Shang-Chi Post-Credits Scene Hints Marvel Is Fixing Its Biggest Hulk Mistake

screenrant.com:

Bruce Banner's (Mark Ruffalo) appearance in Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings' post-credits scene suggests that Marvel Studios is finally fixing its biggest Hulk mistake. As one of the original Avengers, the hero has been in the MCU since Phase 1. But unlike most of his fellow founding players, Marvel Studios seems still unsure how to approach the character, leading to some dubious creative decisions.

Debuting in the MCU in 2008's The Incredible Hulk, the dual-identity hero was initially played by Edward Norton. However, the Hulk was recast for The Avengers with Ruffalo, who has been playing him since then. Unfortunately, given the complications with character rights, Marvel Studios hasn't made another solo Hulk film. Instead, his arc has played out in the Avengers movies as well as his one-time team-up with Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Thor: Ragnarok. Despite this, however, it isn't difficult to see how much Banner has changed over the years, and it has affected the way he's been incorporated in MCU's storytelling.

Related: Abomination vs. Smart Hulk: Who Is More Powerful In The MCU?

Arguably the biggest change in the Hulk is his persona, particularly his Bruce Banner side. When Ruffalo's version debuted in The Avengers, he was brooding and more serious. He somehow maintained that in Avengers: Age of Ultron, but he was significantly different when he reappeared a few years later in Thor: Ragnarok as he'd seemingly developed a sense of humor and relied far more on comedy. It's largely due to Waititi's lighter approach to the film that caused this revamp, just as it did with Thor. However, unlike the God of Thunder whose personality overhaul worked for the better, things backfired for Banner. In both Avengers: Infinity