Mark Ruffalo has expressed a strong desire to star in a solo Hulk movie, though complications with the character’s film rights have prevented Marvel from pursuing such a project. The rights to Hulk are held by Universal Pictures, which has hindered Marvel Studios’ ability to produce a standalone film featuring the character.
During an interview with GQ, Ruffalo explained the legal obstacles surrounding Hulk’s film rights and how that has influenced Marvel’s decisions over the years.
The Role of Universal Pictures in Hulk’s Film History
I’d love to have a solo Hulk movie,
Ruffalo said.
I don’t know if you know the story of that, but [The Hulk’s movie rights are] not really owned by Marvel. It’s a Universal property.
This arrangement, which dates back many years, has forced Marvel to avoid making a direct sequel to 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. Instead, they integrated Hulk as a supporting character in other films, such as Thor: Ragnarok. That film took inspiration from the Planet Hulk comic storyline but was labeled as a Thor movie to navigate the rights issue.
Mark Ruffalo on Potential Future Hulk Projects
Ruffalo shared that discussions about new Hulk films have taken place, though there’s uncertainty around audience enthusiasm for another solo movie.
We keep talking about it, what it would be,
Ruffalo remarked.
There’s been so many Hulk movies already, it’s like, does anyone really want another one? But I’d love one, and I do think the audiences would be into it if we could crack the nut of it.
Fan Reactions to Hulk’s Evolution in the MCU
While Ruffalo remains open to returning as Hulk, many fans have expressed dissatisfaction with how the character has evolved in recent Marvel projects. After Avengers: Infinity War, Hulk transitioned into “Smart Hulk” in Endgame, adopting a more comedic and less intimidating persona, which some viewers saw as a decline from the character’s original powerful image. This perception worsened with the She-Hulk Disney+ series, where Hulk’s portrayal leaned toward parody.
Additionally, Ruffalo’s outspoken political views have alienated certain sections of the fanbase, who feel his activism has influenced the tone of his Marvel roles.
Future Directions for Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Speculation suggests Marvel may reintroduce Ruffalo as a classic “Savage Hulk” in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie, potentially reversing recent character changes. Rumors also continue about a Hulk versus Wolverine film, which could pair Ruffalo with Hugh Jackman in a long-anticipated showdown beloved by comic book fans. This film might provide an opportunity to restore Hulk’s image as the fierce and unstoppable force that initially captivated audiences.
