Today sees the release of The Avengers: Infinity War on digital, which includes a host of bonus features, one of which is a director’s commentary for the film where Joe Russo once again touches upon the reason the Hulk wasn’t featured in the movie.
Fans will recall that the Hulk refused to come out when Banner tried to unleash him in Infinity War, which led to many fans thinking that the Incredible One was actually afraid of Thanos, as the start of the movie features the Great Titan giving the Green Goliath a major butt whippin’.
“This was an interesting journey we went on with Banner, trying to decide how we move him forward in the Marvel Universe,” Joe Russo said. “What makes him unique as a character is that there is a host body that is being fought over by two distinct personalities who hate each other. And both want control of the host body. So we thought an interesting direction to take him in is what if Banner, who typically uses the Hulk to solve crisis situations, what if the Hulk were no longer interested in solving those problems for Banner? So that the relationship is becoming increasingly dysfunctional. That’s what’s going on here.”
Regarding the thought of the Hulk being afraid of Thanos, Russo explained: “People have speculated whether there was some fear on the Hulk’s part about having to face Thanos again. But I think ultimately what it is, is that he’s tired of playing hero to Bruce Banner.”
Following the release of The Avengers: Infinity War, Russo also offered the following when it was remarked the Green Goliath might have been afraid of Thanos.
“I think people have interpreted it as Hulk’s scared. I mean, certainly, that’s not a… I don’t know that the Hulk is ever… he’s had his ass kicked before, and he loves a good fight. But I think that it’s really reflective of the journey from Ragnarok,” Joe Russo explained said. “These two characters are constantly in conflict with each other over control. And I think that if the Hulk were to say why, it’d be Banner only wants Hulk for fighting. I think he’s had enough of saving Banner’s ass.”
The Avengers: Infinity War becomes available on Blu-Ray on August 14.
