The Marvel Cinematic Universe isn’t as good as it used to be, especially compared to its early days when movies were straightforward, exciting, and enjoyable. Hulk, in particular, hasn’t been developed well over the last eighteen years – arguably worse than any other original Avenger. This is frustrating because Hulk was one of the first heroes to get his own film, The Incredible Hulk, following Iron Man. Since then, Marvel Studios has struggled to find a consistent direction for the character.
The Hulk’s storylines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have often been disappointing. His romance with Black Widow in Avengers: Age of Ultron didn’t develop, and Thor: Ragnarok‘s take on Planet Hulk wasn’t very good. We saw him sidelined in Avengers: Infinity War, and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law introduced a son who likely won’t reappear. While the Hulk has had some impressive moments, the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day might just reinforce the idea that this powerful character rarely achieves lasting victories.
Hulk Hasn’t Been The Strongest Avenger For A While, If Ever
It’s become a running joke among fans that Hulk hasn’t had a truly decisive win in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since his battle with Fenris in Thor: Ragnarok. Compared to previous versions of the character – and even other current superhero portrayals – the Hulk now appears noticeably weaker and less intimidating.
Hulk seemed unenthusiastic during the battle with Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, and most fans actually prefer earlier versions of the character to the Smart Hulk we saw later. However, Hulk has largely been portrayed the same way throughout the movies. It’s understandable that he can’t just destroy everything in every appearance without consequences, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe seems to have become too reliant on weakening Hulk instead of making him stronger.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Is Hulk At His Best, But Is That Enough?
It doesn’t look good for him in his next fight in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, either. We still don’t know why Spider-Man is fighting the Hulk, but it could be related to a mysterious telepath—possibly Jean Grey (played by Sadie Sink)—who might be controlling Banner.
We know that Hulk and Punisher will initially battle while Hulk is in his Smart Hulk form. However, the fight will quickly intensify, causing Hulk to revert to his classic, enraged state. This will lead to the death of Smart Hulk – hopefully a permanent one – and the return of the Savage Hulk we’re familiar with in the MCU.
It wouldn’t be shameful to lose to Peter Parker, considering Spider-Man is one of the Hulk’s most challenging foes. This is especially true given Spider-Man’s abilities – like his organic webbing and the new powers he gained through his transformation in the Spider-Man: Brand New Day storyline – make him incredibly powerful.
It’s amazing to see Hulk trapped in Spider-Man’s webs, with the strands actually digging into his skin as the weight of the surrounding debris pulls him down. If reports are true about a scene where Punisher carries Spider-Man to the hospital, it suggests there’s still a chance Hulk might win the battle.
If Hulk wins against Spider-Man, it would be the best publicity the character has received in nearly ten years. Regardless of the outcome, it’s fantastic to see a truly fearsome Hulk again, and it’s exciting to imagine where his story will go next in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 31, 2026.
2026-07-20 05:58