Why was he unable to generate enough superhuman strength to rescue his wife, when other humans are inexplicably capable of it in extreme circumstances? By experimenting on himself, Banner accidentally overdoses on gamma radiation. He’s determined to unlock one of nature’s secrets. Grieving for his wife who was trapped in a burning car, Dr David Banner (Bixby) throws himself into his work.
Alas that wasn't to be, as Norton wasn't brought back for any further MCU films, reportedly due to the aforementioned claims that he was hard to work with.The premise is straightforward, and brilliantly explored in an eponymous feature-length pilot movie that is a textbook example of how to give a promising series the perfect start. Related: MCU Phase 4 Is Continuing Banner's Hulk Battle (Despite Endgame)Īs for Norton's actual performance, it's his usual quality work, and it certainly would've been interesting to see him perform alongside Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and the rest of the gang in The Avengers. Norton was reported to have engaged in multiple disputes with Kevin Feige and other Marvel producers over the final cut, although he's disputed the validity of those claims. Unfortunately, Norton also has a reputation in Hollywood for being a bit of a control freak, whether deserved or not. That was a sensible move from an acting standpoint, as Norton's work has been widely acclaimed. When the recently created Marvel Studios decided to make The Incredible Hulk early in phase 1 of the MCU, they cast Edward Norton as Bruce Banner. Ferrigno later voiced the Hulk in the 20 movies. When Banner transforms into the Hulk, his foes are usually left both confused and terrified, and that reaction is justified by how ready to rip someone apart Ferrigno's Hulk looks, even if the lack of CGI doesn't allow the character to be as towering and enormous as he's usually depicted. Related: MCU Phase 5 Has The Perfect World War Hulk Set-Upįerrigno certainly isn't a Daniel Day Lewis type, but he brings a brutal physicality to his performance that helps sell the Hulk as an imposing figure that no one should ever want to mess with.
A muscle-bound mountain of a man, Ferrigno proved just as perfect a choice for Hulk as Bixby was for Banner, as he'd been a championship-winning professional bodybuilder prior to getting into acting. Switching out between actors was about the only way to accomplish the character realistically on a 1970s TV budget and without the advances of CGI effects. In the Incredible Hulk TV series and its follow-up TV movies, Lou Ferrigno portrayed the Hulk, while Bixby played Banner. Bill Bixby (The Incredible Hulk TV Series & TV Movies) Five actors have played either Bruce Banner or the Hulk in live-action to date, and here's the rundown. In the meantime, at least the Hulk continues to make appearances in new MCU movies and TV shows, keeping the big green bruiser alive in the pop culture consciousness. Related: Incredible Hulk's Forgotten Villain Could Replace Hydra In MCU Phase 4 The real letdown for Hulk fans is that due to a rights divide between Disney/Marvel Studios and Universal Pictures, it seems unlikely another Hulk solo film will ever be released. That's probably well and good, as it would be hard for audiences to root for an Avenger who had ripped another superhero in half in a prior film. In the live-action adaptations of the Incredible Hulk character made so far, the uglier side of the Hulk is only rarely seen, and usually as a result of a villainous plot. Thankfully, the Hulk's fury is most often directed at villains, but any Marvel Comics veteran knows that sometimes the creature snaps and decimates anyone in its path too. In most instances, the Hulk is born after gamma radiation experiments conducted by brilliant scientist Bruce Banner end up unleashing his inner beast, leading a transformation from human to rampaging monster. The Incredible Hulk is Marvel's most smashing superhero, and here's every actor who's played Bruce Banner and his green alter ego in live-action.