Directors Joe and Anthony Russo answer the Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans), Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Bruce Banner/Hulk. Throughout the MCU’s first four phases, the universe and, in turn, the Avengers’ roster of God-like and mere mortal characters has continued to expand.
Following the success of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the Russo brothers ostensibly became the MCU’s go-to directors, helming some of Marvel Studios’ most significant films in Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. As one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, Endgame tied up 21 films worth of storytelling and catered to roughly 36 characters in their last stand against Thanos. That said, the Russos are arguably more equipped than anyone to tackle the question of who the strongest Avenger is.
The Russos recently took the Wired Autocomplete Interview to promote their new movie The Gray Man. Answering the question, “who did the Russo Brothers say is the strongest Avenger?” the pair responded by giving legit answers and then trolling the once-incredible Hulk. Read the full quote below:
Joe Russo: “We said Wanda at one point. Captain Marvel at another point. Thor.”
Anthony Russo: “Certainly never said it’s the Hulk.”
Joe: “Certainly not the Hulk. He’d be low on the list. Like right underneath Groo the Wanderer.”
Groo the Wanderer is a comedy comic book series following what is essentially a parody of Conan the Barbarian, Groo—a large-nosed buffoon who gets by on his competent swordsmanship despite being frighteningly unaware of his surroundings. Hulk’s child-like nature may prove the comparison apt. Still, the Russos’ comments are less-than complimentary. While the directors are clearly joking, fans have complained about the MCU dwarfing Hulk’s strength after Avengers: Age of Ultron. Following the green rage monster’s characterization in Thor: Ragnarok, Hulk seemingly got weaker. Coincidentally, the Russos then had him swiftly defeated by Thanos at the beginning of Infinity War before the introduction of a mild-mannered Professor Hulk in Endgame—which certainly didn’t do his strength any favors.
Hulk’s strength is theoretically on par with all superhuman beings as it increases exponentially alongside his anger. In the MCU, Tony Stark trolled Thor by programming the Quinjet to welcome Bruce as the “strongest Avenger.” Although their physical strength is comparable, Thor can fly and control lightning, which gives the God of Thunder an edge over Hulk if not Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson)—whose cosmic powers are relatively unparalleled. Of course, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness saw Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) make quick work of Earth-838’s Avengers, the Illuminati, including Earth-838’s Maria Rambeau/Captain Marvel (Lashana Lynch). Aside from hilariously slighting Ruffalo’s character, the Russos know what they’re talking about. It’ll be interesting to see if Hulk can garner more respect in Disney+’s She-Hulk series.
Source: Wired
