Bruce Banner's Dual Existence in Avengers: Endgame

In Avengers: Endgame, Bruce Banner primarily appears in his Hulk form. However, there are instances when he exists as the human Bruce Banner, showcasing his character's development and adaptability throughout the film. The majority of his significant moments involve the Smart Hulk, but his interactions with other characters, particularly during the planning of the time heist, reveal important details about his character's journey.

This article explores two critical moments in the movie where Bruce Banner is not in his merged Hulk state, offering insights into the complex duality of his existence.

Two Key Instances of Bruce Banner's Separate Existence

While the first instance before the 5-year time jump is somewhat irrelevant to the core question, the second instance is particularly fascinating. This second instance occurs when Bruce Banner travels back in time to converse with The Ancient One about the time stone and timelines.

During this conversation, Bruce is kicked into his astral form, a projection of his mind. In many instances within the Marvel Universe, an astral projection is considered an extension of the mind or the soul. While it is less clear whether it’s an extension of the mind or the soul, it is safer to think of it as a projection of the mind.

Bruce Banner and the Astral Form

Historically, in Thor: Ragnarok, Bruce describes his two-year Hulk-out experience as being locked in the metaphorical trunk of a car shared with the Hulk. This metaphor suggests that Bruce's physical body is the car, and the Hulk's mind is the passenger.

In Avengers: Endgame, Bruce's physical form is metaphorically kicked out of the car, indicating that his body is no longer present, just as the Hulk's mind is also missing from the shared state.

This duality implies that both the Hulk's mind and Bruce's physical body are no longer coexisting in their usual form. Instead, they have found a new way to coexist, which is more elusive than their typical merged state.

Significance of Bruce's Separate Existence

The separation of Bruce Banner and the Hulk signifies a crucial moment in the Marvel saga. It reveals that their ability to merge, which they have relied on throughout the series, is being challenged. This moment of separation underscores the complexity of their relationship and their journey to living in harmony.

Conclusion

The two moments when Bruce Banner is not in his merged Hulk state offer profound insights into the characters and their duality. These instances highlight the interplay between Bruce's mind and the Hulk's body, suggesting that they are seeking a new form of coexistence, one that challenges the traditional merged state.

By understanding these moments, we gain a deeper appreciation of the character development and the unique dynamics within the Avengers team.