The Incredible Hulk: The Fate of Emil Blonsky/Abomination in the MCU

The 2008 film The Incredible Hulk introduced us to the character of Emil Blonsky, also known as Abomination, who is played by the actor Tim Roth. This article delves into what happens to Abomination after his battle with the Hulk in the film, the subsequent developments of his character in other MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) media, and updates on his current status.

Abomination in the 2008 Film

In the 2008 blockbuster The Incredible Hulk, Abomination is a key antagonist, witnessing his transformation at the hands of gamma radiation. During a climactic battle in Harlem, Blonsky is ultimately defeated and incapacitated by the Hulk. The military, led by General Thunderbolt Ross, successfully captures him, marking the end of the film's main narrative arc.

While the film does not explicitly show what happens to Blonsky afterward, it is strongly implied that he is taken into custody by the military. Given the context of the Marvel Universe, his containment would likely involve a combination of advanced technology and possibly sedatives to suppress his gamma-irradiated abilities (h/t Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season One: Episode 13 - T.R.A.C.K.S.).

Subsequent MCU Appearances

While the 2008 film did not specify the ultimate fate of Abomination, later MCU media shed more light on his story. In the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series, it was revealed that Blonsky was taken to the Vault, a top-secret cryogenic prison in Barrow, Alaska. Under the supervision of General Ross, he was placed in a cryo-cell, with the intent of using him for the Avengers Initiative rather than releasing him as Abomination.

Phil Coulson, a key agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., warned one of his fellow agents about the potential dangers of such an operation, stating: "What you're doing is against protocol. So if you endanger an operation, or if anyone gets hurt, I'll reassign you to Barrow Alaska, and you'll spend the rest of your years pulling the night shift guarding Blonsky's cryo-cell."

Despite his initial imprisonment, Blonsky managed to break free from S.H.I.E.L.D. custody and resurfaced as the Abomination, taking part in illegal fights in Macau, where he befriended Wong, the Sorcerer Supreme. This transformation is rooted in his own experiments with gamma radiation, leading to a permanent condition intertwined with his human identity (h/t Comic Knowledge Timeline).

Recent Developments and She-Hulk

Newer MCU developments suggest that Blonsky/Abomination’s character is evolving. In the upcoming She-Hulk series, rumors suggest that Blonsky may return to his human form, triggering a transformation into the Abomination. Whether this is explained as an “evolution” of his transformation or a retcon of the established character remains to be seen. Regardless, this is an exciting prospect for fans, given Tim Roth’s portrayal of Blonsky's complexity in the 2008 film.

The She-Hulk series is set to air in 2023, and as the character arc continues, it will be fascinating to see how Blonsky’s journey unfolds. His appearances in the MCU include the Incredible Hulk video game, film adaptations, the Rising Tide video series (Evidence of Real Life Monster), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and other MCU films.

Conclusion

The character of Emil Blonsky/Abomination has experienced a transformation in the MCU, starting from the 2008 film and evolving through various cinematic and television adaptations. His journey remains an integral part of the broader Marvel mythology, capturing the essence of the gamma-infused villain in a way that blends human emotion with inhuman strength.