Not Doctor Strange, An Unexpected Avenger Could Still Remember Tom Holland’s Spider-Man’s Real Identity
In the emotional conclusion of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange casts a spell that makes the entire world forget that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. This spells a lonely future for Holland’s webslinger as he swings through New York City without the support of his loved ones. However, some clever fans have theorized that one key Avenger might still retain knowledge of Spidey’s true identity – the Incredible Hulk.
Could the Hulk Still Know Spider-Man’s Secret Identity?
In the comics, the Hulk has proven immune to magic that wiped secret identities from the minds of others. During the infamous “One More Day” storyline, Spider-Man made a deal with the demon Mephisto to erase his public unmasking during the Civil War. This erased the knowledge of everyone, including Bruce Banner. However, the Hulk retained memories of Spidey’s real name, showing his two halves are not equally affected.
Could this hold true in the MCU? Hulk and Banner are in a state of merger following the events of Endgame. But there may still be a separation between the two identities. This precedent from the comics provides a credible basis for Hulk, potentially remembering Peter Parker even if Bruce Banner does not.
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If the Jade Giant retained knowledge of Spider-Man’s identity, it could greatly benefit the ostracized wall-crawler. With no fellow heroes or Stark resources to rely on, Peter Parker faces a lonely path ahead. But if Hulk were to seek him out, it would give Spidey a vital lifeline back to the Avengers.
Hulk could become a confidante and source of support in Peter’s mission. And when the time comes for the Avengers to reassemble, Banner could vouch for Peter’s character even if he doesn’t recall the mask he wears. This knowledge gives the creative MCU team plenty of narrative options for bringing Spider-Man back into the heroic fold.
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What clues exist that Hulk might remember?
Thus far, there are no overt clues that Hulk retains knowledge of Spider-Man. But fans point out that Wong may have avoided being affected by the spell, based on his earlier request to Strange to “leave me out of this.” If magic can selectively avoid Wong, then why not Hulk? His unique biology could shield him from the mental effects.
It’s also telling that only Happy Hogan remains as one person knowing Spidey’s identity. This seems to hint that someone else out there still retains the secret. Until proven otherwise, fans can rationally speculate that the Hulk is a prime candidate as that someone.
Also, in the Shang Chi credit scene, Bruce Wayner appears, which gives a direction that there is a possibility that Hulk could remember Peter Parker because the cast spelled Hulk as Bruce Wayner.
The mysteries surrounding Professor Hulk’s dual psyche in the MCU leave this a wide-open possibility. Only time will tell if the theory pays off, but it would give Marvel a clever way to reintegrate Spider-Man after No Way Home’s sobering conclusion. While seeing Avenger allies like Hulk or Doctor Strange working to restore Peter’s bonds could undercut the finale’s emotional weight, it would be true to the spirit of the comics.
