The MCU has created a Hulk problem for Mark Ruffalo regarding his romantic life, but Betty Ross’ Captain America: New World Order return can fix it.
Captain America: New World Order can finally fix a Mark Ruffalo Hulk problem thanks to Betty Ross’ return. The fourth Captain America movie is bringing back several familiar faces from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the most surprising element of the cast is the repeated inclusion of characters from The Incredible Hulk. Marvel Studios is using the Phase 5 movie as an opportunity to bring back The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson) and recast Thunderbolt Ross (Harrison Ford). The surprises kept coming with confirmation that Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross returns in Captain America 4, which comes 16 years after her only MCU appearance.
Betty Ross’ return to the MCU has raised questions about if Hulk will be in Captain America: New World Order and if the two characters will reunite on the big screen. If the latter happens at some point, it will be a very different experience for Liv Tyler. She was the romantic interest in The Incredible Hulk for Edward Norton’s version of Bruce Banner. However, Marvel famously recast the character with Mark Ruffalo taking over the role ever since. The MCU has continued to flesh out Hulk’s story since then, making some improvements and creating some problems in the process. Captain America 4 can now fix Hulk’s MCU romance problem.
Hulk’s Romance With Black Widow Didn’t Really Work
Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk has only ever had one romantic interest in his 11-year MCU journey: Black Widow in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Joss Whedon’s movie surprised viewers by developing a growing bond between Hulk and Black Widow. However, the romance between Mark Ruffalo and Scarlett Johansson’s MCU characters did not really work. The movie gave the relationship very little development, and the moments they did share together did not always land. This includes the controversial scene where Black Widow calls herself a “monster” after detailing her traumatic Red Room experience, a scene itself that came after a joke about them showering together.
The audience response to Hulk and Black Widow’s romance prompted Marvel to drop the storyline from future films. Avengers: Infinity War completely ignored building on their relationship outside of a single line from Sam Wilson noting the reunion for Natasha and Bruce was “awkward.” Marvel’s failure to give Hulk and Black Widow a compelling romance in Avengers: Age of Ultron has so far stopped them from exploring more romantic relationships for Ruffalo’s Hulk. This includes never addressing the character’s previous love for Betty Ross as established in The Incredible Hulk.
Betty Ross Can Give Hulk A Proper Love Interest Again
Now that Captain America 4 includes Betty Ross’ MCU return, it could be a sign that Marvel has plans to give Ruffalo’s Hulk a proper love interest. Marvel Studios has not confirmed any intention for Liv Tyler to appear in future MCU movies, but it would seem like a huge waste to bring her back and not develop her storyline further. Rekindling a relationship with Bruce after all these years would be a welcomed twist of fate for both characters. Whether the sparks begin to fly again in Captain America: New World Order or elsewhere, Betty Ross can fix Hulk’s romance problem for the MCU at last.
