Stillanerd’s Speculation: What Thor: Ragnarok could mean for Avengers: Infinity War
By Mike McNulty
Credit: Marvel Studios; from Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Bruce Banner No More?
Having been the Hulk for two years, Bruce Banner fears if he turns into him again, he won’t be able to change back. During the climax of the film, Bruce changes back into the Hulk to protect the Asgardians from the giant wolf, Fernis. Although it made for a hilarious scene, Bruce not changing into the Hulk when splatting on the Bifrost bridge suggests Bruce may have “died.” Or did he?
In an interview with Collider, Ruffalo revealed how producer Kevin Feige asked his ideas for a theoretical “stand-alone Hulk movie.” They came up with a three-act story arc for the Hulk, with Thor: Ragnarok being the first act, and the second and third occurring in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4. So perhaps we haven’t seen the last of Bruce quite just yet. Maybe during Avengers: Infinity War it’s revealed Banner isn’t completely gone.
If so, just because the Hulk can’t change back into Banner doesn’t mean Banner couldn’t try taking control again. Perhaps Banner will act like the Hulk’s own Jiminy Cricket that only he can see and hear. This would make it the first time in live-action where Banner and his green alter-ego would interact. Moreover, this could eventually lead towards the Marvel Cinematic Universe début of the “Professor Hulk,” i.e. a merging of Banner and the Hulk.
Credit: Marvel Studios; from Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
What about the other characters?
Feige has confirmed we’ll be seeing more of the Sakaar gladiators, Korg (voice by director Taika Waititi) and Miek, at some point in the near future. This means they, too, will somehow survive the attack by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. The question is how.
In the comics, Korg and Miek became Hulk’s “warbound,” essentially brothers-in-arms, during both Planet Hulk and World War Hulk. Maybe they’ll wind up accompanying Hulk after all three survive Thanos’ attack. I can also picture the two of them easily making appearances in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. In other words, they’ll be the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of C-3PO and R2-D2.
As for Hela (Cate Blanchett), I say she died during her battle with Surtur and Asgard’s destruction. I realize this a potentially controversial opinion to take, but I do not see her as a replacement for Thanos’ beloved Death. She served her purpose in Thor: Ragnarok, so there’s no real need for her story to continue.
As for the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum)? Well, he is the Collector’s (Benicio del Toro) brother, and Feige did entertain the idea they could appear on-screen together. The post-credits scene sees him attempting to weasel his way out becoming a prisoner of the Sakaarian rebels. I think it’d be hilarious if, the next time we see him, he’s hiding out with the Collector…right as Thanos, Loki, and the Children of Thanos show up for the Aether.
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Do you agree with these predictions? Perhaps, you have your own theories and speculations based on what happened during Thor: Ragnarok. We’d very much like to hear them, along with a few thoughts about the film and your expectations for Avengers: Infinity War. Also, don’t think we’re done making more speculations, either. Until then, start guessing away!