Despite his status as a founding member of the Avengers in both the MCU and the comics, Hulk only fully emerged in one scene during Avengers: Infinity War. After getting his beaten by Thanos with relative ease, it seemed pretty easy to assume the Hulk was actually afraid of the Mad Titan. That was the general consensus among viewers, but the Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe, are insisting we got it all wrong. Today’s Nerdist News is Hulking out as the Russos explain what’s happening with Bruce Banner and his alter ego.

Join host and the Doc Sampson of the MCU, Jessica Chobot, as she dives into the special features from the newly released digital version of Infinity War. On the commentary track, the Russo brothers are adamant that the Hulk isn’t running scared. Instead, they contend the angry emerald is simply taking back some of the control he lost when Banner re-emerged in Thor: Ragnarok.

Look at it from the Hulk’s perspective. He was in total control of their shared body for two years, and now that Banner is back, Hulk is once again being called upon to solve all of his problems. According to the Russos, Hulk is rebelling against that by refusing to emerge. However, the very basic concept that Hulk is missing is that he is Banner. His problems are Banner’s problems and vice versa. There’s no running from that.

During one of his last scenes in Infinity War, Banner tells his other self they are going to have to work something out. The early concept art from Avengers 4 has shown us a Hulk who is actually wearing a costume without torn pants. We believe it could indicate the arrival of Hulk’s “Professor” personality, which fused elements of Banner and Hulk’s minds into one persona. Or perhaps Banner will figure out how to control the Hulk’s body as his own. Both scenarios have a basis in the comics.

How do you think the next Avengers film will handle the Hulk’s war with himself? Let us know in the comment section below!

Images: Marvel Studios