Evolving Relationships in the MCU: Who Actually Loved Natasha in the Hulk or Bruce?

When delving into the complex and ever-evolving relationships within Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), one often finds oneself questioning the nature of the connections between beloved characters. Among these character pairings, the dynamics between Natasha Romanoff and both Hulk (Bruce Banner) and Bruce Banner remain particularly intriguing. This article explores the nuances and developments of their relationships throughout the MCU's cinematic history, from the first hints of romantic interest to the eventual tragic outcome.

The Formation of Bonds: Natasha, Hulk, and Bruce

From their very first meeting in The Avengers?, there was a clear spark between Natasha Romanoff and both her alter egos, the Hulk and Bruce Banner. Natasha's no-nonsense demeanor and professional approach to her missions often found a soft spot in both Hulk and Bruce, who, despite their very different appearances, shared a similar level of intensity and emotional depth.

Brief Hints of Romantic Interest

While the primary storyline often centered around the more fraught relationship between Natasha and Bruce/Banner, there were subtle moments that suggested a mutual interest: the way Natasha and Hulk would share a glint in the eyes during moments of camaraderie, or the tenderness in Bruce's tone when speaking with Natasha during her interrogation in The Avengers: Age of Ultron.

However, a more pronounced romantic interest on Natasha's part began to emerge in The Avengers: Infinity War. Here, Natasha's interactions with both Bruce and the Hulk took on a delicate and almost flirtatious edge, particularly when she was transitioning between her missions and her dual personalities. Despite these hints, it was Bruce, who still harbored his own past traumas, who seemed to be more cautious, leading to the gradual cooling of their chemistry.

Hulk's Cautious Approach

Hulk, the ever-impulsive and often violent alter ego of Bruce Banner, found it challenging to navigate the emotional terrain of a meaningful relationship. In The Avengers: Age of Ultron, when the team returns to the beginning of their journey, there's a brief moment where Hulk looks towards Natasha for reassurance, indicating a desire for a connection. However, this is quickly dampened by a pullback, as he is more focused on fulfilling his own vengeful pursuits.

This pattern continued in The Avengers: Endgame. During the time heist plan, Hulk and Natasha worked closely together. While their relationship was strained, there were moments of mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose. However, the tragic revelation that Natasha would not survive the battle against Thanos led to a significant emotional upheaval for Hulk. His anger and frustration reached boiling point as he threw a bench far away across a lake, symbolizing the distance that even in their most difficult moments, he couldn't bridge the gap between them.

Bruce's Cognitive Dissonance

Contrary to Hulk, Bruce Banner was in a more tumultuous place emotionally and psychologically. For him, the act of falling in love with Natasha was disillusioned by the contextual damage that he had inflicted. His past traumas and subsequent identity crises made it difficult for him to recognize and act upon the love that Natasha demonstrated towards him. In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Bruce's internal dialogue regarding his love for Natasha is riddled with self-doubt: 'She’s dead, Jim.' This quote, often mistakenly attributed to Spock, is a poignant reminder of how Bruce saw Natasha after the Soul Stone incident, a false belief that was deeply rooted in his fear of losing her again.

The revelation in The Avengers: Age of Ultron further heaps on the guilt: 'I suspect that Bruce was smart enough to know that he had no shot with Natasha. Hulk, Not so much.' This truth underscores the narrative complexity of the relationship dynamics. Bruce's intellectual knowledge and growing feelings for Natasha were often at odds with his own destructive behaviors, making it impossible for their relationship to progress.

The Final Reckoning: Natasha's Sacrifice

The final chapter in Natasha's and Hulk's relationship came to a heartbreaking conclusion in The Avengers: Endgame. Following the climactic battle, it is revealed that Natasha sacrificed herself to save Captain America and Scott Lang. Upon learning of her death, the emotional impact on both Bruce and Hulk was visceral and profound.

For Bruce, this event marked a significant turning point in his own emotional journey. It confronted him with the harsh reality of loss and the consequences of his past actions. The deep-seated guilt and remorse that followed were a stark reminder of the fragility of human connections and the long-term effects of past trauma.

His response, represented by the final bench-throwing scene, is a cathartic release of all the pent-up emotions. The act not only symbolizes the immense grief but also the intense longing that he harbored for Natasha. This moment is a powerful reminder of the unspoken and untold love between these characters, a love that remained unfulfilled due to the unwritten rules and psychological barriers between them.

Conclusion

The relationship dynamics of Natasha Romanoff with both Hulk and Bruce Banner in the MCU are a testament to the complexities of romantic connections. While the budding relationship between Natasha and Hulk hints at a potential connection, it ultimately never fully materialized due to his impulsive nature and the psychological barriers presented by his alter ego. On the other hand, Bruce's more cautious and self-doubting approach prevented the relationship from progressing, despite his genuine feelings. The ultimate tragedy lies in the loss of Natasha, which not only impacts Bruce's life but also leaves a lasting scar on the emotional and psychological landscape of the characters involved.

These moments of love and loss in the MCU continue to captivate audiences, reminding us of the value of human connection and the challenges we face in nurturing these bonds. In Natasha, Bruce, and Hulk's complex relationship, there is a profound and enduring story of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of love.