15 Hulk Fan Theories That Actually Make A Lot Of Sense

From Redditor u/sinburger:

TL;DR: Hulk stayed Hulk for so long because Sakaar is dangerous AF and there was no reason for Banner to come out.

Banner states that in the past he felt that he and Hulk always had one hand on the wheel of control, but during his time on Sakaar it was more like Hulk had full control and Banner was locked in the trunk. I don't think this happened because Hulk somehow gained a greater control of his shared living conditions. I think Banner sub-consciously gave up control and allowed Hulk to stay in charge as a matter of self preservation.

[Read the full theory here]

From Redditor u/ak2sup:

Just realized it, while Professor Hulk was doing time-travel test on Scott he accidently turned Scott into an old, teen and a baby. Of course it was fun scene, but what if they actually use that tech for selfish reason? For example, Hulk could use that to heal his arm, Cap could use that to become young again, and they still have all memories

From Redditor u/smacksaw:

Hulk wants friendship. It's that easy. Watch Ragnarok. All they talk about is "Thor not Hulk friend". Waititi makes is perfectly clear: Valkyrie comes. They are friends. It's obvious. He helps her. He clears the air with Thor. They establish a friendship between Thor and Hulk, not just Thor and Banner. Hulk runs after Thor. "Friend!" he exclaims. Because he's lonely. Because no one likes or respects him for who he is. Banner treats him like a trained animal. Hulk liked being a gladiator. He got recognition for who and what he is. Which, at it's core is all anyone wants. There's nothing complicated going on. Ragnarok makes it clear over and over again that Hulk's primary motivation is validation from others, most importantly through friendship. Hulk came out on the Bifrost because Hulk's friends were in trouble. Not because Banner called him. In fact, Hulk was content to let Banner die. He waited. He didn't do it for Banner. He did it for Valkyrie and Thor. This ain't rocket surgery, folks. Banner will be friends with his inner Hulk.

From Redditor u/Crispworthy:

Think about it..... we’ve only seen the soul stone used a couple of times; Thanos wiping out half the universe... and as soon as he does that, he has a moment in the soul world with the one he loves (Gamora: “did you do it?” etc) When the Hulk used it to bring everyone back. When Iron Man used it to get rid of Thanos and his army. We then see in a ‘deleted scene’ that Tony has a conversation in the soul world with his loved one (his daughter, all grown up).

So, going back to number two: doesn’t it make sense that Hulk got to meet his loved one in the soul world after he used the stones? Especially when we consider that he told Cap that he tried to bring her back. How does he know he didn’t!? Everyone appeared exactly where they were when they were dusted, maybe she came back to life there! But no, Hulk KNOWS she didn’t... how could he KNOW? Did Dr Strange go to Vormir and see if she was around? It’s possible, but did he chat to Hulk about it? Also, consider that Thanos meets Gamora in the soul world; because her soul maybe lives there now due to the sacrifice. The same could be said for Nat?

From Redditor u/mybustersword:

How Thanos actually beat the Hulk. It's simple. It involves martial arts and skill, as well as knowledge of anatomy, the Hulk and how his strength works. If Thanos is aware of Hulk as a being that gets stronger with anger, Thanos knows he has to interrupt that process internally. The Avengers know it as well, which is why they try to calm him down with soft talk and a pretty lady. Thanos accomplishes this with targeted strikes. If you notice re-watching the fight scene, Thanos' first strike is to Hulks neck. In fact, the next few strikes are to his neck and chin. These areas are vital and attacks to these areas will disrupt the flow of oxygen by restricting the ability to breathe, and disorient the brain by concussive force. Chin strikes have a higher chance to rattle someone.

[Read the full theory here]

From Redditor u/The_Brolander:

I was a little annoyed by how underwhelming Hulk was in this movie. I thought that the Hulk would’ve had a sweet little redemption fight with Thanos... after how quickly he was dismantled in the last movie. At least one round even... but nothing. I think I just realized why. The reason Professor Hulk isn’t really seen fighting, is because Banner (who is now driving the Hulk car) never learned how to fight. His strength is hardly showcased at all. He held up some rocks... he threw a bench across the state... And he picked up a motorcycle and tossed it aside and that was the extent of Hulk showing his power. The reason why I think this is, is because Banner never really learned how to fight and he’s always just been a spectator in the Hulk’s berserker show. Sure, when he was wearing the hulk buster armor, he was piloting something super strong, but that was a suit of armor programmed to react and fight and super enhance wearer ability (even if they are limited). Savage Hulk was never a skilled fighter himself. He was a berserker who just destroyed everything trying to hurt him or his friends. His rage fueled all of his punches. During that five years, he became soft and complacent... banner only used his strength only to wow kids, but never knowing how to really use his strength for combat. Some of this is evident when they travel back to New York and Banner is off to get the time stone. Cap tells him to wreck some stuff and Banner isn’t really sure what to do... he punches a car... he tosses a motorcycle to the side and just stands there dopey. Banner doesn’t have rage and isn’t a berserker. He should really be working with Clint, Bucky and all of the other hand to hand combatants on how to use his power.