Why Black Widow Is the Only Avenger That Can Calm Down the Hulk
Fellow gamers, have you ever wondered how Black Widow, a non-superpowered agent, became the Hulk whisperer able to tame the strongest Avenger with just a touch? Read on for my inside scoop on Natasha and Bruce‘s relationship, why her "sweet lullaby" soothes the savage beast, and what her death means for the jolly green giant.
Black Widow + Hulk = ?????
Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, is the only person who can calm the Hulk because she shares a special romantic connection with his alter-ego, Bruce Banner. As seen in Age of Ultron, Natasha employs a gentle "lullaby" tactic by speaking soothingly to Hulk while cradling his arm: "Sun‘s getting real low, big guy." This strangely intimate scene confirmed the hints of romance between the pair and established Black Widow as the Hulk whisperer.
But why does the Hulk, who swats Thor like a fly and reduces Loki to a weeping mess, become putty in Natasha‘s hands? What makes her the only one able to pierce his savage exterior? As a fellow gamer and MCU superfan, I‘ve analyzed all the clues to unravel this mystery. Read on!
[Embed clip of Natasha calming Hulk in Age of Ultron]Beauty and the Beast
After The Avengers, Black Widow and Bruce Banner clearly grew close during their time working together, leading to a blossoming romance in Age of Ultron. While Bruce remained wary of relationships due to his monstrous alter-ego, I believe he felt drawn to identify with Natasha‘s own inner turmoil and desire for redemption. And for Natasha, she saw through the beastly exterior to the sensitive soul within Bruce longing for acceptance.
"Natasha sees something in Bruce that makes her feel she could help him. She has faith in him,” said MCU Executive Producer Victoria Alonso.
This powerful emotional connection is why Natasha alone can employ the "lullaby" to literally calm the beast within. Love, trust and compassion – not might – are the keys to taming the incredbile Hulk.
By the Numbers: Hulk Unleashed
To appreciate Natasha‘s talents, check out these staggering stats on the Hulk once he rages out of control:
| Bench press record: | Over 100 tons |
| Leaping ability: | 4 miles |
| Top speed: | 300-700 mph |
Yeah…the lullaby skill tree seems a tad underpowered by comparison! So what gives? How can mere words and a tender touch disarm a mountain of muscle capable of such mind-blowing feats?
Beauty Tames the Savage Beast
Clearly, Natasha‘s talents speak not to physical strength, but emotional intimacy. While others like Thor floundered hilariously trying to manhandle the Hulk into submission, I believe Natasha succeeded by offering the empathy and compassion Bruce craved. Natasha‘s greatest superpower was her ability to focus on Bruce‘s inner struggle rather than try to suppress the Hulk through force.
We see time and again that despite his power, the childlike Hulk reacts poorly to violence, threats or deception – going on destructive rampages when antagonized. But with Natasha‘s gentle words and touch fostering a sense safety and acceptance, the green goliath could let his guard down and allow Bruce‘s personality to reemerge.
Playing the Hulk Lullaby
Let‘s analyze how each Avenger fared trying to contain the Hulk:
| Avenger | Interaction with Hulk | Hulk‘s Reaction |
| Thor | Violent threats/combat | More enraged fighting |
| Tony Stark | Deceit and manipulation | Destructive rampaging |
| Black Widow | Soothing words and touch | Calms down into Bruce |
As fellow gamers and Marvel experts, I think we can agree: Natasha had clearly mastered the skill check required to pacify the savage Hulk! Her emotional bond and trust unlocked the lullaby dialogue option granting a peaceful resolution each time.
Love Hurts
Sadly, just as Bruce seemed to embrace a chance romance with Natasha in Age of Ultron, he shut down citing fears of hurting her with his monstrous alter-ego. Their star-crossed relationship ended on a bittersweet note hinting at what could have been.
Of course that only made Natasha‘s eventual sacrifice to stop Thanos in Endgame all the more heartbreaking for the Hulk. As the only person able to consistently calm and comfort him after years spent as an outcast, I have to wonder what losing Natasha will mean for the Hulk‘s mental state going forward.
Can Professor Hulk maintain his equilibrium without her? Or will Bruce relapse into savage Hulk rages once more? Tragically, not even the combined Infinity Stones possess the power to invalidate Natasha‘s sacrifice or mend the Hulk‘s broken heart. As the film‘s writers confirmed:
"Returning the Soul Stone is not like a pawn shop, where you return something and get money back.” No refund can be made once the “everlasting exchange” is made.
So for now, fellow gamers, all we can do is pay our respects at the virtual memorial for Natasha Romanov – the only Avenger to consistently pass the Hulk‘s skill check through the power of love and trust. Let‘s hope her loss doesn‘t hit Bruce‘s rage meter too hard down the road!
Could Scarlett Johansson Return?
While Natasha proved she had the capabilities to rein in the Hulk, sadly her death prevents further exploration of their bond moving forward. But for Scarlett Johansson fans holding out hope, there are still possibilities of her reprising the role:
- Pre-Infinity War Black Widow solo movie arriving May 2020
- Rumored "multiverse" storylines allowing alternate Natashas
- Possible inclusion in upcoming Thunderbolts film
Of course, current intel remains spotty for these projects. But fellow agents, as the #1 gaming source for all things Marvel, rest assured I‘ll equip us with the latest leaks and updates once available! Until then, sound off in the comments with your fondest Natasha/Hulk moments across the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is [your name] signing off for now!
