2025 is about to deliver a variety of thrilling tales to the UCM - however the brand new 12 months additionally signifies that it's been 3 years since a captivating Hulk story started and was explored for a couple of minutes earlier than being seemingly deserted. The MCU timeline has seen loads of progress lately, with many main Marvel characters getting into the fray on this interval, and the franchise opening up its world even additional with the introduction of the multiverse. Consequently, this time period was not fully simple.
The expansion that the MCU has skilled throughout this era ought to work effectively to make sure that there are many established corners of the world for subsequent tales to discover in upcoming Marvel releases, however it additionally signifies that the franchise is having to execute a presumably much more difficult course of. balancing act than ever earlier than, as there are such a lot of story threads and characters that want to remain in place and comparatively related. Because it stands, this has required some narratives to take a backseat, together with a Hulk story that was left in limbo a number of years in the past.
The debut of Hulk's son in 2022 was not continued within the following years
On condition that Hulk has largely been delegated to the MCU background for a lot of the franchise, 2022 provided loads of promise for the character's future. Hulk's cousin Jennifer Walters not solely obtained her personal superhero origin story and MCU spinoff present with She-Hulk: Lawyerthis present additionally offered an enormous twist by exhibiting us Skaar - son of Hulkand a notable determine in Hulk comedian ebook historical past. Younger Skaar is launched at a barbecue in a surprisingly informal and transient cameo - however one which appeared to trace at massive issues for future sequels.
Because the possibilities of the MCU exploring the Hulk's historical past by itself appear decidedly low, I used to be initially comfortable on the prospect that the MCU might delve into the Hulk's arc by way of his son. Not solely would this present audiences with perception into Mark Ruffalo's MCU character growth - one thing that has been comparatively absent resulting from his fleeting appearances within the franchise for essentially the most half since Avengers: Endgame itself - would additionally enable Skaar himself to correctly set up himself, probably setting issues up for an additional member of the Younger Avengers.
Whereas there may be nonetheless hope that Hulk and Skaar may very well be proven additional down the road, it's an idea that hasn't been fulfilled in a while, with Skaar merely showing in She-Hulk: Lawyeris ending and primarily disappearing from the franchise from that time onwards. A certain quantity of delay right here was all the time inevitable - each as a result of MCU having so many alternative tales to discover, and with so many releases removed from Earth - however with no MCU initiatives on the horizon but confirmed to have Skaar or Hulk in it, issues don't look particularly promising.
The MCU's finest shot at a Skaar story feels prefer it's nonetheless a while away
Following The wonders' ending by confirming that Ms. Marvel is constructing the Younger Avengers, the staff looks as if one of the best place for Skaar. That is partly resulting from his age, partly as a result of a brooding teenage Hulk looks as if a captivating addition to the staff, and at last as a result of this appears to be the place the franchise might higher make the most of Skaar, reflecting a lot of the Hulk's personal historical past being discovered largely in Infinity. Avengers Saga Motion pictures. Whereas this implies Skaar's bond together with his father received't be explored as a lot, this can be a crucial sacrifice by way of guaranteeing the character seems in every single place.
With that stated, Skaar's place on the staff isn't set in stone, and even when it have been, a Younger Avengers-centric challenge nonetheless appears a good distance off.. Whereas the primary main constructing blocks are in place, it at present appears extra seemingly that the present Multiverse Saga will, at finest, result in the creation of the primary staff in comparison with the primary movie - particularly contemplating the main target seems to be on Avengers: Judgment Day and Avengers: Secret Warss, and a Younger Avengers launch between the 2 might threat complicating the Russo brothers' imaginative and prescient for the 2 foremost releases resulting from their proximity to the common Avengers movies.
As such, it's exhausting to see a Younger Avengers film or collection coming earlier than the tip of the Multiverse Saga - and if that's true, it could imply our greatest probability at getting an actual Skaar story would nonetheless be one other 2 years away, within the minimal, which might be equal to five years between the character's particular tease and his attainable return. That being stated, there may be one other second the place it seems like we'd see the return of Hulk and his son, though there are some problems with that as effectively.
Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars could also be our solely hope by way of seeing the Hulk's son inform a narrative quickly
The character of Avengers: Judgment Day and Avengers: Secret Wars already configures them as large-scale tales - with Finish of the sport and Infinity Battle administrators, the Russo brothers returning to get them, Robert Downey Jr returning as Physician Doom to Judgment Dayand Chris Evans can also be anticipated to return as a part of the movie's forged. On condition that the big scale of Infinity Battle and Finish of the sport has seen most of Marvel's heroes return within the story, it stands to cause that that may very well be the case right here as effectively, creating the potential for the Hulk's life to obtain one other replace.
Nonetheless, with Benedict Cumberbatch confirming in January 2025 that Physician Unusual won't be a component Avengers: Judgment Dayit additionally appears attainable that sure key figures may very well be lacking from each movies. The multiversal idea they intend to discover might simply be used to justify why some characters aren't current if the fact leap is in play, and new central characters like Physician Doom will want time to ascertain themselves and make their tales as impactful as attainable. , which might logistically require non-central characters to obtain much less focus for the sake of the narrative.
With that stated, Hulk is without doubt one of the few remaining authentic MCU Avengers, so I hope the franchise continues to permit him a while within the highlight within the Avengers movies. - which might little question make sure that his super-powered son seems by his aspect, as leaving him at residence whereas the multiverse is torn aside might sound a little bit unusual relying on the precise circumstances. Even when it's only for a quick, dazzling look, I hope the UCM tackles this distinctive household story once more eventually, at the least so it received't be too lengthy earlier than the plot picks up once more.