At the time of release, Hulk wasn’t just “ the strongest one there is,” but also the most famous. The MCU was largely built around what were (at the time) second stringers because their big names like Spider-Man and the X-Men had been licensed to other studios. It is also strange that the movie ended up such a disappointment. It is somewhat ironic that The Incredible Hulk remains the Green Goliath’s only solo entry in the MCU, reportedly in part due to that distribution deal with Universal. The film’s various sequel teases - including Tim Blake Nelson’s small role as future villain Samuel Sterns - were left unfulfilled. It was the only appearance of Edward Norton in the title role. The Incredible Hulk (occurs prior to The Avengers) Thor (occurs prior to The Avengers) Marvel’s The Avengers (2012) Iron Man 3 (six months after.
It was the only film in the MCU distributed by Universal. Captain Marvel (1995) Iron Man (2010) Iron Man 2. While Iron Man would become the bedrock of the sprawling shared universe to follow, The Incredible Hulk was a dead end. The Incredible Hulk is the second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following the release of Iron Man just six weeks earlier. Universal Pictures Unlike the earlier, non-MCU film from director Ang Lee, The Incredible Hulk isn’t really about.
The Incredible Hulk is a misfire, but an informative one.
