A new rumor indicates Marvel Studios is developing a Hulk vs Wolverine film for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The rumor comes from Mikey Sutton on Facebook.
As reported by TVO of Lords of the Long Box the film will be based on The Immortal Hulk comic, which is the current iteration of the Hulk in Marvel Comics. The rumor also indicates it will be at least 3 or 4 years before the film hits theaters.
Sutton specifically states, “Marvel Studios is discussing a Wolverine Vs. Hulk film. Notice I placed Wolverine ahead. This won’t be a Hulk movie because Universal has the rights to Hulk solo, which is why “Thor: Ragnarok” wasn’t Planet Hulk.” He adds, “According to my inside sources, they want to use the recent Immortal Hulk rendition of the character in the comic books.”
Hulk vs Wolverine
Fans of Marvel Comics know that Wolverine made his first full appearance in The Incredible Hulk #181 after making a brief cameo in The Incredible Hulk #180. The character created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita Sr., introduced the diminutive, but quick-tempered Wolverine as he takes on not only the Hulk but Wendigo as well.
The battle eventually sees Hulk and Wolverine team-up for a short fight against Wendigo. However, their alliance doesn’t last long. After Wolverine knocks Wendigo unconscious, he turns his attention to the Hulk and the two duke it out giant green fist against adamantium claw.
Hulk vs Wolverine would go on to fight numerous battles throughout their lives. The two would face off in the alternate future of Old Man Logan, when Hulk becomes World War Hulk, and in the Ultimate universe, just to name a few.
The Immortal Hulk
The Immortal Hulk takes the Hulk back to his horror roots. The series takes place after Hawkeye shot and killed Bruce Banner. However, Bruce Banner isn’t technically dead. The Hulk still lives hence the title The Immortal Hulk. While Banner might end up dying, the Hulk brings him back to life every night.
The two struggle with each other with Bruce maintaining control during the day and Hulk coming out during the night. As the two struggle against each other, they both uncover a sinister conspiracy that is leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. Banner and Hulk set out to solve this mystery and bring some fleeting justice to the world.
Marvel Studios and Horror
Marvel Studios appear to be embracing the horror genre moving forward. They recently announced Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness as their first horror film. Doctor Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch addressed the crowd at San Diego Comic-Con in July where he confirmed the film would have a “twist of horror.”
“I’m really excited to be at the dawn of this project and I think it’s vital to maintain the humor we had in the first one but with this twist of horror that will really have people gripped.”
Doctor Strange writer C. Robert Cargill had intimated the sequel would be a horror film when he announced back in March 2018 that the film’s primary villain would be Nightmare. Nightmare was once a servant of the being known as Shuma-Gorath. However, he wanted power for himself and took over the Dream Dimension quickly becoming its ruler and feeding off the fear he caused.
Not only did they announce the Doctor Strange sequel, but they also announced a new Blade film. Blade definitely has its roots in horror as Eric Brooks is a half-vampire and half-human or Daywalker. His entire mission is to hunt down and kill the creatures of the night known as vampires to avenge the death of his mother.
The Immortal Hulk would seem to be right up Marvel Studios’ alley if they continue to have a focus on horror films.