When Two Avengers Unite: A Hidden Gem from Two Decades Prior to the MCU Era

20 years before the Marvel Cinematic Universe started and The Incredible Hulk introduced us to Bruce Banner, the Hulk crossed paths with another future Avenger in a TV movie. In 2008's The Incredible Hulk, we saw Edward Norton take on the role of Bruce Banner, a scientist at Culver University whose exposure to gamma radiation turns him into the Hulk when he gets angry. This movie marked the beginning of the Hulk's journey in the MCU, leading to his transformation into Smart Hulk after surviving self-exile on Sakaar.

As of now, The Incredible Hulk remains the only standalone movie in the MCU featuring the Hulk. While there have been talks of a potential solo Hulk film in the future, including one based on the World War Hulk storyline from Marvel Comics, the distribution rights for the Hulk still belong to Universal Pictures. This means that Marvel Studios cannot create more solo projects for the character. Despite this, Mark Ruffalo has continued to portray the Hulk in various crossover projects, interacting with many other superheroes. However, there is one superhero that the Hulk encountered 20 years before the MCU began.

1988's Hulk Movie Starred The Hulk & Thor Years Before The MCU

Lou Ferrigno's Hulk and Eric Allan Kramer's Thor in 1988's The Incredible Hulk Returns - 1988's Hulk Movie Starred The Hulk & Thor Years Before The MCU

In 1977, Universal Television's Frank Price and writer/producer Kenneth Johnson started working on a TV series featuring characters from Marvel Comics. This led to the successful show, The Incredible Hulk, which aired from 1977 to 1982. The series starred Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as his Hulk persona. The show's popularity resulted in TV movies, with the first one in 1988, The Incredible Hulk Returns, introducing Hulk to Thor.

Thor underwent significant changes for The Incredible Hulk Returns. He was not portrayed as Asgardian or a god but as a Viking King who was denied entry into Valhalla. With a mystical hammer, Steve Levitt's Donald Blake could summon the obedient Thor, played by Eric Allan Kramer. As Blake was Banner's former student, the two Marvel heroes teamed up to rescue Banner's love interest. This marked the first time another Marvel character appeared in The Incredible Hulk's universe, and their paths wouldn't cross again until The Avengers in 2012.

How 1988's Hulk Movie Mirrors MCU's Hulk & Thor Story

Mark Ruffalo's Hulk and Chris Hemsworth's Thor in New York in The Avengers - How 1988's Hulk Movie Mirrors MCU's Hulk & Thor Story

The Hulk and Thor were brought together again by The Avengers, now played by Mark Ruffalo and Chris Hemsworth, respectively. The dynamic between the two characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) differs from their portrayal in The Incredible Hulk Returns, although there are some similarities. In both projects, the pair first fight each other before joining forces. However, in the MCU, their relationship evolves into a much stronger friendship. This development is particularly evident after the events of Thor: Ragnarok, which bring them closer together. Despite the lack of a direct sequel to The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner still forms a significant bond with Thor, one of his longest-standing allies in live-action.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an intriguing glimpse into the history of the Hulk and Thor characters, tracing their cinematic encounters from the 1988 TV movie to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the portrayal of Thor in The Incredible Hulk Returns differs from his later MCU counterpart, the shared theme of a begrudging alliance between the two heroes is evident in both versions.

The article also highlights the complexities surrounding the distribution rights for the Hulk, which has limited the character's solo projects but allowed for his inclusion in crossover events. As a result, the Hulk has evolved alongside other MCU characters, forging a particularly strong bond with Thor. This journey demonstrates the interconnected nature of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the enduring appeal of these iconic superheroes.