How ‘Future Imperfect’ Could Fix MCU Hulk and Make Him the Ultimate Monster

As a die-hard movie buff, I’ve got to say that Marvel Studios has breathed new life into many comic book characters, some of whom were previously less known compared to their legendary status. They transformed the Avengers into a globally recognized team, launching Iron Man, Captain America, and others onto the center stage like never before. However, it’s unfortunate that one timeless fan-favorite hasn’t quite hit the mark in terms of development, but adapting one of his most iconic stories could potentially turn things around.

Since “Avengers: Endgame,” many Marvel Cinematic Universe fans have expressed concerns about the portrayal of The Incredible Hulk. He seems to have been toned down significantly from his original menacing persona, and his development has often occurred off-screen in a manner that lacks intrigue. There are numerous possibilities for improving this character arc while also acknowledging his growth. One option could be to reimagine a futuristic comic book storyline on a Disney+ streaming platform.

Fans Aren’t Happy With the MCU’s Hulk

The Hulk’s Use Since Endgame Hasn’t Been a Smashing Success

The Hulk character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, first seen in, has undergone significant transformations since Edward Norton played him. Now, Mark Ruffalo portrays him, and he is no longer just the emotionally volatile Hulk as originally depicted. Post-“Avengers: Endgame”, the character has taken on the form of Smart Hulk/Professor Hulk, a fusion of Dr. Banner’s intellect with the Hulk’s power and physique. This is a significant shift seen in the comics, but it hasn’t been fully explored in the movies yet.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the evolution of Hulk into Professor Hulk occurred off-screen, which led to a less impactful portrayal of the character. This was disappointing because much of his transformation is rooted in his psychological development, and he lacked the sharp wit that was a significant part of his original persona. Additionally, his limited screen time has been a letdown, as he’s only made a few appearances since Endgame, despite being a fan favorite. The Hulk’s portrayal in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law was not well-received, and the show itself faced criticism and controversy.

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I can’t help but notice the recurring trend of potential successors for the Hulk, such as Amadeus Cho and his son Skaar. These character swaps have become quite common in the comics and the MCU, yet they seem to be met with growing discontent among fans. It’s a shame, considering that the Hulk and Thor are practically the last of the original Avengers standing. However, it seems they’ve been relegated to more comedic roles rather than being given the chance to truly shine, which is disappointing given their immense potential.

Interestingly enough, contrary to their personas, Hulk among Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and Captain America is the most tormented character, bearing striking resemblance to classic tragic science fiction monsters. Notably, his finest comic books underscore this aspect, and a specific storyline brought to light a harsh truth where he was indeed the strongest there ever was.

Future Imperfect Introduced the Most Evil Hulk

This Story from the Late Peter David and George Pérez Is Perfect for the MCU

Among the most memorable comic book series for The Hulk, penned by the late Peter David, stands out. He significantly enriched the character’s lore, delving into Banner’s psychology and employing traumatic experiences like childhood abuse to provide a compelling backstory for his transformation into the Hulk. A key event during David’s reign was “The Incredible Hulk: Future Imperfect #1,” where he introduced a formidable new adversary: The Maestro, a future version of the Hulk himself.

In a dismal, post-nuclear war world, where the majority of superhumans and citizens of the Marvel Universe were eradicated, one figure remained – the Maestro, who had grown stronger from prolonged radiation exposure but had lost his sanity, ruling as a ruthless despot over the surviving humans. Rebels, aiming to dethrone him, employed a time machine to fetch Professor Hulk from earlier times to confront his corrupted future self. The Maestro subsequently emerged in numerous grim Marvel timelines, with many of these tales also written by Peter David.

In essence, a 2020 miniseries offered additional insights into how he assumed control over mankind, and it emerged that he adopted the name Maestro following his victory over the tyrannical Hercules. This revelation left Bruce Banner dreading the possibility of transforming into The Maestro in the current era, as this ominous alter ego made his present-day intelligence as The Hulk a potential threat. This new angle infused the character with a sense of danger and psychological terror, while The Maestro served to portray a world where The Hulk was more monster than savior.

Although it’s well-known, Marvel Comics hasn’t often featured it extensively. Similarly, Peter David’s popular Hulk series, particularly, remains scarcely available in print, primarily in limited editions. However, Maestro stands out as one of Marvel’s most successful villainous iterations of a major hero, existing even before characters like The Maker by several years. Considering its comic book portrayal, introducing the character into the MCU could once again make Hulk the strongest and most terrifying figure.

How a Hulk Disney+ Series Could Redeem the Marvel Monster

Adapting Hulk: Future Imperfect Is the Best Way to Revive the Character

The main challenge in incorporating the Hulk character within the MCU lies in the cinematic rights, as some aspects of the character are still under Universal’s ownership, not exclusively with Disney and Marvel Studios. This means that Universal could potentially play a role in producing a standalone Hulk movie, much like how Sony is involved with their Spider-Man films. Given that the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk” didn’t achieve significant box office success when it was released over twenty years ago, Marvel Studios might be hesitant to undertake a similar project and split profits with another studio.

Since his initial cinematic appearances, the Hulk has primarily been featured in crossover movies like the Avengers series or Thor: Ragnarok. This pattern doesn’t apply to TV shows, as demonstrated by She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Consequently, it’s feasible for the Hulk to star in his own show on Disney+ streaming service. One potential storyline for such a series could be drawn from existing comics, but Al Ewing and Joe Bennett’s Immortal Hulk might not be the best choice due to its complex connection to the character’s established legacy and mythos, which isn’t fully present in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This disparity could potentially dilute the narrative themes during adaptation.

The show is also recognized for its graphic violence and unsettling themes, even though it’s marketed as adult-oriented, it might be too intense for a character like the Hulk who is typically linked to the Avengers and family-friendly brands. However, to give him more edge and complexity in his storyline, introducing darker elements could be beneficial. Ironically, some of the Hulk’s appeal was lost in the movie that featured time travel, which might provide an opportunity to reintroduce those aspects effectively.

Revamping the Hulk saga with a “Future Imperfect” approach on Disney+ could be my ideal solution to revitalize the MCU’s Green Goliath. This narrative style seems particularly fitting, especially since it emphasizes the Hulk’s power. The core storyline can remain largely unaltered, but it’s crucial that Marvel Studios brings the MCU’s Rick Jones character into play for a seamless adaptation. With plenty of source material available, multiple seasons could be in store, although a limited run on Disney+ could also prove successful.

For example, the initial season might follow the storyline from Peter David’s 2020 comic book, Maestro, while season 2 could delve into the actual Future Imperfect tale from the comics. Another approach could be drawing inspiration from The CW’s DC Comics series Arrow, where flashbacks are used to adapt a miniseries, with the main narrative revolving around Future Imperfect. By battling an aggressive, self-centered version of himself who demolishes all rivals, the MCU’s Professor Hulk could undergo significant character development and move away from the image he has cultivated of wearing dad shirts and enjoying tacos.

In this new interpretation, the character might discover his own immense power, recognizing that with Hulk’s strength and his own intelligence, he poses a greater threat than ever before. The series could feature intense and brutal action sequences, mimicking the devastation typical of Zack Snyder’s DC Extended Universe films. This grittier approach would emphasize the true might of the Hulk, marking a departure from more playful portrayals.

By successfully executing this concept and giving the underdeveloped storyline its deserved attention, Disney+ could deliver a series that appeals to mature Marvel fans. Crucially, it would revitalize the phrase “Hulk smash,” making it synonymous with immense strength and fear once more.

2025-05-29 05:01

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