making it highly probable that the Red Hulk will finally be introduced to the MCU. Assuming the Red Hulk makes an appearance in Captain America: New World Order, there is a possibility that the character could continue to play a significant role in the MCU’s upcoming phases, including Thunderbolts and other movies.
Once Wolverine is introduced in the MCU, whether it’s Hugh Jackman’s character in Deadpool 3 or the MCU’s version, it would be more probable for him to fight against the Red Hulk.
In Marvel Comics, Red Hulk’s character is ambiguous, bordering between being a villain and an anti-hero, making it plausible for him to clash with various MCU heroes.
With Wolverine’s debut looming, the Marvel Cinematic Universe might finally get the highly anticipated Hulk vs. Wolverine battle, but with the added twist of Thunderbolt Ross as Red Hulk facing off against Wolverine instead of the Green Goliath.
Related Article –
Wolverine vs. Hulk Reveals How Their First Fight Changed Logan’s Costume
In Wolverine’s first appearance, he fought against the Hulk, and his costume underwent significant changes in the following issue. One of Wolverine’s co-creators has now returned to explain the reason behind this alteration.
Despite their vast differences, Wolverine and Hulk have a long-standing rivalry and have engaged in several battles throughout Marvel’s history.
Although Wolverine has his own set of adversaries, such as Sabretooth and Lady Deathstrike, who are similar in style to him, the Hulk’s foes are primarily centered around his gamma-based powers, such as the Leader and the Abomination. Nevertheless, since Wolverine’s introduction involved him fighting the Hulk, the two are inevitably linked, and their battles are always exciting.
The first battle between Wolverine and Hulk, depicted in The Incredible Hulk #181 by Len Wein and Herb Trimpe, ends with Wolverine being knocked out. However, in the subsequent issue, #182, both characters stand together without explaining what happened in between.
One of Wolverine’s co-creators, Roy Thomas, is teaming up with artist Dave Wachter to tell this untold story in X-Men Legends #1. In addition to filling in the gap, Thomas will clarify why Wolverine’s costume changed in his next appearance in Giant-Sized X-Men #1, which introduced a new roster for the legendary team.
According to a recent interview with AIPT, Thomas is using this opportunity to provide answers to these long-standing mysteries.
During an interview, Roy Thomas provides insight into the change in Wolverine’s costume between his appearances in The Incredible Hulk #181 and Giant-Size X-Men #1.
According to Thomas, the mistake occurred when cover artist Gil Kane drew the wrong mask on the cover of Giant-Size X-Men. However, interior artist Dave Cockrum liked the design and changed Wolverine’s mask in the issue. Thomas emphasizes that the alteration could have been more significant.
Like many other superheroes, Wolverine has had several costume changes over the years. Sometimes these changes are explained, such as when the hero joins a new organization or moves to a new city, while other times, no explanation is given.
However, since the change in Wolverine’s costume occurred early in his career, it deserved a proper explanation. Interestingly, the reason behind the change was simply because the artist wanted to try something new. Despite this, Wolverine’s costume did not affect his eventual success as a character.
X-Men Legends #1, which will provide more information on this topic, is set to be released on August 10.
