Where Is the Hulk During ‘Captain America: Brave New World’?

As the new Captain America, Sam Wilson embarks on his first significant journey in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’, where he must contend with challenges from around the world alongside Joaquin Torres’ Falcon.  Sam has to establish himself as the hero the world needs in the face of evildoers like the Leader and the Serpent Society who are waging war.  But even though the movie has strong ties to ‘The Incredible Hulk’ (2008), Bruce Banner is conspicuously missing, leaving viewers to speculate about his whereabouts.

Important aspects of ‘The Incredible Hulk’ are revisited in the movie, such as the reappearance of Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) and the Leader (Tim Blake Nelson).  The plot is further connected to Hulk’s history by the fact that General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford) is currently the President of the United States.  The fight between the Hulk and Abomination in Harlem is even mentioned, although there is no mention of Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner.  His absence is notable, particularly considering that there were early reports that he could show up.  But aside from historical allusions, the film offers no explanation for his present situation.

Image Courtesy: Yahoo

Bruce’s final appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’, provides the most likely cause for his absence.  According to the series, Hulk had a son named Skaar during his tenure on Sakaar.  He has probably been putting more of an emphasis on his connection with his son and less on his heroic responsibilities.  Additionally, ‘Brave New World’s events happen swiftly, making it challenging for him to act rapidly.

 The MCU’s ‘World War Hulk’ storyline may be built up by Hulk’s absence.  A bigger crossover event involving the Hulk, Skaar, and Red Hulk might be planned as a result of the emergence of several gamma-powered characters.  Although Bruce Banner’s absence is felt in ‘Brave New World’, one of his most important storylines to date may result from his future in the MCU.

–Farheen Ali