Marvel has finally found an explanation for why Bruce Banner appears on the stage of Shang-Chi and Legend of the Ten Rings as Professor Hulk.
Eternal co-writer Kaz Firpo spoke to Screen Rant about the new Marvel Studios movie and its meaning to the MCU. During the discussion, he discussed the plight of many of the great Avengers, which sheds light on why Mark Ruffalo’s cameo in Shang-Chi, The Good Doctor, is returning to his human form.
“I think in terms of timing we just lost Tony, we just lost Cap, Natasha is gone, the Hulk is working on himself right now, I think he’s making himself more human than the intelligent Hulk,” he said. Firpo. “So I think all of the Avengers have been pretty busy.”
This is the first time anyone from Marvel has commented on Banner’s appearance on stage. He and Captain Marvel discuss a hologram with Wong, Shang-Chi, and Katy. Interestingly, Banner’s hand is in the wing, which means the time after Avengers: Endgame is coming. It seems that despite claims that the version of the character in Endgame was the best of both worlds, he wanted to become human again. Of course, that doesn’t mean the Hulk is gone forever.
Ruffalo will repeat his banner role for She-Hulk, which will appear on Disney + next year. Many recently reported leaks claimed the show would follow the comics, with Banner transfusing Jennifer Walters’ cousin’s blood, which enabled her to become a She-Hulk. Interestingly, the details of the leak revealed that Banner returned in human form to donate blood to Jennifer.
It has also been suggested that Banner will have difficulty transforming into the Hulk again. Both this and Firpo’s comments may be true. For various reasons, Banner will return and help his cousin along the way. However, the author admits he doesn’t know the details.
As for the future of Shang-Chi, it is claimed that the successful sequel to the 2023 film will be released alongside the hit films Nova and Thunderbolts. The latter could see the return of the Abomination, who will appear in She-Hulk after his appearance in Shang-Chi.
