George Miller: The Savior of Thor and Hulk in the MCU?

by

Summary

  • MCU aims to revive Thor and Hulk with director George Miller.
  • Miller might helm World War Hulk and Thor 5, offering his range of genres and styles.
  • Marvel should give Miller creative freedom to revive Thor and Hulk with his vision.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I am thrilled to share that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is making preparations to bring back two iconic heroes from its original Avengers team, shining their glory once more. A seasoned director has been engaged in negotiations for involvement in not one but multiple MCU projects. Among these discussions, one project appears particularly promising, hinting at the imminent integration of this talented filmmaker into the Marvel Universe.

Online discussions among Marvel enthusiasts are buzzing with speculation about George Miller potentially joining the blockbuster movie series. Known as the creator of the ‘Mad Max’ franchise, Miller’s skills could be exactly what Marvel needs to resolve a persistent issue involving two superheroes – Thor and Hulk.

George Miller To Join The MCU?

Director Options For World War Hulk

Ever since George Miller worked with Chris Hemsworth on “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” there’s been an exciting anticipation about him joining the MCU. But it was only a recent report from World of Reel that really fueled this possibility, as they hinted at a potential collaboration. According to their report, a Production Weekly listing suggested “World War Hulk” filming in 2025. Although Marvel hasn’t confirmed a “World War Hulk” movie yet, the fact that this film seems to be on the horizon has me pretty thrilled!

It appears that Kevin Feige has begun exploring director possibilities, with George Miller emerging as a notable contender for this upcoming project. Besides potentially helming World War Hulk, Miller is also tipped to lead Thor 5. Interestingly, the discussion between the 79-year-old Australian filmmaker and the head of Marvel Studios was said to have been orchestrated by Chris Hemsworth.

The MCU’s Problem With Thor & Hulk

Love And Thunder Letdown

It’s possible that Thor and Hulk are among the strongest Avengers, but behind the scenes, these characters seem to be struggling and in need of help from their production studio. The latest portrayal of Thor by Chris Hemsworth in “Thor: Love and Thunder” was met with disappointment. Although director Taika Waititi infused some humor into the character, this new version of Thor seems quite different from his original persona. The character lacks the menacing presence he once had, and changes are needed if Thor is to regain credibility.

The Smart Hulk Fiasco

In a similar vein, Hulk’s situation is even more severe. His character has been largely unimportant and remarkably calm, which contrasts sharply with his actual rage-filled persona. The ‘Smart Hulk’ concept hasn’t exactly been a hit among fans, to put it mildly. However, the moment seems ripe for both Thor and the Hulk to transform into more potent, energetic versions of themselves—perfect timing for an upcoming event like Doomsday or Secret Wars.

How George Miller Can Fit Into Marvel

Exceptional Range Of Genres & Styles

As a film enthusiast, I firmly believe that George Miller’s diverse portfolio warrants close examination in film education institutions. Although he is primarily recognized for his work on the Mad Max series, Miller has also ventured into genres as far apart as animation (Happy Feet) and fantasy (The Witches of Eastwick, Babe: Pig in the City). Given this versatility, a Marvel Cinematic Universe project would be an ideal fit for him, a challenge he’d undoubtedly conquer with grace.

The film “Mad Max: Fury Road” is often considered the top action-adventure movie of this century. If director George Miller were to apply his powerful storytelling approach to Marvel, it might significantly enhance their series. At present, Miller doesn’t have any ongoing projects because “Furiosa” didn’t generate substantial box office earnings, a key factor for the development of another “Mad Max” project. Therefore, a potential partnership between Miller and Marvel could lead to fresh opportunities for the post-apocalyptic road trip series as well.

World War Hulk, Explained

The significance of the “World War Hulk” project should not be underestimated. The initial and only solo Hulk film, “The Incredible Hulk,” launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe back in 2008. It’s hard to believe that a leading character like Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner hasn’t yet had his own standalone movie. The upcoming “Captain America: Brave New World” is anticipated to introduce the “World War Hulk” narrative, which could potentially lead to the “Thunderbolts” film. This latter project might serve as a bridge for Mark Ruffalo’s debut solo appearance in the MCU.

In the comics, the “World War Hulk” narrative unfolds as a result of Hulk experiencing a devastating loss – the demise of his wife. This triggers a fierce rampage where he targets the Illuminati and Earth’s superheroes for revenge. This tale could serve as an ideal foundation to introduce a more intensely enraged version of the Hulk, something fans have longed for over many years. If Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk were to star in his standalone film within the MCU, under the direction of George Miller – known for creating high-energy action sequences – it would undeniably be a dream come true for all Hulk enthusiasts.

Thor 5 Needs To Fix The Asgardian Hero

Speaking of Thor 5, details on its potential direction remain scant. Yet, in Furiosa, director Miller drew an exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime performance from Hemsworth. If given the opportunity, Miller could delicately reignite Thor’s fury or gravitas without tampering with past events. Moreover, considering his affection for the Marvel universe, Miller might opt to infuse the film with the signature Marvel style – a trait he’s openly expressed admiration for in interviews, such as his response to Martin Scorsese’s criticism in 2019 on Deadline.

It’s haughty and misguided to attribute a movie’s success at the box office solely to smart marketing, rather than recognizing the deeper elements at play. As creators of stories, we have a responsibility to delve deeper and truly grasp these aspects. To my mind, it encompasses everything about cinema.

Marvel Should Not Interfere With Miller’s Vision

As a film enthusiast, I firmly believe that the Marvel Studios executives should take note of past instances and grant more creative autonomy to the director of Mad Max. For instance, Sam Raimi might not have fully actualized his creative vision in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, an occurrence possibly influenced by persistent supervision or suggestions from Marvel.

A scenario they’d prefer to avoid is that of Chloé Zhao and The Eternals. This Academy Award-winning director, fresh from the success of Nomadland, ended up producing a flop with minimal style or substance. In essence, if the Marvel Cinematic Universe wants to deliver on fans’ longing for a comeback of Thor and Hulk, they should let Raimi focus on his strengths.

Read More

2025-01-20 21:04