4 Key Highlights From THE INCREDIBLE…

The Underrated Legacy of The Incredible Hulk: Connecting Past and Present in the MCU

The Incredible Hulk roared into theaters in 2008, a summer overshadowed by the revolutionary success of Iron Man. Unlike Tony Stark’s shiny debut, the Green Goliath didn’t quite smash the box office charts. Consequently, the oft-anticipated sequel never materialized. Edward Norton, the original Bruce Banner, didn’t return, paving the way for Mark Ruffalo’s iconic portrayal in The Avengers. Yet, Hulk’s tale remains stitched into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s vibrant quilt. With Captain America: Brave New World on the horizon, the legacy of The Incredible Hulk surfaces once more. If your last encounter with this classic was ages ago, here are essential elements to grasp before diving into Brave New World.

Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross: The Relentless Pursuer

Enter Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a U.S. Army general hell-bent on capturing Dr. Bruce Banner in 2008’s adrenaline-fueled expedition. Academy Award-winner William Hurt gave life to Ross, a role Harrison Ford resurrects after Hurt’s passing. In the initial saga, Ross aims to replicate the illustrious World War II super-soldier program, but with a twist—using gamma radiation. This experiment birthed unintended turmoil, transforming Bruce Banner into the Hulk. The relentless pursuit of Banner, an erstwhile colleague, carved a deep rift between Ross and his daughter, Betty, Bruce’s love interest. Banner’s trail earned Ross the media moniker “Hulk Hunter,” a title that resonates ominously throughout Captain America’s newest narrative.

Memories of The Harlem Catastrophe

In a colossal showdown, Harlem witnessed ruinous duels between the Hulk and the Abomination, nearly toppling Ross’ military career. Yet, the Hulk’s existence fortuitously veered into salvation, becoming pivotal in Earth’s perennial rescues. Although Ross advanced to high office, including Secretary of State, traces of the "Harlem Incident" shadow him, lingering even in the exalted position of U.S. President. The wreckage of Harlem is a chapter that sticks stubbornly to Ross’ legacy, despite his political triumphs.

The Mystery of Dr. Samuel Sterns

The plot thickened with Samuel Sterns’ introduction in The Incredible Hulk—a brilliant but shadowy scientist dodging the army with Bruce. Their cryptic cyber alliance as “Mr. Blue” and “Mr. Green” fueled hopes for curing Banner’s monstrous side. In their fateful encounter, Sterns concealed his ambition—to craft a serum vanquishing genetic ailments. A tragic twist ensued; soldier Emil Blonsky’s greed for power mutated him into the Abomination. During the chaos, Sterns suffered a bizarre accident, his cranial wounds soaking in Banner’s transformative blood. Though MCU fans have eagerly anticipated Sterns’ resurgence as The Leader, they have had to languish in mystery. Until now.

Betty and Thaddeus Ross: A Shattered Bond

Betty Ross, Bruce Banner’s beloved, found herself estranged from her military father, Thunderbolt, due to his infatuation with capturing her sweetheart. Ross justified his anger, citing Betty’s injuries from Hulk’s origins—a narrative played out in the film’s opening flashbacks. Despite such pretexts, self-recrimination crippled Ross as much as his anger toward Banner. Father and daughter’s chasm widens further through the film, and present-day revelations in Brave New World expose the persistent emotional fracture. President Ross, even amidst monumental achievements, remains haunted by his estrangement from Betty.

As Baxter’s amphitheater of cinematic crossovers reopens, isn’t it time we re-assessed The Incredible Hulk—unjustly shelved yet integral? Despite its foundational hiccups, Marvel Studios was then an evolving force, finding its groove. Perhaps chaotic but inherently earnest, the film stands worth rewatching in today’s context. Prepare yourself adequately for Brave New World’s saga—the forgotten Green Goliath deserves your attention. For those persuaded to indulge, The Incredible Hulk streams now on Disney+.