Could Venom and Hulk Join Forces in the MCU?
Venom Hulk: A Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) dream or nightmare? Explore the origins of this monstrous fusion, the unprecedented threat it poses, and the tantalizing possibilities of its existence within the MCU Brace yourself for an Avengers-level danger like never before!
Article Key Points
The mid-credits scenes in Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Spider-Man: No Way Home hint at the possibility of Venom symbiote wreaking havoc in the MCU.
The Venom symbiote has formed bonds with multiple Marvel characters in the comics, including Hulk, potentially resulting in a formidable fusion within the MCU. The presence of a remaining portion of the Venom symbiote in the MCU implies the potential for Spider-Man or Bruce Banner to form a bond with it, paving the way for captivating narrative arcs.
The MCU is severely lacking the presence of the alien symbiote that has caused turmoil for Spider-Man and other Marvel heroes on various occasions. Due to Sony holding the majority of the cinematic rights to Spider-Man, it seems unlikely that fans will ever witness Venom or the black Spider suit in the MCU. However, the mid-credits scene in Venom: Let There Be Carnage presents a small glimmer of hope for the Venom symbiote to cause chaos within the MCU. In this scene, Eddie Brock transitions from the Spider-verse, where he originates, to the MCU. Similarly, the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home shows Eddie returning to his rightful place in the cinematic multiverse.
The symbiotes are parasitic alien beings that require a host to survive. Not only has the Venom symbiote been bonded to Eddie Brock, it has also formed alliances with other characters like Peter Parker and Mac Gargan. Marvel comics even took it a step further by depicting the Venom symbiote merging with one of Marvel's most powerful characters: the Hulk. The idea of Venom teaming up with the Jade Giant is terrifying, considering Venom's already formidable strength. Now, the possible introduction of such a creature in the MCU appears to be more plausible.
Venom Hulk's Comic Origins
During 2019, Marvel Comics introduced an entertaining twist in the Venom and symbiote storyline through Absolute Carnage: Immortal Hulk. Within this narrative, Carnage is determined to rouse Knull, the supreme malevolent force reigning over the symbiotes. Remarkably, the symbiote, Venom, decides to seek a mightier host and completely abandons Eddie Brock. Surprisingly, the symbiote then discovers none other than Bruce Banner as Brock's replacement.
The entire assimilation serves as a fascinating analysis of Banner's psyche as he engages in a mental conversation with three distinct forms of the Hulk regarding the possibility of merging with the symbiote. It is important to recognize that Banner is not a singular entity, but rather a collection of different personalities housed within one body, with each Hulk having an equal say in its fate. As soon as the symbiote makes contact with Bruce, a dialogue ensues among him, Savage Hulk, Grey Hulk, and Immortal Hulk, revealing Banner's inferiority compared to the other three personas right from the start. However, despite Immortal Hulk's opposition to joining with the symbiote, a vote is cast and he is outvoted.
Prior to the events of Absolute Carnage, there have been previous instances of the Venom symbiote merging with Hulk. Collaborators Danny Fingeroth and Mark Bagley crafted a What If...? story together in 1989, while in 2012, Rick Remender showcased the immense power of the Venom symbiote when it bonded with Thunderbolt Ross's Red Hulk during the six-part event titled Circle of Four.
How Dangerous is Venom Hulk?
The Absolute Carnage storyline failed to deliver the expected overwhelming power of a symbiote-infused Hulk, leaving fans disappointed. Carnage, fueled by his connection with Knull, greatly enhanced his abilities and easily defeated the Venomized-Hulk. By targeting Banner's brain, Carnage weakened him and successfully stripped him of the symbiote, rendering him defenseless. As a final blow, Carnage separated Banner's spine from his body, ultimately ending the reign of Venom Hulk. Had Venom-Hulk been given sufficient time to adapt to his new form and not faced an opponent with nearly godlike powers, he had the potential to be a horrifying character. Nevertheless, other versions of Venom-Hulk proved to be more devastating.
In the alternate reality depicted in What If...?, the symbiote jumped from Avenger to Avenger, draining their life force before finally merging with the Hulk. Once united with the Jade Giant, the symbiote unleashed chaos and absorbed all available gamma energy until merging with Thor. The symbiote's destructive rampage was only halted by Black Bolt and his powerful supersonic voice.
Maybe it's unjust to incorporate the Circle of Four Venom-Red Hulk since it involved more than just the symbiote merging with Red Hulk. At the time, it was Flash Thompson who wielded the symbiote and he made the decision to allow it to bond with Red Hulk in order to combat Blackheart, Mephisto's son. Along with the symbiote, they also integrated the Spirit of Vengeance, resulting in a formidable amalgamation. Instead of possessing the penance stare ability, which is Ghost Rider's signature move, the Ghost Rider-Hulk-Venom combination possesses a unique attack known as the "Penance Punch." Ultimately, this amalgamation successfully defeats Blackheart before the individuals separate once again.
The Elements for Venom Hulk in the MCU
Venom, played by Tom Hardy, is not a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but exists in the multiverse, leaving room for endless possibilities. Interestingly, in two mid-credit scenes, it is hinted that Venom Hulk could potentially make an appearance in the main MCU universe. The recent events in Spider-Man: No Way Home brought together adversaries and allies from various dimensions into the universe of Tom Holland's Spider-Man, including Eddie Brock portrayed by Tom Hardy. Fortunately, this version of Eddie Brock is less hostile compared to his earlier comic book portrayal.
By the conclusion of No Way Home, Doctor Strange utilized his abilities to return all individuals who were not supposed to be in their respective universes, including an intoxicated Eddie Brock. However, a small fragment of the symbiote managed to evade this return and remained at the quaint tiki bar on the beach that Brock stumbled upon between the events of Let There Be Carnage and No Way Home. The method in which Doctor Strange successfully separated Eddie from the complete symbiote remains a mystery, as the movies did not delve into an explanation.
The existence of this lingering portion of the Venom symbiote within the Marvel Cinematic Universe subtly hints towards the potential for Tom Holland's Spider-Man to form a symbiotic bond with it, mirroring the events portrayed in the comic books. Marvel may take creative liberties at this point and explore the captivating dynamic between the symbiote and Bruce Banner. It is intriguing to note that Brock was not present in a bar located in either New York City or San Francisco, but rather on a tropical beach, resembling the environment where Banner trained his cousin in She-Hulk. Conceivably, when the fragment of Venom departed, it possibly gravitated towards one of the Hulk's surroundings.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an expansive franchise that combines the individual stories of superheroes like Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Widow, and others. Beginning with the release of Iron Man in 2008, the MCU has received acclaim from critics and achieved immense financial success, grossing billions at the box office and becoming a cultural sensation.
Editor's P/S
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The potential for Venom and Hulk to join forces in the MCU is an exciting prospect that could lead to some truly epic storylines. The Venom symbiote is a powerful and unpredictable force, and when combined with the Hulk's strength and durability, it could create a nearly unstoppable being. The two characters have a long history of conflict in the comics, but they have also occasionally teamed up to fight common enemies. It would be interesting to see how their relationship would develop in the MCU, and whether they could ultimately learn to trust and work together.
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The introduction of Venom-Hulk into the MCU could also have a major impact on the other characters in the franchise. The Avengers would certainly have their hands full trying to stop a creature that is as strong as the Hulk and as cunning as Venom. Spider-Man would also be forced to confront his former enemy, and it would be interesting to see how he would react to seeing Venom bonded to someone else. The possibilities for Venom-Hulk in the MCU are endless, and it would be a thrill to see this character come to life on the big screen.
