- Marvel Studios spent extensive time in pre-production developing a live-action debut for Gray Hulk.
- The filmmakers decided to stick with the familiar green Savage Hulk instead of introducing Gray Hulk.
- The art book reveals that Gray Hulk concepts were cut from the project, marking the second notable time this has occurred.
- The decision to cut Gray Hulk in favor of the classic green Savage Hulk was deemed the correct creative call.
- The art book also notes that this version of Savage Hulk purposely does not look like Mark Ruffalo to emphasize how "monstrous" Hulk turns in this movie.
- The Hand is making its way back into the MCU, with plans for a more comic-accurate design and a mysterious new female leader.
- There are indications that The Hand will receive its own standalone project within the MCU.
- The prevailing theory suggests that the new female leader sends ninjas to break Matt Murdock out of prison in *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*.
- Whatever Marvel has planned, it sounds like The Hand could become a much more significant presence throughout the MCU than during their Netflix run.
Marvel Studios initially planned to introduce the Gray Hulk in *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, but ultimately chose the classic green Savage Hulk to maintain focus on Peter Parker's growth as a hero. The decision was made to avoid confusing casual audiences, as the creative team feared that a gray version might detract from the film's narrative.125
The art book detailing the film's development reveals extensive pre-production work on the Gray Hulk, including facial studies that intentionally distanced the character from Mark Ruffalo's portrayal. The Savage Hulk in this film is designed to appear increasingly monstrous, with storyboards indicating a climactic battle where Hulk struggles to catch the agile Spider-Man.
In a significant twist, The Hand, a notorious ninja clan, is set to return to the MCU with a more comic-accurate design and a new female leader. This marks a potential expansion of their role beyond *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, with rumors suggesting they may receive their own standalone project. The prevailing theory is that this new leader will orchestrate a plot involving Matt Murdock's escape from prison, further complicating Spider-Man's life.6789
As *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* swings into theaters on July 31, the film promises to intertwine these elements, setting the stage for a more intricate MCU narrative.
“Despite the cut of Gray Hulk, Marvel is exploring deeper Hulk lore for future projects, marking the second time Gray Hulk concepts were scrapped. Additionally, The Hand is set to return with a more comic-accurate design and a mysterious new female leader, potentially expanding their role in the MCU.”
The Direct
GeekTyrant
