Avengers: Infinity War co-directors Anthony and Joe Russo offered their explanation several months ago for why Bruce Banner was unable to turn into the Hulk, and yet, as the release date of Avengers: Endgame looms ever closer, the internet continues to offer new theories for the character’s transformation difficulties. And while many a fan has suggested that Hulk’s refusal to come out was due to feelings of fear or guilt, a new Reddit post offers the unique explanation that Bruce was simply too content to access his inner beast.
The justification for this idea stems in part from the moment in The Avengers when Mark Ruffalo’s character admits to always being angry. But while Bruce started out the 2012 film as an isolated figure who’s practically afraid of the outside world, our hero has since found a lot more to be thankful for. For one thing, he now has a few loyal friends, and after spending an extended period in far off lands in Hulk mode, Infinity War sees Bruce back on his home turf and in human form. It’s therefore argued that the Avenger simply can’t summon up the anger necessary to transform.
It’s certainly a novel idea, but aside from the fact that the Russo Brothers have already explained that the Hulk refused to come out due to his resentment towards Bruce, it’s a little hard to believe that the character would have little anger to draw upon in the bleakest MCU movie to date. In particular, if Bruce could summon up the rage to transform in order to fight Thanos, can you really imagine him feeling more content after losing his battle?
Either way, it’s unlikely that the guy is feeling too happy after the events of Avengers: Infinity War, but you can expect both Bruce and his green alter ego to make a return when Avengers: Endgame hits theaters on April 26th, 2019.