The Misadventure of Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: A Case Study in Character Arc and Perception

Marvel's cinematic universe has long been revered for its complex and well-rounded characters. However, the treatment of the Hulk in several films has left fans questioning the logic behind certain choices. Why is a character of unparalleled strength depicted more like a clown in movies? In this exploration, we'll examine the character arc of the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), analyze the reasons behind certain plot choices, and discuss broader thematic considerations in film writing and development.

Being Nice View: The Mismanagement of Character Arc

A strong case can be made that the treatment of the Hulk in the MCU has been inconsistent and somewhat neglectful from a character development standpoint. Many writers struggle to balance the power of their characters, leading to pitfalls such as unrealistic behavior or lack of progression. The character of Bruce Banner (Hulk) is particularly susceptible to this type of mismanagement. His psychological complexity, stemming from the internal struggle of sharing a body with the Hulk, has often been sidelined for simpler, more predictable actions.

Character Arc Consistency:

In the early phases of the MCU, the rights to the Hulk were still held by Universal Studios. As a result, Hulk could not have a standalone movie but had to appear in The Avengers and Thor: Ragnarok. This limitation forced the filmmakers to dabble with Hulk's character in ways that did not always align with his full potential or lore. For example, in Thor: Ragnarok, Hulk went from being a violent character to a more subdued figure, which felt abrupt and artificial. In Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Hulk's characterization further deviated from expectations, culminating in him merely being a comedic character by the end of Endgame.

Not Being Nice View: Ideological Influences on Character Writing

The push towards a more girl power and deconstruction of traditional gender roles in entertainment has also played a role in the handling of male characters like Hulk. The critique against masculine characters like Hulk, who use physical strength to solve problems, has led to a shift in how these characters are portrayed. In Endgame, Hulk and Thor are both reduced to comic relief, questioning the true intention behind the filmmakers' choices. This trend reflects a broader trend in modern storytelling where traditional big characters are often sidelined for more relatable, flawed heroes.

Middle Ground Thoughts: A Balanced View

It's important to acknowledge that the MCU, like any large film franchise, has limitations. In the first two films of the MCU, The Avengers and Infinity War, the Hulk played a significant role and was portrayed with a sense of seriousness and power. However, starting from Ragnarok, he began to lose this strength and prominence. By Endgame, both Hulk and Thor were turned into side characters, providing not serious battles but comedic moments such as Hulk becoming a "hippy" and Thor gaining an overbearing belly. This change is both creative and understandable, given the need to explore other aspects of the Avengers' story and manage the screen time of each character.

Conclusion:

The treatment of the Hulk in the MCU is a complex issue, influenced by both practical and artistic considerations. While inconsistency in his character arc and thematic shifts in storytelling have raised questions, it's also clear that entertainment evolves with changing societal norms and audience preferences. As the MCU continues to thrive, it will be interesting to see how the writers and filmmakers will navigate these challenges and present a more coherent and captivating portrayal of this iconic character.