Warning: This list contains spoilers for She-Hulk episode 2!Disney+'s Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase 4. The second episode of the new legal comedy features a surprise scene wherein it is revealed that Bruce Banner has boarded a Sakaarian ship heading into unspecified regions of space, lighting the internet ablaze with fan theories.
While this is likely the last that fans will see of the Hulk in this season of She-Hulk, it is almost certainly not the last they've seen of him in the MCU. As the jolly green giant disappears into regions yet unknown, fans are left to wonder where and when they will see the Incredible Hulk again--and which projects might feature his return.
She-Hulk Season 2
While fans are no doubt eager to learn what exactly happens to Smart Hulk after he leaves Earth on the Sakaaran ship, there are already enough burning questions from the first two episodes of She-Hulk without delving into Hulk's whereabouts as well. It may prove unfortunately true that Marvel intends on making fans wait until a potential season 2 of She-Hulk to answer any questions regarding the next steps of Bruce's journey.
This would undoubtedly prove disappointing to fans, who are already generating wild theories regarding Hulk's departure into space, yet it would make sense for She-Hulk to set up a compelling potential arc for future seasons. Nevertheless, the fact that Hulk disappeared in the second episode of the season rather than the finale could indicate that his next appearance could be tied to another project entirely, perhaps one that has not yet been announced by Marvel Studios.
Planet Hulk Adaptation
Rumors have emerged in recent months that the Marvel Cinematic Universe may be setting up its own adaptation of Greg Pak's Planet Hulk storyline, one of Hulk's most important comic book arcs. While no official announcement has come from Marvel Studios regarding this potential project, the appearance of the Sakaaran ship in She-Hulk has only added fuel to the fire of fan speculation.
Despite a lack of confirmation thus far, including Planet Hulk's absence from the MCU's SDCC 2022 , Marvel Studios has been known to keep certain projects unannounced until D23, which is coming up in a few weeks. If Planet Hulk is announced in the near future, it would go a long way in setting up the heavily rumored World War Hulk event, just as is the case in Marvel Comics.
The Marvels
If the Hulk is set to appear in a future project outside of his own standalone film, there are only a handful of projects taking place in space that could fit his new storyline. The The Marvels, fits the bill, as the film is expected to be a spacefaring adventure that will explore various corners of the galaxy.
The Hulk could easily make his next appearance in The Marvels, even if it only takes the form of a quick cameo setting up yet another project in the MCU's future. Set to release in the summer of 2023, there is just enough time in between the film and Hulk's initial departure from Earth to keep fans anxiously speculating as Marvel sets up his next big storyline.
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty
While the film is still several years out, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty may be the next place that fans will see the Hulk. The recently announced fifth film in the Avengers franchise will see the eponymous team battle the might of Kang the Conqueror, who is portrayed by Jonathan Majors.
The Hulk will almost certainly play a part in what is sure to be a star-studded Avengers lineup in The Kang Dynasty. While many fans likely hope to see the green behemoth sooner than 2025, such a long wait would make his return all the more exciting. It may even prove to be the case that the Sakaarans have recruited Hulk to help prepare for the inevitable war against Kang.
Guardians Of The Galaxy, Volume 3
The next space-faring chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the highly anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy Vollume 3, which is set to be released in May 2023. The film is set to close the current chapter for the galaxy-defending team, perhaps acting as certain ' last appearance in the MCU. As they face the great threat of the High Evolutionary, the Guardians may find themselves in need of a little extra muscle in the form of Earth's strongest Avenger.
The Hulk is no stranger to making an appearance in the third installment of various solo franchises throughout the MCU, showing up in both Thor: Ragnarok. While any appearance in the third Guardians of the Galaxy film would likely be relegated to a short cameo, the Hulk could prove to be a major asset for the team in their latest adventure, which could easily add a bit more information as to why the Avenger left Earth in the first place and what he's up to now that he has presumably returned to Sakaar.
Secret Invasion
Disney+'s even Nick Fury himself, could be a Skrull. The series, set to release in early 2023, will be a major event for the MCU, featuring at least one Avenger in Don Cheadle's War Machine.
If Secret Invasion expects to replicate the vast scale of the comic book event on which it is based, it must include as many Avengers as possible. Since much of the series is expected to take place in space, as implied by the post-credit scene of Spider-Man: Far From Home, the Hulk could very well cross paths with Nick Fury and Maria Hill during their covert adventures. It may even be that Fury sent for him specifically, seeking help in his mission against the Skrulls.
World War Hulk Project
While any future appearance from the Hulk is an exciting premise for Marvel fans, nothing would be more crowd-pleasing than a live-action adaptation of the iconic World War Hulk comic book event. The 2007 miniseries by Greg Pak and John Romita Jr. depicted the Hulk's vengeful return to Earth after being sent away by the Illuminati.
Rumors have persisted that Marvel Studios could have a World War Hulk project secretly in the works. Fans long to see the return of the monstrous Hulk from the early days in the MCU, which would be inevitable should World War Hulk be adapted. Marvel fanatics will have to wait until D23 in September to see if such a project is announced, fulfilling a long-held wish for many fans of the Incredible Hulk.