Marvel Studios is about to unleash one of the most anticipated chapters in its cinematic universe with World War Hulk, set to arrive in 2025. The official trailer has just dropped, and it’s already sending shockwaves through the Marvel fandom. With Mark Ruffalo reprising his role as Bruce Banner / Hulk, this highly anticipated film promises to bring both explosive action and deep emotional stakes as the Hulk faces his most significant challenge yet.
Based on the iconic World War Hulk comic storyline, this film is expected to take the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in bold new directions, pushing the limits of both character development and spectacle. Here’s everything we know so far about the film, including plot details, what to expect from the Hulk’s journey, and the explosive trailer that has fans buzzing.
The World War Hulk trailer opens with a powerful, dramatic sequence: Bruce Banner, once again torn between his human self and the uncontrollable rage of the Hulk, is shown at a breaking point. After years of dealing with the consequences of his actions as the Hulk, and following his struggle to balance his dual nature, the trailer teases a major turning point in the Hulk’s story.
In World War Hulk, the film follows the aftermath of a catastrophic event that pushes the Hulk past the point of no return. The plot is set in motion when a cosmic disaster results in the destruction of the Hulk’s home and the loss of a major figure in his life, leading to a full-blown war between the Hulk and the very world he once fought to protect. This is not just a battle for survival; it is a deeply personal crusade for justice and revenge.
The trailer suggests that the Hulk, after years of exile, returns to Earth with one mission: to make those responsible for the devastation pay. But it’s not just about the destruction of cities or battles with other superheroes. The Hulk is confronting the deeper emotional scars that have shaped his monstrous alter ego — from his estranged relationships with the Avengers to the emotional toll his powers have taken on his psyche. This will be a Hulk like we’ve never seen before, as the film explores the consequences of years of anger, isolation, and regret.
Mark Ruffalo has become synonymous with Bruce Banner / Hulk in the MCU, and the trailer shows just why. His portrayal of the character has always balanced scientific genius with the raw emotion and vulnerability that comes with living as the Hulk. In World War Hulk, it seems Ruffalo will be given the opportunity to explore even more of the Hulk’s internal struggle, as the stakes rise to an unimaginable level.
The trailer teases moments where Banner struggles to control the Hulk within him, torn between his desire for peace and the explosive fury that the Hulk represents. There are several emotional beats in the teaser that suggest the Hulk is not only fighting external enemies but also coming to terms with the very nature of his existence. Fans can expect a more nuanced and complex portrayal of the Hulk, one that delves deeper into his psyche and his sense of betrayal, loss, and desire for vengeance.
While the Hulk’s story is front and center, World War Hulk introduces new characters and key villains who will play significant roles in the battle ahead. The trailer hints at an array of powerful individuals who will either try to stop Hulk’s rampage or try to manipulate his actions for their own gain.
One major figure teased in the trailer is Skaar, the Hulk’s son, who is seen in brief flashes. Skaar’s appearance marks a significant turning point in the Hulk’s story. In the comics, Skaar is a powerful warrior with both Hulk’s rage and his father’s intelligence, making him a formidable opponent. It’s unclear whether Skaar will ally with the Hulk or serve as a potential antagonist, but his presence suggests that family dynamics and legacy will be key themes in World War Hulk.
Additionally, the trailer shows The Illuminati—the group of super-powered individuals (including characters like Doctor Strange and Black Bolt)—who once exiled Hulk from Earth in the aftermath of his rampages. Their actions are likely to be a central point of conflict in the movie, as they must now face the consequences of their past decisions.