Origin of the Hulk: The Incredible Hulk focuses on Dr. Bruce Banner, a brilliant scientist who is exposed to gamma radiation during a failed experiment. This exposure alters his physiology, causing him to transform into the Hulk whenever he experiences extreme stress or anger. The Hulk is a powerful, green-skinned behemoth with superhuman strength and durability.
Character Overview: Bruce Banner, portrayed by Edward Norton in this film, is portrayed as a deeply conflicted character who struggles with the duality of his existence. His alter ego, the Hulk, represents his repressed rage and inner turmoil.
Conflict: The central conflict of the film involves Banner’s attempt to control his transformation and find a cure for his condition. He is pursued by the U.S. military, led by General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (William Hurt), who sees the Hulk as a threat to national security.
Antagonists: The primary antagonist is Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth), a British Special Forces operative who is injected with a similar serum to that which transformed Banner. Blonsky becomes the Abomination, a monstrous creature with abilities that rival those of the Hulk, leading to a climactic showdown.
Supporting Characters: The film features Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), Bruce Banner’s love interest and the daughter of General Ross. Betty is supportive of Banner and is a key figure in his quest to regain control of his life. The film also introduces Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), a scientist who becomes exposed to gamma radiation and hints at future developments related to the Hulk’s lore.
The Incredible Hulk Movies
1. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Director: Louis Leterrier
- Plot: Bruce Banner is in hiding in Brazil, working to avoid detection by the U.S. government while searching for a cure to his condition. His peaceful existence is disrupted when he is forced to transform into the Hulk during a confrontation with a local gang. The military, led by General Thaddeus Ross, closes in on him, intensifying the search for the elusive scientist. Meanwhile, Emil Blonsky, a soldier, undergoes an experiment that transforms him into the Abomination, a creature with similar but even more extreme powers than the Hulk. The film culminates in a dramatic battle between the Hulk and the Abomination in Harlem, New York, with Banner ultimately coming to terms with his alter ego and finding a measure of peace.
2. The Incredible Hulk (2008) - Additional Information
- Connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): Although *The Incredible Hulk* is part of the MCU, it is somewhat loosely connected to other MCU films. The film includes a brief appearance by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in a post-credits scene, linking it to *Iron Man* and the broader MCU storyline.