The wait is over: Waititi has confirmed rumours in the latest issue of Total Film magazine that Planet Hulk is going to be making an appearance in the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok. It’s a far cry from Asgard and sounds like it’ll be red in tooth and claw.
No, it’s not a giant green rock in the galaxy with Hulk’s angry face carved into it. Planet Hulk, or Sakaar to those who call it home, is a bit bloodthirsty to say the least. Hulk scampered away from the action at the end of Captain America: Civil War, and he ended up there. But it’s not in his nature to lay low. Instead he’s followed the plot of the comic books and has made a name for himself as a gladiator, smashing his opponents into various bits of red pulp for the pleasure of the Red King. We already saw Gladiator Hulk’s armour at San Diego Comic Con, so Thor might meet quite a few characters who could beat him in a fight, as I’m betting Hulk isn’t its only gladiator.
So, sounds like Thor might be due to meet a grumpier, brooding Hulk. After all, you don’t rip people to pieces if you’re in a good place internally. What’s worrying is how far Bruce Banner has a choice in what Hulk is doing. Is he taking a back seat, letting Hulk smash things so he can ignore the fact that he ran away from his problems? Black Widow was left by the wayside after he ran off at the end of Captain America: Civil War. If Banner is the good chap we all know and love, it’s likely he feels at least a tad guilty about leaving her with no explanation.
Waititi also gushes about Planet Hulk in Total Film, calling it "an insane, far-off, futuristic place" which will be a huge shift for the characters. Already explored in the comics extensively in the much-loved Planet Hulk storyline, there’s a ton of art Waititi is excited to draw from. I’m guessing we’ll be seeing a lot of red splatters either way, although I can’t guarantee they won’t be somewhat organic in origin.
You can read the rest of the interview with Taika Waititi in an exclusive Thor: Ragnarok feature in the new issue of Total Film magazine. Pick up the new issue out on Friday or subscribe so you never miss an issue.
