THOR: RAGNAROK Producer Explains How Hulk Was Added

One of the first announcements for Thor: Ragnarok revealed that Odinson will be reuniting with his fellow Avenger, the Incredible Hulk. Since a new solo film starring the Green Goliath may “never” happen,” this was the next best thing, following the character’s supporting role in the Avengers franchise. But how and why was Hulk incorporated into a Thor sequel? We finally have an answer.

Screen Rant visited the set of Ragnarok last year and learned a lot of new information about the hotly anticipated film. During the set visit, producer Brad Winderbaum explains what led to Hulk’s inclusion. It turns out that they were already thinking about taking influence from the Planet Hulk comic book storyline….just without, y’know, Hulk. “In the earliest development of Thor, we were looking at Planet Hulk as inspiration, maybe not even to integrate the Hulk into the franchise but the idea of a planet where there’s gladiatorial games as being a Thor predicament. It really was a cool idea to us.”

But as the idea of a Planet Hulk “adaptation” was further discussed, it became a “no-brainer” to bring in Hulk himself. “It actually started off as like, ‘…could we have Hulk in there too?’ says Winderbaum. “And then as soon as that spark ignited, it ignited kind of an idea machine. And suddenly [Hulk] was married to the plot.”

A Planet Hulk movie had been rumored for a couple years, but it turns out the root of it was just the idea of adding some elements from that story into a Thor sequel. But regardless, it’s a natural continuation for Hulk, who flew off in a Quinjet in Avengers: Age of Ultron and no one knew where he went.

Stay tuned for more as we have it. For Screen Rant’s complete coverage from the set of Thor: Ragnarok, click HERE.

Thor: Ragnarok is scheduled to hit theaters on November 3rd. The 17th installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo, and Anthony Hopkins. Taika Waititi directs from a script by Eric Pearson.