With the God of Thunder’s fight with him being considered one of the highlights from Thor: Ragnarok, the Hulk‘s role in the Taika Waititi-directed Thor film is an important step for the character’s future in the MCU. The battle with Thor’s “friend from work” is vital because it is the first time we’ve seen Bruce Banner’s angry incarnation since the events of Age of Ultron, and it presents him in a way we’d thus far only seen in comics.
Now an early design for the Grandmaster’s most-prized fighter has been released. As we can see from the photo, they ended up having the Hulk keep his blue shoulder armor for the film.
Regarding some of the creative decisions, Marvel Studios concept artist Anthony Francisco had this to say:
“Incredible Hulk concept art I did for Thor: Ragnarok. The art team was lead by the talented [Marvel Studios Visual Development Supervisor] Andy Park who has also designed Hela and Thor for this film. This movie was a pleasant surprise! One of the funniest I have ever seen. The blue shoulder armor that designed ended up in the film. Check out the final design by one of my good friends, Head of Marvel Studios Visual Development, Ryan Meinerding. I am still in awe on the kind of work I get to do.”
Francisco has also teased some other designs from his involvement in films such as Ant-Man and the Wasp, Avengers: Infinity War, and Captain Marvel, so keep an eye out on his Instagram for more updates on his work!
What do you think of the alternate look for Gladiator Hulk? Be sure to tell us all of your thoughts in the comments!