The Incredible Hulk review: How does it impact Infinity War?

Will any of this have any effect on Infinity War?

In short, probably not.

The Hulk has evolved quite a lot since this film, changing actors and appearance, developing traits and relationships that aren’t even hinted at in this movie. He is literally barely recognizable as the same character.

I’d love to see the reappearance of the Leader, who has always been my favorite Hulk villain if only due to the juxtaposition of super-intelligence against super-strength, but it’s unlikely. An appearance by Abomination seems even more far-fetched considering that well’s been plumbed.

Betty Ross and her father seem to be the most likely candidates for cameos, particularly the general who already popped back up in Civil War. Perhaps he and Hulk can get a final showdown before Thanos turns off the lights of the universe.

What are sure to appear, though, are some of the themes from this film, especially Banner’s struggle to find redemption and belonging. While these questions perpetually haunt the Hulk, the end of this phase of the MCU may bring about more satisfying, and potentially heartbreaking answers. If, as many believe, Thanos really starts to kill Avengers, Hulk would be a primary candidate. Nothing would more convincingly demonstrate the full extent of The Mad Titan’s power than the extermination of Hulk, the mightiest Avenger (sorry, Thor).

What’s more, a final heroic sacrifice against one of the few enemies that truly outstrips the Hulk in terms of combat ability, would make a fitting end note for a monster that has always sought a way to definitively prove himself a hero.

Next: Marvel Cinematic Universe: Ranking the 20 greatest superheroes

No matter the outcome, as the strongest superhero in the Marvel Universe, Hulk looks to play a key role now that the stakes of survival have become truly cosmic. It’s time for the big boys to come out and play, and the Hulk is the biggest there is on the side of good.