The chatter about the MCU post-Avengers: Infinity War centers on many different aspects but one discussion that's particularly interesting is the decision made by the Incredible Hulk to refuse to emerge despite Bruce Banner's urging. After all, if Banner dies, so does the Hulk.
There are a lot of theories about this development, chief among them that the Hulk was scared silly after the epic beatdown Thanos inflicted upon Earth's "strongest" hero (and he did it without having to use the Power Stone) and was too afraid to come back out.
On the special director's commentary for the film, Joe Russo said this had more to do with "Banner and Hulk" and was less about "Hulk and Thanos".
"This was an interesting journey we went on with Banner, trying to decide how we move him forward in the Marvel Universe. What makes him unique as a character is that there is a host body that is being fought over by two distinct personalities who hate each other. And both want control of the host body. So we thought an interesting direction to take him in is what if Banner, who typically uses the Hulk to solve crisis situations, what if the Hulk were no longer interested in solving those problems for Banner? So that the relationship is becoming increasingly dysfunctional. That's what's going on here.
People have speculated whether there was some fear on the Hulk's part about having to face Thanos again. But I think ultimately what it is, is that he's tired of playing hero to Bruce Banner."
Leaked promo art has pointed to the Hulk emerging once more in Avengers 4 but it remains to be seen if a rematch with Thanos is in the cards. Would you be disappointed if Hulk doesn't get revenge?
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