The Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen its fair share of triumphs and challenges, but among the various heroes and storylines, one Avenger’s journey took a unique turn that never quite materialized. While the Hulk’s smashing exploits have left an indelible mark on the franchise, there’s a shadow cast over a canceled sequel that could have altered the course of the Green Goliath’s tale.
Introduction: The Unfulfilled Potential
In the vast tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk” stands as a peculiar outlier. Serving as the second installment of the MCU, it is often overshadowed by its more celebrated counterparts. However, the film was a pivotal chapter in the Hulk’s cinematic saga, featuring Edward Norton as Bruce Banner. As the MCU evolved and characters were recast, Norton’s portrayal gave way to Mark Ruffalo’s iconic version. Now, as the past resurfaces, director Louis Leterrier has unveiled the ambitious plans that were shelved for a sequel.
Expanding the Hulk Family
In an illuminating interview with ComicBook.com, Leterrier offered a glimpse into the path not taken – a path that would have introduced a host of new Hulks to the audience. He revealed, “There was like Grey Hulk, Red Hulks – there was a lot of good stuff that we were planning.” This revelation hints at a more diverse and intricate Hulk mythology, foreshadowing the emergence of characters like Grey Hulk and Red Hulk.
The concept of the Grey Hulk, stemming from Stan Lee’s original vision, was to portray Hulk as a grey-skinned character. Grey Hulk possessed Banner’s intelligence along with a portion of Savage Hulk’s immense strength. The character took on the alias “Joe Fixit,” becoming a morally ambiguous enforcer in Las Vegas.
The Enigma of Red Hulk
Leterrier’s revelation extends to the enigmatic Red Hulk, a character introduced in 2008’s “Hulk Vol. 2 #1.” Red Hulk’s true identity is revealed to be Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, portrayed by William Hurt in “The Incredible Hulk.” While the character’s role in the sequel remains undisclosed, the introduction of Red Hulk would likely have introduced a formidable antagonist for Bruce Banner.
Leterrier’s vision for Grey Hulk aimed to retain a serious tone, deviating from the lighthearted portrayal of Smart Hulk seen in “Avengers: Endgame.” He elaborated, “You want the primeval Hulk… the rage Hulk. And then when you go Grey Hulk and Smart Hulk you lose that a little bit and you get a little bit more kiddish with it.”
Unveiling the Lost Sequel
“The Incredible Hulk” was originally intended to be the first chapter of a multi-movie story, as indicated by Edward Norton in a 2008 interview with Total Film. Despite this ambitious plan, the film received mixed reviews and Norton’s departure from the role marked a pivotal moment. The stage was set for Mark Ruffalo to take over the mantle of the Hulk in “The Avengers.” The sequel’s fate was sealed, and its promising narrative potential was left unexplored.
She-Hulk’s Playful Jab
The MCU’s humorous self-awareness extended to “She-Hulk,” where Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner humorously alluded to Norton’s departure. Addressing the fight between Abomination and Norton’s Hulk, Banner quipped, “I’m a completely different person now – literally.” This playful acknowledgment of the casting change added a layer of meta-commentary to the evolving Hulk saga.
Conclusion: A Fragmented Journey
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a realm of constant evolution, where characters and narratives intertwine in unexpected ways. While the scrapped Hulk sequel remains a testament to untapped potential, the MCU’s growth continues. Despite the challenges and missed opportunities, the legacy of “The Incredible Hulk” lives on. As the Multiverse beckons with its limitless possibilities and “Avengers: Secret Wars” looms on the horizon, the Hulk’s journey may yet embrace new dimensions.
