Avengers 4: Is THIS the real reason Hulk wouldn’t come out in Infinity War?

The character – played by Mark Ruffalo – did not come out at all during Avengers: Infinity War, despite Bruce Banner’s best efforts. So why was that? And will the green giant make an appearance in Avengers 4? It all remains to be seen, of course, but a new fan theory has provided an interesting possibility.

Writing on Reddit, user Paranoidas suggested that shame could be the reason why Hulk flat-out refused to help out during the battle against Thanos.

In a post that has been 93% upvoted, the theorist said: “Why would Hulk give up on our Heroes when they need him most?

“Well, let’s look at his last two fights a little more closely.

“He comes out to fight Fenris, the giant wolf, during the fight for Asgard. He wins, yet is utterly useless against Hela and Surtur.

“So in his eyes, he failed his friends by not [being] able to prevent Asgard’s destruction.

“Then, a short while later, Thanos attacks the remaining Asgardians. This time he can’t even save a single person. He’s transported away, apparently leaving Thor to die.

“Which brings us back to Hulk’s character development in Thor: Ragnarok.

“He’s taken control and has spent more time than he’s probably ever had to be that way. Much of his experience with the Avengers thus far has been them trying to control him when he goes too far. It’s easy to see why he questions their friendship.

“But then Thor appears and treats the Hulk as an equal (or at least does his best), they make a bit of a connection. Almost immediately after having a friend other than Nat treat him humanely for the first time, he fails (in his eyes) Thor spectacularly. Twice.”

The poster added: “We’ve seen that Hulk is fairly dimwitted and childlike, so I’d say that this reaction to such perceived failure is only natural.

“Hulk won’t come out because he’s ashamed. He’s afraid of failing again. He’s hiding from his problems and emotions.

“Hulk is mad at himself for the first time and doesn’t know how to deal with that. Which causes him to hide in his ‘room’ like a sulking teenager.”

You can read the theory in its entirety over on Reddit.

Marvel‘s Avengers 4 trailer could provide some insight as to whether the Hulk will be back in the next film – but it’s still pending release.

The promo was rumoured to be debuted this week, but was delayed due to George HW Bush’s funeral.

Now, speculation suggests it will drop tomorrow (Friday).

Avengers 4 is out on April 26, 2019 in the UK.