MCU Phase 5 Theory Makes Marvel’s Next Hulk Even Stronger

A new MCU theory suggests that one Phase 5 series may have created the perfect opportunity to introduce Marvel Studios’ Hulk replacement and could make him even stronger than Bruce Banner. While Edward Norton debuted as Bruce Banner in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, the character has been portrayed by Mark Ruffalo since 2012’s The Avengers and has seen a huge amount of character development in the MCU, for better or worse. Banner was a founding member of the Avengers, helped Tony Stark develop Ultron, was integral to the Time Heist in Avengers: Endgame, and has even helped to train a new Hulk in the MCU: his cousin, Jennifer Walters’ She-Hulk.

In recent years, Marvel Studios has come under scrutiny for “nerfing” the Hulk – that is making his power level weaker to benefit the overarching storyline of the MCU by putting over heroes in the spotlight. This has led to calls for Bruce Banner’s Hulk to return to his original, rage-fueled persona, with increasing speculation suggesting that Marvel Studios could put a World War Hulk project into development, though this hasn’t yet been confirmed. If this occurs, the MCU will need a new Hulk to replace Banner, and one new theory has arisen suggesting Phase 5 may have already put the wheels in motion for this new hero to emerge.

Dr. Helen Cho May Have Been Involved With Collecting Secret Invasion’s Harvest

Despite not being seen in the MCU since 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, Reddit user Identity_X has suggested that Claudia Kim’s Dr. Helen Cho could have had a major role in the background of Phase 5’s Secret Invasion. Cho was introduced as a world-renowned geneticist and leader of the U-GIN Research Group out of South Korea, but was hired by the Avengers to help heal Clint Barton’s wound after the opening moments of Age of Ultron. By the end of the Phase 2 film, Cho was seen working on a regular basis in the new Avengers HQ, hinting at her having a larger role in the team’s future scientific exploits​​​​​​.

If this is the case, Dr. Helen Cho may have been involved in the DNA collection after the Battle of Earth in Avengers: Endgame, which was detailed by Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury in Secret Invasion. The Reddit theory suggests Fury enlisted Cho’s help in orchestrating the collection of the Avengers’ DNA, bringing it together to form the Harvest that would eventually allow Gravik and G’iah to enhance themselves into Super Skrulls. While the Harvest, as seen in Secret Invasion, included all the samples in one vial, it’s possible that Cho kept the original DNA separated, which may allow an individual to enhance themselves with a specific set of abilities.

Amadeus Cho Uses The Harvest To Become Brawn – Theory Explained

Since it’s possible that Helen Cho has vials of superpowered DNA, Marvel has the perfect opportunity to introduce her son, Amadeus Cho. In Marvel Comics, Amadeus Cho is a 19-year-old genius who succeeded Bruce Banner as the Hulk, coming to be known as Brawn after taking the Hulk from Banner. There has been speculation that Amadeus Cho will be introduced to the MCU since his mother appeared in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, and since the MCU is now running ten years later, and Amadeus may have already been born by the time of Age of Ultron, he could now be old enough to assume his new role.

The Reddit theory suggests that Amadeus Cho could find the vial of the Hulk’s DNA collected for the Harvest after Avengers: Endgame and use it to give himself Hulk-like abilities. The MCU’s Multiverse Saga has put a lot of focus on Hulk-related characters, as Jennifer Walters became a hero in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Emil Blonsky’s Abomination returned in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Samuel Sterns’ Leader is set to appear in Phase 5’s Captain America: Brave New World. This means it might be the perfect time for Amadeus Cho to become Brawn in the MCU, especially if one rumored upcoming project renders Bruce Banner powerless.

Brawn Could Be An Even Stronger Hulk Replacement For The MCU

Amadeus Cho plays a major role in Marvel Comics’ 2007 World War Hulk event, which has been rumored to be in development at Marvel Studios. Following Banner’s imprisonment in World War Hulk, Hercules replaced him as the strongest hero in the Marvel Universe, with Cho traveling with the god as his sidekick. It was after 2015’s Secret Wars event when Cho became Brawn, even being gifted his own solo run, Totally Awesome Hulk. With World War Hulk being rumored for the MCU and Avengers: Secret Wars releasing in Phase 6, it’s possible that Amadeus Cho could be introduced as the perfect replacement for Bruce Banner’s Hulk in the MCU’s future.