Could Marvel Try Another Solo Hulk Movie?
While it's true that there have already been two attempts at movies starring the Incredible Hulk and both were considered failures, could Marvel make a solo Hulk film that's actually good? The previous two tries, one starring Eric Bana and the other starring Edward Norton, received lackluster reviews from critics and audiences alike, but the MCU has cast a Bruce Banner/Hulk that fans love in the form of Mark Ruffalo. So, it's conceivable that Marvel could finally make a solid Hulk movie with Ruffalo as the star.
We Could Finally See She-Hulk
If Marvel took a stab at another solo-Hulk movie, it would be the ideal time to introduce Bruce Banner's cousin, Jennifer Walters, a.k.a., the She-Hulk. She-Hulk is a popular hero in Marvel comic books and plays many critical roles as a member of the Avengers, so it would be logical to introduce her in the films. She-Hulk is a strong, powerful, and fun-loving figure who would make an enjoyable addition to the Avengers team. Plus, she would be perfect for joining the lineup of all the future female heroes we will see in the next few years.
There Could Be Hulk Vs. Wolverine
In terms of upcoming Marvel movies, we already know that Marvel has acquired the rights to the X-Men, so we'll definitely be seeing the mutant team in the MCU sometime in the future. We also know that Mark Ruffalo has pitched a Hulk vs. Wolverine movie to Kevin Feige. Hulk vs. Wolverine is a famous confrontation from the comic books that Marvel fans would undoubtedly love to see on-screen. And perhaps this showdown could be introduced in a movie starring the Hulk.
The Introduction of The Grey Hulk
Some viewers might argue that since the introduction of "Professor Hulk" in 'Avengers: Endgame' (the blended form of Bruce Banner and the Hulk), the new calmer, more rational Hulk wouldn't be a fit for a solo movie if he's incapable of smashing and bashing. But that wouldn't exclude Marvel from using a solo-Hulk film to introduce Bruce Banner's other alter-ego, the Grey Hulk. Fans are generally more familiar with Banner's Green Hulk form, so it's easy to forget that in the comics, he has a second Hulk personality. In fact, we almost got to see the Grey Hulk in the second Avengers movie 'The Age of Ultron'.
What Could Be Holding The Studios Back
There are still plenty of stories that could be explored with a solo-Hulk movie. So, what's holding back the MCU? The answer is licensing. While the MCU does have the rights to the Hulk and could make a movie any time they wanted, Universal Studios are the ones who actually have the distribution rights to the character. Marvel could make the movie, but Universal would have to be the ones to put it in theaters. Marvel might not be ready to negotiate with another studio so soon after the Sony - Spider-Man fiasco earlier this year.
In any case, it seems likely that we will see more of the Hulk in the MCU, and perhaps we will get that longed-for solo movie during this next phase in Marvel films.
