Say what you will aboutThe Incredible Hulk, but for many, it remainsamong the MCUs best features.
As far as adaptations go, it nails the character in every way.
In contrast,The Incredible Hulkalso makes it clear that Bruce cannot control his fate.
Custom Image by Jefferson Chacon
He cannot control how his relationship with Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) will turn out.
He cannot control how the people around him will view the Hulk.
In fact,he cannot even really control the Hulk.
Image via Universal Pictures
Furthermore, what makes Norton’s Bruce Banner so memorable is the pure attention to detail.
Bruce spends all his free time looking for a cure to his gamma-disease.
He teaches himself other languages and other skill sets just to survive.
Image via Universal Pictures
Butwhat makes Norton’s portrayal here different is that it feels earned.
His life is a lonely one because of his curse.
We see almost none of this throughout Ruffalo’s tenure.
In the comics, Red Hulk puts the “red” in “incredible.”
It’s a purposeful note that underscores the sad reality that Norton conveys in Bruce.
Indeed,Norton effortlessly simplifies the deep layers of Bruce’s frustrations and fears.
This is something we never get to explore with Mark Ruffalo’s version.
To be fair, it’s not Ruffalo’s fault.
“[Hulk] is Prometheus, right?”
Norton expressed onThe Joe Rogan Experiencein 2019.
The intent with the 2008 film was to lean into what made theIncredible Hulktelevision series so successful.
The man behind the Merc with the Mouth has a lot on his mind.
Bruce is fundamentally alone.
It turns out,Marvel was right to choose the bigger name in this case.
It’s simply a shame that Edward Norton didn’t stick with the MCU long-term.
If he had, we may have had another Hulk movie by now.
The Incredible Hulkis available to watch on Disney+ in the U.S.
Watch on Disney+
