Hulk and Wolverine have a longstanding rivalry in the comics, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) needs to bring this into live-action. After seeing ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine reunite two incredible actors in iconic roles for one of the most satisfying crossovers in the Marvel Universe, it opened the door to more of these moments.
And in fact, that film also teased a look at what could be with a brief glimpse of a multiversal Hulk versus Wolverine battle. However, it was just a tease, and it didn’t deliver any real battle between the Green Giant and Logan.
But, 16 years ago, Marvel Studios actually delivered a project that explored this conflict in greater detail, but it somehow slipped completely under the radar.
Hulk Vs. Pitted Wolverine Against The Marvel Hero In 2009
Hulk Vs. Is An Official Marvel Studios Release
Hulk Vs. is an animated film from Marvel Studios that came out in 2009. That’s right, just one year after the MCU began with Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, this project, with an executive producer credit from Kevin Feige, arrived direct to video.
The film is pretty short, consisting of two halves which follow Hulk fighting Thor, followed by another half where Hulk fights Wolverine, which together comes to about 80 minutes.
However, the nature of the release, not being theatrical, and coming in an era when streamers were only just starting to provide a service, Hulk Vs. was not a big release. But despite this, it provides a pretty exciting insight to a much-sought-after rivalry.
The Hulk Vs. Wolverine Fight Really Shows The Potential Of The Two Fighting On-Screen
Hulk Fighting Wolverine Could Deliver Incredible Crossover Potential
As highlighted above, the second half of the movie is dedicated to an all-out brawl between Hulk and Wolverine. That means the film has roughly 40 minutes of choreographed fighting between these legends.
They fight across landscapes, pushing their powers to the limits, and proving who exactly is stronger. With Hulk, his thick skin and brute strength paired with his size give him an apparent advantage. But despite Wolverine’s smaller stature, his healing factor and Adamantium claws make him a viable opponent.
With this extended battle sequence pushing the limits of what these characters are capable of, and dedicating so much time to playing with these ideas, it’s an incredible deep dive into what could be adapted for the big screen.
And with the flexibility of animation, the creatives behind Hulk Vs. were able to do some spectacular things, despite a much smaller budget than the Hollywood blockbusters can command. All things considered, this is an incredible animated adventure that’s well worth a watch.
Hulk Vs. Makes An MCU Hulk & Wolverine Fight Feel More Needed Now It’s Becoming Increasingly Possible For The Franchise
The MCU Can Finally Deliver This Iconic Battle Of The тιтans
However, animation can only take an idea so far, and live-action, when done right, can make these ideas infinitely more thrilling. As a result, a live-action adaptation of this fight, with Wolverine and Hulk going all out, is absolutely required for the MCU, especially since it’s never been more plausible to deliver than right now.
Hugh Jackman has joined the MCU officially as of ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine. And while Bruce Banner has transformed into the more refined, and seemingly less strong Smart Hulk, there is a chance that the MCU can revert him back to the savage fighter he once was.
If the MCU can get Hulk to “Hulk out,” then there is real potential for an all-out war between these two characters that could shake the Earth. Just like fans were desperate to see Wolverine and ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool team up, this kind of rivalry is legendary in Marvel lore, and it would be a huge missed opportunity not to deliver on this promising concept in live-action.
Seeing that Marvel Studios was willing to play with this idea in an animated format back in 2009, it’s clear that the idea is worth exploring. But the MCU can’t leave it at that. Sure, there are a few things to get in order first, like the end of the Multiverse Saga, but Hulk versus Wolverine should be a top priority to deliver in the next Marvel Saga, or potentially even sooner if circumstances are right.
When Hulk Vs Wolverine Could Happen In The MCU
There Are Some Major Crossovers Due Soon In The MCU
At present, Wolverine appears to be buddied up with Wade Wilson in his reality. However, they are now aware of multiversal travel, and they could be called upon if and when the major threat arrives in Earth-616, Doctor Doom. So, as long as Wolverine can find his way to Earth-616, he has a real sH๏τ of meeting Hulk.
On the other hand, Bruce Banner has had quite the adventure since Avengers: Infinity War. After Hulk was taken down by Thanos, he struggled to find the will to come out, leaving Bruce without his usual backup. But, they managed to find a way to combine, with Banner taking over their mind and will, and Hulk’s body rising to the surface.
Hulk in his current state would be no challenge for a character like Logan.
Together, the Smart Hulk is an impressive specimen, but it’s clear that Bruce Banner has no real idea how to handle and control a body like that to push it to its full limits. Unfortunately, this means Hulk in his current state would be no challenge for a character like Logan.
But, the events of Avengers: Doomsday could force Banner to give up control, and let Hulk loose. This film is also set to feature several X-Men, and is likely to see Jackman return. If not during Doomsday, a battle could happen in Avengers: Secret Wars, if Doom pits the heroes against each other in a Battleworld scenario.
Beyond that, the next saga will likely see the Mutants take a prominent position, and Hulk’s last appearance promised his story isn’t over. One way or another, this Hulk versus Wolverine battle can happen, and finally take the animated Hulk Vs.’s vision to live-action.
