Why Was the Hulk Not Featured Extensively in the Final Battle of Avengers: Endgame?

Following the events of Avengers: Infinity War, the world was left in an uncertain and damaged state. The Avengers: Endgame finale was tasked with both healing the wounds inflicted by Thanos and delivering an emotional climax that would cement the legacy of the 'O.G.' Avengers. However, many fans felt that the Hulk's saga was unfortunately left underdeveloped, particularly in the pivotal battle that concluded the film. Why, one might ask, was there a disconnect between the grandeur of Hulk's contribution and his presence in the final battle?

The Hulk's Contribution – A Grand Feat

Although the Hulk—or the Smart Hulk, as some fans now refer to him—was indeed central to the success of bringing back all the dusted heroes, the question arises: was his character given enough focus in the concluding moments of the film? The true testament of Hulk's superhuman strength and resilience lies in his ability to wield the Infinity Stones, a feat that even Thanos himself could not accomplish. This was a monumental moment, a testament to his power and determination.

Why Hulk Was Not More Present in the Final Battle?

Many fans, including those who have supported the Hulk for a long time, felt disheartened and even betrayed. The Russo brothers, the filmmakers behind both Infinity War and Endgame, have been heavily criticized for their handling of the Hulk's storyline. However, it is crucial to understand that the Russo brothers claimed they were unfamiliar with the character, stating that they had never read the comics and therefore had no prior knowledge of the Hulk's background or character development. This claim brings up several questions about the depth of preparation for such a central figure in the MCU.

For instance, the Russo brothers mentioned writing a scene where Banner was supposed to splice genes to create a more controlled Hulk, completely offlining the actual comic storyline, which detailed the merging of three Hulks under the influence of hypnosis by Doctor Samson. This scene not only reflected a misunderstanding of the character but also a complete lack of authenticity. The Russo brothers' representation of the character's evolution was both flawed and misaligned with the original narrative, leading to a disconnect between what fans had come to expect and what was portrayed on screen.

The Russo Bros. and Their Lack of Understanding

The Russo brothers' admitted ignorance of the character led to oversights and inaccuracies in the portrayal of Hulk. For a character who is known for his strength, blindsiding aggression, and complex psychology, the approach taken by the filmmakers did not do justice to the character's depth. The portrayal of a gene-spliced Hulk deviated significantly from the actual storyline, which emphasized the psychological merging of three distinct Hulks.

When the Russo brothers revealed their complete lack of knowledge about the character, they inadvertently highlighted the disconnect between the MCU and the source material, which exists because the MCU is not a direct translation of the comics. However, this argument cannot absolve them of the responsibility to ensure that the character's portrayal remains faithful to the fans' expectations. The Russo brothers' admission of their unfamiliarity with the character does not justify a subpar portrayal of a beloved figure, especially when their actions had a direct impact on the story's integrity.

Conclusion: The Future of the Hulk in the MCU

Despite the criticisms, there is hope for the future. The Russo brothers’ approach and handling of the Hulk in Endgame have not become the final word on the character. The Hulk is still an integral part of the MCU, and future filmmakers will undoubtedly have a chance to address these concerns. For the devoted fans who love the character for his strength, unpredictability, and character development, the future is not entirely bleak. The Russo brothers' admission of their unfamiliarity with the character may reflect a misstep in their creative process, but it is not the end of the road for the Hulk in the MCU.

For those who followed the character closely, the Russo brothers' portrayal of the Smart Hulk in Endgame was undoubtedly underwhelming. The lack of substantial screen time in the final battle and the bizarre lab scene that may have been influenced by a lack of understanding or an attempt to introduce a new character, achieving the opposite of what was intended, raised questions about the filmmakers' approach. However, for fans who wish to still see the spectacle of the Hulk's might, the MCU has plenty of opportunities. There is a possibility for the character to regain his footing and tackle future challenges, particularly if future writers and directors understand the character better.

Ultimately, the portrayal and significance of the character in the MCU are but a product of the collective imagination of the filmmakers and the fans. As fans, we must continue to discuss and advocate for the character, ensuring that the Hulk remains a formidable and dynamic figure in the MCU universe.