Hulk's Communication Evolution
With the release of What If...? Season 2, the long-standing mystery of Hulk's communication abilities in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been addressed. This revelation has not only retconned previous explanations but also shed light on the evolution of Hulk's character from his debut in The Incredible Hulk to his appearances in Thor: Ragnarok and beyond.
Thor and Hulk sitting next to each other in a living quarters in Thor: Ragnarok
Throughout his MCU tenure, Hulk's communication ability has been a subject of speculation and curiosity among fans. The recent developments in What If...? Season 2 have provided a new perspective on Hulk's mental capacity and the factors that have influenced his ability to articulate his thoughts coherently.
Hulk Happy Hogan talks to Darcie in What If...Happy Hogan Saved Christmas
In The Incredible Hulk, it was established that Hulk, while capable of immense strength, was limited in his ability to communicate, often resorting to short phrases or single words. This portrayal of Hulk as a largely non-verbal character persisted until Thor: Ragnarok, where a significant change in his communication abilities was witnessed.
Hulk Happy Hogan looks concerned in What If...?
Retcon in What If...? Season 2
The most recent episode of What If...? Season 2, titled 'What If... Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?' introduced a retcon regarding Hulk's communication abilities. The episode revealed that Tony Stark had been working on a method to enable Hulk to retain his powers without requiring extreme levels of anger. This retcon not only offers a new explanation for Hulk's communication struggles but also implies a significant shift in the understanding of his character's development.
A surprised Jennifer Walters in her Hulk form in She-Hulk
The retcon suggests that Hulk's inability to communicate coherently is attributed to his unbridled rage overpowering his mind. This theory challenges the previous explanation provided in Thor: Ragnarok, where it was indicated that Hulk's ability to talk was a matter of time and growth. The revelation in What If...? Season 2 presents a compelling reinterpretation of Hulk's psychological and emotional dynamics, raising intriguing questions about the nature of his internal struggles and the potential for growth and change.
Happy Hogan looking at Hulk Blood in What If...Happy Hogan Saved Christmas
Implications and Character Development
The retcon in What If...? Season 2 not only revises the understanding of Hulk's communication abilities but also has implications for his character development across the MCU. It challenges the notion that Hulk's ability to communicate was solely a result of extended time and exposure, as suggested in Thor: Ragnarok. Instead, it introduces the idea that Hulk's mental state and emotional control play a crucial role in determining his communication abilities.
Hulk Happy Hogan stands with the Avengers at Christmas in What If...Happy Hogan Saved Christmas
Furthermore, the introduction of Hulk's son, Skaar, in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, offers additional insights into Hulk's personal life and relationships. This development, combined with the retcon in What If...? Season 2, opens up new avenues for exploring Hulk's character arc and the complexities of his emotional and psychological journey.
Hulk Happy Hogan looks angrily at the viewer in What If...?
