In the Marvel movies, even the smallest details can hint at big things to come. Right from the start of the MCU, there have been these little clues waiting to be discovered. And one of the most intriguing ones comes from The Incredible Hulk. It’s a deleted scene that’s got everyone talking because it leads to a theory that could potentially answer many unanswered questions. Plus, there’s this surprise appearance by Tony Stark, which makes it even more exciting! Here’s what happened.

This Theory explaining Edward Norton’s The Incredible Hulk Placement in the MCU Timeline

In a deleted scene from Edwards Nortan‘s The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner’s attempted suicide is depicted, occurring in the same location where Captain America was later discovered. This incident was then also referenced in The Avengers. The implication was that the Hulk would have stumbled upon the frozen Captain America. However, that is not at all how things play out in the MCU, at least the part that is shown in the movie, or the timeline that is followed. Thus, this leads to the theory of The Incredible Hulk being set on a different timeline altogether.

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This theory gains traction due to several factors, including the lack of significant references to The Incredible Hulk, in subsequent MCU films and the absence of Hulk’s narrative in broader MCU story arcs. Additionally, the recasting of Bruce Banner from Edward Norton to Mark Ruffalo further complicates the film’s integration into the larger MCU continuity.

While The Incredible Hulk is considered part of the MCU canon, its placement within the timeline and its connection to the broader narrative remain somewhat mysterious to justify. Thus the deleted scene offers more intriguing insights into Bruce Banner’s character development but ultimately adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the film’s canonical status within the MCU.

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Deciphering Robert Downey Jr.’s Post-Credit Appearance in The Incredible Hulk

In the famous post-credits scene, Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark chats with Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, linking the two Marvel films, Iron Man and Hulk despite being from different studios. His surprise appearance in the deleted scene from The Incredible Hulk cleverly connects to the broader MCU. Stark approaches General Ross in a bar, laying the groundwork for the Avengers Initiative. This cameo foreshadows the events of The Avengers and ties the films together seamlessly.

And that might not be all, it might also follow another thread. In the official comic series, Iron Man 2: Public Identity, it is revealed Tony Stark is someone General “Thunderbolt” Ross keeps an eye on.

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Finally, in the Marvel one-shot The Consultant, it’s revealed that Nick Fury felt compelled by the World Security Council to enlist the Abomination into the Avengers Initiative. SHIELD’s approach was deliberate and thus it can be said they counted on Stark to irk Ross, causing him to reject cooperation.

The Incredible Hulk is currently streaming on Disney+.

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