2025 is predicted to carry a variety of thrilling tales to the UCM - however the brand new yr 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 quite a lot of progress in recent times, with many main Marvel characters coming into the fray on this interval, and the franchise opening up its world even additional with the introduction of the multiverse. In consequence, this time period was not solely easy.
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 probably 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 the Hulk's son in 2022 was not continued within the following years
Provided that Hulk has largely been delegated to the MCU background for a lot of the franchise, 2022 supplied quite a lot 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 supplied an enormous twist by exhibiting us Skaar - son of Hulkand a notable determine in Hulk comedian guide historical past. Younger Skaar is launched at a barbecue in a surprisingly informal and transient cameo - however one which appeared to trace at huge issues for future sequels.
Because the probabilities of the MCU exploring the Hulk's historical past by itself appear decidedly low, I used to be initially blissful on the prospect that the MCU might delve into the Hulk's arc by means 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 as a consequence of his fleeting appearances within the franchise for essentially the most half since Avengers: Endgame itself - would additionally permit Skaar himself to correctly set up himself, probably setting issues up for an additional member of the Younger Avengers.
Whereas there's nonetheless hope that Hulk and Skaar might 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 at all times inevitable - each as a result of MCU having so many various 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 greatest 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 as a consequence of his age, partly as a result of a brooding teenage Hulk looks as if a captivating addition to the staff, and eventually 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 along with his father gained't be explored as a lot, this can be a crucial sacrifice when it comes to guaranteeing the character seems in all places.
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 great distance off.. Whereas the primary main constructing blocks are in place, it at the moment appears extra probably that the present Multiverse Saga will, at greatest, result in the creation of the primary team-up versus the primary movie - particularly contemplating the main focus seems to be on Avengers: Judgment Day and Avengers: Secret Warss, and a Younger Avengers launch between the 2 might danger complicating the Russo brothers' imaginative and prescient for the 2 important releases as a consequence of 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 that our greatest likelihood 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 teasing and his potential return. That being stated, there's one other second the place it appears to be like 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 when it comes to 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. Provided that the large scale of Infinity Battle and Finish of the sport has seen most of Marvel's heroes return within the story, it stands to motive that that might be the case right here as effectively, creating the potential for the Hulk's life to obtain one other replace.
Nevertheless, with Benedict Cumberbatch confirming in January 2025 that Physician Unusual is not going to be an element Avengers: Judgment Dayit additionally appears potential that sure key figures might 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 bounce is in play, and new central characters like Physician Doom will want time to ascertain themselves and make their tales as impactful as potential. , which might logistically require non-central characters to obtain much less focus for the sake of the narrative.
With that stated, Hulk is likely 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 be certain that his super-powered son seems by his aspect, as leaving him at residence whereas the multiverse is torn aside may appear a bit unusual relying on the precise circumstances. Even when it's only for a short, dazzling look, I hope the UCM tackles this distinctive household story once more ultimately, a minimum of so it gained't be too lengthy earlier than the plot picks up once more.