Why Was Hulk Scared to Fight Thanos But Wanted to Fight Surtur? Is Surtur Far Bigger and Scarier?

The question of why the Hulk was scared to fight Thanos but seemed willing to take on Surtur is a popular topic among fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). To understand this, we must examine the character development of the Hulk and his motivations.

The Hulk vs. Thanos

Throughout the MCU, the Hulk has shown no fear of any opponent. He has faced powerful and terrifying entities such as Ultron, Loki, and even the Collector. Yet, in Avengers: Infinity War, the Hulk’s reluctance to engage with Thanos is often praised as one of the most impactful scenes. So, why was he scared?

Director Joe Russo clarified this quandary in the commentary track, stating, 'But I think ultimately it’s that he’s tired of playing hero to Bruce Banner.' This statement hints at the complex relationship between the Banner and Hulk personas, a deeply explored theme in the MCU.

Complexity of the Hulk and Banner Relationship

The Hulk and Banner share a dysfunctional relationship. Joe Russo elaborates, 'Both want control of the host body. We thought an interesting direction to take him in is well what if Banner who typically uses the Hulk to solve crisis situations what if the Hulk were no longer interested in solving those problems for Banner.' This dynamic is further illustrated in Thor: Ragnarok, where the Hulk finally gains a semblance of control over his own life.

The Case of Surtur

Despite the significant fear of Thanos, there was no hesitation when Hulk faced Surtur. Surtur is a giant fire demon with immense power, often portrayed as far more terrifying than Thanos. However, the film's writers chose to portray Surtur as a more straightforward antagonist, leading to the Hulk's reaction despite the perceived strength of the opponent.

Character Development and Depth

The disparity between the deals with Surtur and Thanos raises questions about the depth of character development in MCU. The writers, McFeely and Markus, appear to have struggled with creating nuanced character arcs. In Avengers: Endgame, many felt that the character arcs were rushed and underdeveloped, failing to address the complex dynamics between Hulk and Banner.

Conclusion

The reluctance of the Hulk to fight Thanos was not driven by fear but rather a desire to break free from the role of protector for Banner. This decision underscores the character's evolution and the importance of internal conflict in the MCU.

Understanding this adds a layer of depth to the portrayal of the Hulk, highlighting the complexity of character arcs in the MCU. It also emphasizes the need for better writing to fully explore the rich potential of these characters.