What to Make of Marvels Rumored ‘World War Hulk’ Film
The MCU has experienced perhaps one of their best years since their debut over a decade ago; success that has a plethora of potential projects moving forward, we discuss what to make or Marvel’s rumored World War Hulk film.
With Marvel’s highly anticipated Eternals coming to theaters in just a few weeks, and Hawkeye’s two-episode premiere following very soon after, the MCU has no shortage of excitement looming over their incoming release.
Source: Total Film
It is perhaps because of this success, and because of Marvel’s recent shifting of different release schedules, that rumors have begun to run rampant on just what the studio could be up to next.
One such rumor has come in the form of one of Marvel’s most interesting characters, who has been hampered by an immensely complex and uncertain battle for distribution rights.
Source: Marvel Studios
So, What do we make of Marvel’s rumored World War Hulk film?
The short answer? Well, it depends. The long answer? Well, it’s complicated.
The reality is that World War Hulk is one of Marvel comics’ coolest storylines; following the events of Planet Hulk, which saw Marvel’s greatest heroes ban together to exile Bruce Banner to the outskirts of space; eventually landing on the gladiatorial planet of Sakaar.
Source: Marvel Comics
The subsequent events of World War Hulk see our favorite green Avenger return to earth once again; with an eye toward revenge.
There are plot holes that make the story difficult to adapt- most notably being that Thor: Ragnarok saw Hulk willingly leave earth- but with the introduction of the Multiverse, anything is possible through a variant of the character.
Source: Marvel Studios
Could a variant Hulk, who was exiled in his timeline, return to earth and do battle with the MCU Bruce Banner? Absolutely, and it would be awesome!
Although narratively, the film would work well in the continued exploration into the fallout of the multiverse, there is so much uncertainty regarding the rights of the character, thus, the possibilities of this happening are completely unknowable.
Source: Marvel Studios
Many of us are aware of the issues regarding the character’s rights: issues that complicate Bruce Banner’s eventual appearance in his very own MCU solo film.
Universal owns the character and would have to be included in any solo film attempt that Marvel Studios makes; something that the Walt Disney Company has been unwilling to do thus far.
Source: Universal Studios
This is the reason why the character has often stayed as a contributing part of the story of another character.
The question is, When does this change? Or perhaps, has it already?
Image: Marvel
We know from various confirmed sources that Netflix’s rights to the Marvel properties they made shows for reverted to Marvel Studios in 2020, through 2021.
We don’t know, however, what the rights deal for Hulk is; and we certainly don’t know the circumstances that would be necessary for the character to revert to Marvel.
Image Credit: Square Enix
As of right now, this is simply a great hope; it could certainly happen, but it could also be impossible. In all likelihood, this is something. that wouldn’t be announced until Phase Five.
