In the vast realm of Marvel’s cinematic universe, there are stories that never quite made it to the big screen but continue to stir the curiosity of fans. Among these tales is the shelved sequel to 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk,” which would have introduced a tantalizing array of new facets to the iconic character.
Director Louis Leterrier recently opened up about his ambitious plans for a follow-up to the 2008 film, starring Edward Norton as the titular green giant. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Leterrier revealed the depth of his vision, one that would have expanded the character’s lore into uncharted territories.
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Leterrier shared, “There was like Grey Hulk, Red Hulks — there was a lot of good stuff that we were planning.” The mere mention of “Grey Hulk” and “Red Hulks” ignited the imagination of Marvel enthusiasts around the world. It’s a tantalizing glimpse into the creative minds behind the scenes, where plans to take the Hulk in intriguing new directions were brewing.
The concept of the Grey Hulk, also known as Joe Fixit, is a departure from the familiar green rage machine. This incarnation of the Hulk maintains more control over his actions and exhibits a distinct personality. On the other hand, the Red Hulk introduces an entirely different character: General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross transformed into a crimson-hued behemoth. Both of these alternate versions promised fresh narratives and unexpected character dynamics.
The sequel plans would have pushed the boundaries of what audiences had seen before, delving into the complexities of the Hulk’s persona. But the journey of the Hulk on the silver screen took a different turn. Following the 2008 film, Mark Ruffalo stepped into the role of Bruce Banner/Hulk in subsequent Marvel films, starting with “The Avengers” in 2012. This meant that the storyline established in Leterrier’s film did not weave into the character’s overarching arc.
The convoluted rights to the Hulk character have played a significant role in shaping his cinematic journey. Universal Pictures holds the rights to produce solo Hulk films, thanks to a deal predating Disney’s acquisition of Marvel Studios. This unique arrangement allows the Hulk to appear in other MCU films, as Ruffalo’s portrayal demonstrated in the Avengers ensemble and standalone character films like “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Captain Marvel.”
Leterrier, while acknowledging the character’s complexity, pointed out the challenge in balancing different iterations of the Hulk. “You want the primeval Hulk … the rage Hulk,” he explained. The director’s vision was to explore the character’s range, but he also recognized the potential shift towards a more child-friendly tone with versions like Grey Hulk and Smart Hulk.
The tantalizing “what if” of Leterrier’s Hulk sequel is a reminder of the boundless storytelling possibilities that Marvel characters offer. While the cinematic Hulk we know today might be different from the one Leterrier aimed to expand upon, his aspiration to delve deeper into the character’s psyche resonates with fans who crave multi-dimensional portrayals.
And even though Leterrier’s sequel remains a lost treasure of Marvel lore, the excitement surrounding the potential appearance of Red Hulk still lingers. Speculation suggests that Harrison Ford’s character, Thunderbolt Ross, might transform into the formidable Red Hulk in upcoming projects. Meanwhile, Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross could potentially embrace her alter ego, Red She-Hulk. The tantalizing prospect has left fans buzzing with anticipation.
While Harrison Ford remains tight-lipped about the potential transformation, his response of “What is the Red Hulk?” to ComicBook.com’s query only adds to the intrigue.
In the ever-expanding Marvel universe, stories like Leterrier’s scrapped sequel highlight the unexplored corners and diverse character arcs that continue to inspire imagination. As fans eagerly await the unfolding chapters of their beloved characters, the legacy of the “Incredible Hulk” sequel that could have been serves as a reminder that even the mightiest of heroes have untold tales waiting to be told.