Marvel faces an important decision regarding Thor and Hulk's future in 2026. Both Hulk and Thor survived the events of Avengers: Endgame to build a new chapter in their MCU journey following Iron Man's death and Captain America's retirement. Since then, both heroes have distanced themselves from the Avengers, but their paths are bound to cross again thanks to Doctor Doom's arrival.
In the comics, Hulk failed to stop Eldest from bringing the Mother of Monsters' curse upon the world in The Incredible Hulk, and Thor completed all his trials in The Immortal Thor, only to die at the hands of Loki. Then, both Hulk and Thor got a second chance, at the cost of a great personal sacrifice. Now, their future may take a surprising direction.
Thor And Hulk's Current Storylines Are At Risk Of Getting Cut Short
Infernal Hulk & Mortal Thor Could Be Affected By MCU Synergy
The Infernal Hulk is embracing his evil nature as Bruce Banner builds a new life away from his Gamma alter ego. Meanwhile, Sigurd Jarlson gradually regains his original identity as he faces the ghosts of his immortal past, including Thor's forgotten human alter ego Donald Blake. Both The Infernal Hulk and The Mortal Thor are only beginning to pick up speed, with either human hero learning similar lessons.
However, the MCU's Thor and Hulk are also getting starring roles in 2026. Mark Ruffalo's Hulk makes a grand return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Chris Hemsworth's Thor seems to be one of the main characters in Avengers: Doomsday. As is Marvel tradition, Thor and Hulk's comic counterparts might synergize with their MCU selves, meaning The Mortal Thor and The Infernal Hulk could be interrupted, changed, or finished prematurely.
MCU synergy has been a recurring problem for Marvel Comics. The X-Men and the Fantastic Four infamously started to disappear from comics and other media when Marvel Studios didn't have the movie rights to them. The Maximoff Twins' mutant nature and genetic ties to Magneto were also retconned, and Ms. Marvel recently gained her MCU counterpart's hard-light powers. Right after his death, Doctor Doom has been teased to return just in time for his MCU debut in Avengers: Doomsday.
Infernal Hulk & Mortal Thor Have The Potential To End On A High Note
Thor And Hulk May Never Be The Same After Their Current Solo Runs
The Infernal Hulk and The Mortal Thor take bold risks with the main-continuity version of both Marvel titans. While controversial for some, The Infernal Hulk introduces a new separate Hulk who revels in evil, diving deeper into Marvel's world of monsters than ever before. The Mortal Thor strips the God of Thunder of his godhood and casts him far away from Asgard, forcing him to truly learn how to be human. If both runs get to reach their natural conclusion, they could earn a spot among the best solo storylines Marvel has created.
Both Bruce Banner and Sigurd Jarlson are learning to be regular humans in Marvel Comics. The MCU's Banner and Thor have had a similar arc for the past six years, with Smart Hulk enjoying a peaceful period and Thor recovering his love for life and raising his daughter. It's time for both MCU heroes to return to the battlefield, but their comic book counterparts deserve to continue their human journeys a little longer.
