Though there?s still half a year left before Captain America: Civil War kicks off Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, attention is already being shifted to another big event in the MCU. In 2017, Thor: Ragnarok will see Thor Odinson leaving Midgard as danger looms in the other realms.
While seeing Thor and his brother Loki back in action is exciting, the most interesting aspect of the film is that Mark Ruffalo?s Hulk will play an important role in Ragnarok. Thus far, Ruffalo?s Hulk has been kept in a supporting role, only appearing in the two Avengers films. The character was an instant fan-favorite, but complications with distribution and (more importantly) the difficulty of adapting the Hulk as a standalone character have prevented any plans for a future solo film.
Unfortunately, despite his expanded role in Thor 3, another Hulk solo film remains unlikely. Ruffalo?s contract is for six films, and though Marvel cut the character from Civil War to ?save him,? it doesn?t appear the studio is saving him for his own adventure or the often rumored Planet Hulk movie.
Speaking with USA Today, Ruffalo confirmed his character isn?t any closer to a standalone film today than he was three years ago.
?Actually, it feels even further away. It?s not Marvel?s property, it?s Universal?s property. I don?t know. It seems really problematic.
