Hulk, the creation of the legendary duo Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, has flexed his muscles across various mediums, transforming from the CGI behemoth on the big screen to a powerhouse on the small screen. Yet, the 2008 flick, The Incredible Hulk, seemed to peel back a layer of the Hulk’s boundless capabilities, hinting at his agility—a rare sight in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s later narratives.
Even though the Hulk’s parkour prowess was short-lived on screen and Mark Ruffalo has since taken up the mantle with notable success, it’s hard not to imagine what other wonders Norton’s version might’ve achieved. Thus, it is safe to say that before She-Hulk turned Hulk into a Grade-A weasel, Norton’s portrayal of the character in the 2008 Louis Leterrier film displayed an exceptional power that left fans yearning for more.
Edward Norton’s Hulk: The OP Ability Marvel Should Have Explored Further
Traditionally depicted as a stupid, dumb brute, the Hulk in Marvel Comics is actually one of the most agile and acrobatic superheroes. Edward Norton’s portrayal hinted at this potential, showing the Green Goliath moving with a fluidity and grace that was more akin to Spider-Man than the usual lumbering giant we’ve come to expect.
In a social media post by a fan (@toy_blaster_forever) that sent shivers down the spines of Marvel enthusiasts, Norton’s Hulk exhibited a level of agility that had the Instagram user claiming:
We got to see him moving like Spider-Man swinging through the city; this is like crazy.
The fans couldn’t help but be in awe of the level of athleticism displayed by Norton’s Hulk, wishing that this version of the character had been given more screen time in the MCU.
The way Norton’s Hulk in The Incredible Hulk leaped effortlessly from building to building, dodging attacks with ease and delivering powerful blows with finesse, was truly a sight to behold. The 2008 film, therefore, was a breath of fresh air, a glimpse into what could’ve been a more dynamic and versatile depiction of the character.
However, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has potentially missed out on a richer, more complex portrayal. The parkour-like movements and Spider-Man-esque agility of Norton’s Hulk were a tantalizing taste of what fans could have enjoyed on the big screen, adding a layer of depth to the character’s physicality.
Mark Ruffalo’s Love for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’s Fourth Wall Approach
In a world full of superheroes and fourth wall breaks, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law stands out as a refreshing addition to the MCU. And who better to appreciate the clever nods to the past than the man behind the green rage machine himself, Mark Ruffalo?
Despite She-Hulk: Attorney at Law turning the male Hulk into a Grade-A weasel, Ruffalo finds humor and joy in the fact that the Disney+ series has finally addressed the fact that Edward Norton once played the Hulk. As Ruffalo put it, it’s like a “generation’s Hamlet”, with everyone getting their shot at donning the green muscles. The actor told Entertainment Weekly:
I think it’s really funny. It’s just the reality that we all are often dancing around, but it’s true. I actually joked with Ed about this. I was like, ‘It’s like our generation’s Hamlet. Everyone’s going to get a shot at it’.
Because of the fourth wall break in the series, Ruffalo noticed the evolution of the Hulk within the MCU as a thrilling journey with endless possibilities for the character’s future.
The actor’s enthusiasm for the role is infectious, as he even mused about the different iterations the character could take on in the future:
The cool thing about this world is that it could just be anything. Five years from now it could totally morph into anything, whatever’s pertinent at the time. I almost see him going back to ‘Berserker Hulk’ or ‘World War Hulk’. It could go anywhere.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, which ran for nine episodes, is the last series of Phase Four in the MCU. With strong performances from Tatiana Maslany, the series has left its mark on fans and critics alike (Rotten Tomatoes).
Anyway, we hope, the Hulk’s story in the MCU is far from over, and it promises to be as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.
The Incredible Hulk & She-Hulk: Attorney at Law are streaming on Disney+.
