World War Hulk Movie Rumored To Start Filming Next Year

A Marvel Cinematic Universe adaptation of the World War Hulk comics storyline is rumored to begin production in 2022. The character of the Hulk has proven to be an MCU staple since he was introduced in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, which saw mild-mannered Dr. Bruce Banner portrayed by Edward Norton. He then became a founding member of the titular superhero team in 2012’s The Avengers, with both Banner and Hulk (via performance capture) recast with Mark Ruffalo, who has played the role ever since.

While Ruffalo’s portrayal of the character has been warmly received by fans, he has yet to receive the Hulk solo-movie that is seemingly commonplace for most of his fellow Avengers. The actor has gone on record as saying that, while there have been talks about a solo-feature, the major barrier has been a legal battle between Marvel Studios and Universal Pictures. Universal, who produced the 2008 film as a co-production with Marvel, has had ownership of the production rights for standalone Hulk films, with Marvel owning both the right to both distribution and use of the character in other franchises. It seems, however, that this may be about to change.

According to inside sources from The GWW, a new Hulk solo film tentatively titled World War Hulk is in active development at Marvel Studios and slated to begin production in late-2022. This would follow the Disney+ series She-Hulk, starring Tatiana Maslany, which is expected to release in 2022 and will feature Ruffalo’s Bruce in a supporting role. The site also reports that the reason for this development is the film rights to the Hulk reverting from Universal back to Marvel/Disney following a rumor from 2020.

The prospect of adapting World War Hulk will be of interest to many comic fans. The story is a sequel to Greg Pak’s comic, Planet Hulk, which saw the character sent away from Earth by the group of Marvel heroes known as ‘The Illuminati’ and dominating the planet Sakaar through participating in gladiatorial-style combat. Some of this may sound familiar to MCU fans, as several elements of the story were incorporated into Taika Watiti’s Thor: Ragnarok. World War Hulk, also written by Pak, follows on from this with the Hulk returning to Earth to take his revenge on the Illuminati (comprising of heroes such as Iron Man and Dr. Strange) after the shuttle they used to exile him explodes, destroying the new life he had made for himself.

While the MCU adaptation will need to make some big changes, this news will be most welcome to any fans who have loved this iteration of the Hulk but have felt the character under-served as a supporting player. While no cast members are confirmed for this project, it seems likely that Ruffalo would return for the starring role, considering his commitment to the part through several feature films, cameos and his upcoming role in the Disney+ series She-Hulk. Indeed, She-Hulk seems like an opportune project to expand the Hulk’s supporting cast. Perhaps a potential World War Hulk may only be the first of several Hulk solo-ventures that have been majorly overdue.

Source: The GWW

About The Author