There hasn’t been a solo Hulk movie since 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, and before that, Ang Lee’s divisive Hulk (2003) attempted to bring the character to the big screen. Since then, the Hulk has primarily appeared in Avengers and Captain America films.
However, things might soon change. Last night, a listing on Production Weekly revealed that World War Hulk is scheduled to begin filming in 2025.
After investigating the matter with a few trusted sources, I’ve learned that while plans aren’t “official” yet, Marvel Studios indeed aims to start production this year.
Mark Ruffalo is set to reprise his role as Bruce Banner, a.k.a. the Hulk, in what promises to be a busy year for the character.
February’s Captain America: Brave New World will reportedly set up the events of World War Hulk, while the Thunderbolts movie, set to release later in the year, will act as a connecting thread leading into Hulk’s first solo Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) outing.
It’s surprising that Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has taken this long to greenlight a standalone Hulk film within the MCU.
While rights issues with Universal Pictures have long been cited as a hurdle, it seems inevitable that Disney would secure them sooner or later. After all, there’s little that Disney’s resources can’t accomplish.
The Story of World War Hulk
In the comics, World War Hulk unfolds after the tragic death of Hulk’s wife.
Overcome with grief and rage, Hulk vows revenge against the Illuminati and Earth’s heroes, embarking on a path of destruction that sees him battling waves of Earth’s mightiest defenders.
The story is one of vengeance, chaos, and raw power, offering plenty of potential for an epic adaptation.
George Miller in Talks to Direct
Here’s where things get particularly intriguing. According to sources, Kevin Feige has reached out to several directors for World War Hulk, including George Miller, the visionary filmmaker behind Mad Max: Fury Road and the upcoming Furiosa.
Interestingly, Miller has also expressed interest in directing Thor 5. It was reportedly Chris Hemsworth, Miller’s Furiosa star, who facilitated the meeting between Miller and Feige.
Miller’s interest in the MCU isn’t entirely unexpected. He was once attached to direct a DC Universe movie, Justice League: Mortal, which collapsed in the final stages of pre-production.
That unrealized project remains one of the great “what-ifs” of cinematic history, leaving fans to wonder what a George Miller-directed superhero epic could look like.
George Miller’s Perspective on the MCU
In a 2019 interview with Deadline, Miller offered a refreshing counterpoint to Martin Scorsese’s criticism of Marvel films, expressing his admiration for the MCU:
“I watch all of them. To be honest, in terms of this debate, cinema is cinema and it’s a very broad church. The test, ultimately, is what it means to the audience.”
Miller went on to critique Scorsese’s dismissal of commercially successful films, describing it as an example of “hubris.”
He argued, “It’s such a broad spectrum, a wide range, and to say that anyone is more significant or more important than the other is missing the point. It’s one big mosaic, and each bit of work fits into it.”
Beyond Mad Max
While Miller is best known for the Mad Max franchise, his diverse filmography includes projects like The Witches of Eastwick, Babe: Pig in the City, and the animated hits Happy Feet and Happy Feet Two.
His ability to craft visually stunning and emotionally resonant films makes him a fascinating choice for a project like World War Hulk.
If Miller does end up directing the film, it could mark a bold and thrilling chapter for both the Hulk and the MCU. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as this project develops.
