The Marvel Cinematic Universe is one step closer to completion on Disney+. As of today, 2008’s The Incredible Hulk is now available on the streaming service. This remains, 15 years later, the only solo Hulk movie within the MCU. That makes it an important movie, even if it wasn’t exactly a big success in its day. But this could (emphasis on could) be the start of more for Hulk.
Iron Man hit theaters in May of 2008, officially launching the MCU as we know it. The Incredible Hulk followed mere weeks later, with Edward Norton starring as Bruce Banner. Unfortunately, it didn’t go over nearly as well. The film earned just $246 million at the global box office against a $150 million budget. What’s more, Norton left the role, with Mark Ruffalo replacing him in The Avengers. But the movie has a great many fans, and it has certainly found its audience over the years.
Here is the synopsis for The Incredible Hulk.
“In this new beginning, scientist Bruce Banner desperately hunts for a cure to the gamma radiation that poisoned his cells and unleashes the unbridled force of rage within him: The Hulk. Living in the shadows-cut off from a life he knew and the woman he loves, Betty Ross-Banner struggles to avoid the obsessive pursuit of his nemesis, General Thunderbolt Ross and the military machinery that seeks to capture him and brutally exploit his power. As all three grapple with the secrets that led to the Hulk’s creation, they are confronted with a monstrous new adversary known as the Abomination, whose destructive strength exceeds even the Hulk’s own. One scientist must make an agonizing final choice: accept a peaceful life as Bruce Banner or find heroism in the creature he holds inside-The Incredible Hulk.”
Universal Pictures distributed this film in theaters. This was several years before Disney’s purchase of Marvel took place. That’s actually the main reason why we haven’t had another solo Hulk movie since. However, that may be changing. It is widely believed that Universal signed a 15-year deal with Marvel. With The Incredible Hulk arriving on Disney+ almost exactly 15 years later, it is believed that Universal’s deal may finally have expired. If that’s true, Marvel and Disney could begin to pursue a solo Hulk movie once again. But we’ll have to wait for official word from Disney on that one.
The Incredible Hulk is now streaming on Disney+.
What do you think? Do you plan on revisiting the film? Are you hopeful that Marvel has the Hulk rights again? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
