Nobody expected to see Bruce Banner again before next year. Then a mid-credits scene in Avengers Endgame: Encore dropped him right back into the story, and Doctor Doom came with him.
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What Happens in the Scene?
Banner is in self-containment, two miles underground in a joint military complex, after his Spider-Man: Brand New Day Hulk-out. As he rambles about a “gamma suppression serum,” Doom appears in the bunker. Banner seemingly turns into the Hulk, and Doom says he’s there to “collect” him. It plays more like an abduction than a recruitment.
Three Theories on Doom’s Plan
| Theory | The idea | How likely? |
|---|---|---|
| Ally | Banner joins Doom willingly | Popular with fans |
| Mind control | Doom turns Hulk on the Avengers | Less likely, since Brand New Day just did it |
| Power vessel | Hulk channels Doom’s cosmic power | Most intriguing |
Why the “Vessel” Theory Stands Out
In Jonathan Hickman’s comic Secret Wars, Doom builds Battleworld using power drawn from the Beyonders, and he needs a living conduit to hold it. In the MCU, Doctor Doom may instead use Loki’s newfound Multiversal power.
That’s where Hulk fits. Endgame showed his gamma-fuelled body could withstand Infinity Stone energy, which is basically universe-level power. Doom might see him as the perfect container. Some fans also think Hulk could stand in for the comics’ Molecule Man. Remember, though, that all of this is speculation.
Does Hulk Appear in Doomsday?
Probably not. There are no strong signs Mark Ruffalo is in Avengers: Doomsday, out December 18, so his big role likely waits for Secret Wars in 2027. Doom has also been rumored to have recruited Doctor Strange, along with help from his Latverian Witches.
Want more Marvel theories? Read our latest MCU coverage and browse trending movie news before Doomsday arrives.
FAQs
Why did Doctor Doom take Hulk in Endgame: Encore?
It’s unconfirmed. Theories include an alliance, mind control, or using Hulk as a power vessel.
Is Hulk in Avengers: Doomsday?
Not expected. His return is more likely in Secret Wars next year.
