The Incredible Hulk: Does Edward Norton's Only MCU Movie Hold Up?

2008 was an important year for the MCU, with Iron Man being the first in what would become the biggest cinematic franchise of all time. But, people tend to ignore the other big Marvel movie that came out that year, Universal’s The Incredible Hulk. Yes, this is the movie where Edward Norton - in a one-and-done appearance - plays Bruce Banner/ The Hulk in what was supposed to lead into a recurring role that would have seen him as part of The Avengers. It didn’t happen, with Mark Ruffalo famously taking over the part. Many believe The Incredible Hulk isn’t part of the MCU canon, but that would be a mistake as the film introduces such recurring characters as Tim Roth’s Emil Blonksy, William Hurt’s Thunderbolt Ross, and Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross, who’s set to return to the MCU in Captain America: Brave New World. How does The Incredible Hulk hold up fifteen years later? We’ll dive into it in this episode of Marvel Revisited!

#EdwardNorton #TheIncredibleHulk #MCU

[dwlang]

I miss Edward Norton. I trust his opinion on filmmaking.

[georgepitcher]

Not as widely known as Iron Man? Before Iron Man launched the MCU - the Hulk had a 5 season TV show and 3 TV movies and a feature film! So I'd argue - Hulk was more widely known than Iron Man, at least for those that lived through the 70s and 80s.

[AlexGreat]

Still think Norton's take on Bruce Banner was far better in comparison to Ruffalo's. And the design for his Hulk looked better as well

[barbiquearea]

Now that multiverses are all the rage. They should bring Norton back as Bruce Banner from a different timeline.

[shadowleon]

Eric Bana and Edward Norton Hulks were true beasts and both films understood the character.

Mark Ruffalo's Hulk is a pathetic joke.

[stepheneddington]

I was really sad that Norton wasn't able to continue being the Hulk. I've heard all sorts of reasons for that. If not for the success of this film, the MCU wouldn't be possible.

[candjim]

I prefered this version of Hulk/Bruce Banner before the character was tamed and made a comic relief

[HarveyMidnight]

You can be excused for not being aware of this--- but the opening credit sequence of this film is an homage to the original Hulk television series; it's a complete recreation of the old show's opening credit sequence.

[ImmortalfireTheMod]

Ed definitely had the best looking Hulk, very savage and beastly.

[mikewozawski]

This is my hulk. I would love to see more of this guy in MCU.

[Karlosify]

Back when the Hulk & Bruce were 2 different separate personalities inhabiting the same body

[Zombiesnyder]

This is the Hulk we know and love

Not the Avengers' pet/comic relief

This one could take down Thanos

[brion]

I've always liked this movie. Edward Norton really shines. The first act of Bruce in Brazil is a highlight. I like that's its very character focused and takes itself more seriously.

[Batman]

It was Banner on the run & he had a clear goal. I also liked that they set up the Captain America connection in what feels like a more subtle way here. Especially after the action-comedy tone of most of the MCU post GOTG & Avengers, the serious feel is refreshing.

[Nalewajko]

Still my favourite hulk, and one of my all time favourite Marvel movies. Shame they didn’t proceed with this version.

[jamesmorant]

Despite all the behind the scenes problems with Edward Norton and Marvel this was a great Hulk movie

[ChristianFrates]

I’m so glad people are looking at this film in a positive light like I was when I first saw the movie 15 years ago.

[Hogtownboy]

This my favourite MCU movie. I like that Banner doesn’t trust Hulk

[WorldbreakerHulk]

The Best Incredible Hulk!!! They were able to show the Abomination stronger than the Hulk in base form...

and then they were able to show the Incredible Hulk get stronger the longer the fight wore on...

and then Disney made Hulk into Shrek!!!

Also, now, Ed is a better Bruce than Ruffalo... why? because Ed had the back bone to try to fight for the Hulk sake... while Ruffalo just ate what Disney threw at him and asked for seconds...

[godzillandmore]

There was a difference, by the end he could control it. I think if they made a part 2 with Norton, it would have been epic.