The Incredible Hulk remains one of the most cherished superhero series from the 1970s and 1980s. Interestingly, an unproduced film from the franchise hints at intriguing relationships with narratives later explored in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The show’s innovative production method showcased varying actors portraying Hulk and Banner, leading to a wealth of lesser-known facts that have faded into obscurity. Upon revisiting some of these classic episodes and films, the trajectories the series took—and those it nearly pursued—are quite surprising.
Fans have been eager for a new Hulk movie within the MCU. Despite sporadic appearances by different versions of the Hulk, Bruce Banner has been primarily relegated to supporting roles. Thankfully, the original series, featuring Lou Ferrigno as Hulk and Bill Bixby as Banner, produced five seasons and three sequel films, providing a wealth of material to reexamine. However, the concept of the fourth film, which nearly came to fruition, is particularly fascinating when comparing it to the modern version of the character in the MCU.
Exploring the Original 70s Hulk Series and Its Three Films
Annual Hulk Film Releases (1988-1990)
The original Incredible Hulk series aired from 1977 to 1982, maintaining strong popularity even after its conclusion. Following the series, three sequel movies emerged, starting with The Incredible Hulk Returns, which featured Marvel’s Thor. Subsequent films included The Trial of the Incredible Hulk and The Death of the Incredible Hulk. The latter notably presented a conclusive narrative, culminating with the character David Banner’s death.
Interestingly, CBS executives opted to rename Bruce Banner to David Banner, believing “Bruce”carried an undesirable connotation. Moreover, two of these films served as backdoor pilots aimed at launching new Marvel television series. Notably, The Incredible Hulk Returns introduced Thor in live action, while The Trial of the Incredible Hulk was intended to pave the way for a potential Daredevil series. Although these sequels did not lead to new series, they offer a tantalizing glimpse into what might have developed in this alternate Marvel Universe.
The Unproduced Fourth Hulk Film: A Unique Marvel Concept
Tentative Title: The Revenge of the Incredible Hulk
At MCM Comic Con in 2017, Lou Ferrigno shed light on the rejected fourth Hulk film’s concept. He noted that this film was to present Hulk resurrected with Bruce Banner’s intellect, potentially granting audiences their first exposure to the “Professor Hulk”persona seen in the MCU. The project, which would have been directed by Bill Bixby, promised to offer a unique perspective on the Hulk, allowing the character to articulate his thoughts.
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There’s some inconsistency surrounding the film’s storyline, with it being referred to variably as The Revenge of the Incredible Hulk and Rebirth of the Incredible Hulk. Writer Gerald Di Pego described an alternate narrative in a 2014 interview, where Banner, unable to transform into Hulk, would attempt to recreate the accident that originally granted him his powers.
The Quest for Hulk Movies: An Ongoing Drought
Limited Live-Action Hulk Films Since the Original Trilogy
Despite the incredible popularity of the Hulk character, the lack of dedicated films is disheartening. While the Hulk has appeared multiple times in the MCU, few stories have focused solely on him. His appearances in the Avengers saga and films like *Thor: Ragnarok* were engaging, yet they barely scratched the surface of his complex backstory and plethora of supporting characters that could be explored. The demand for more dedicated Hulk narratives is evident.
Moreover, the scarcity of Hulk films makes the existence of the made-for-TV projects all the more rewarding. Although the Bixby and Ferrigno films may feel outdated, and their visual effects don’t compare to today’s standards, they provide a valuable and engaging portrayal of Hulk’s saga. The concepts surrounding the unmade fourth film suggest a richly layered story that many fans hope to see developed in future MCU installments.
As a distinctive character within the Marvel landscape, Hulk deserves greater attention in the MCU. The challenges surrounding movie rights, while acknowledged, should not hinder the studio from delivering more compelling Hulk stories to audiences. Until then, fans can delve into the archives of The Incredible Hulk, which offers a treasure trove of engaging content featuring this iconic green giant.