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Incredible Hulk Director Suggested Hulk as Avenger Villain: Could it Have Been Better?

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Initially, there were plans to portray the Hulk as a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and if executed properly, it could have offered an intriguing twist. In the early days of the MCU, Iron Man was the pioneering character, playing a crucial role in the expansive franchise. Yet, he wasn’t the sole Marvel hero debuted that year. The Incredible Hulk was unveiled only a month afterwards, further strengthening the interconnectedness within this shared universe.

Yet, “The Incredible Hulk” faced certain challenges within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), primarily due to Universal’s hold on the character rights. This instability was more pronounced compared to series like Iron Man and other independently produced films in the MCU. However, there was a clear direction for the character, as both director Louis Leterrier and actor Edward Norton had ideas about how the Hulk could evolve within the MCU.

The Incredible Hulk’s Director Left The Door Open For The Hulk To Become The Avengers’ Villain

Hulk Had A Distinct Character Arc Set Up In The Movie

In 2008, Leterrier expressed his ideas about the Hulk and how he envisioned its development within the MCU. At that time, Marvel Studios was not fully formed, and the concept of a shared universe seemed unrealistic. However, it’s clear that Leterrier had a distinct vision for his interpretation of the Hulk. This underscores the significant changes that occurred at the inception of the MCU, as Leterrier discussed these plans years before The Avengers even began production (as reported by MTV).

We intentionally kept the final directing decision for ‘The Avengers’ open-ended by designing our last shot to show Edward smirking at the camera as he opens his eyes. The mystery lies in whether he’s enjoying himself or being malicious, which adds to Edward’s charm. He never clearly fits into the good guy or bad guy category; instead, he maintains a precarious balance on the edge throughout the entire movie.

If you interpret the final scene of the film as the character appearing happy and in control, it suggests that we might be watching “The Hulk 2,” implying a more controlled version of the character. Conversely, if the character looks defeated or smirks in a way that implies failure, then we’re likely witnessing the uncontrollable beast from the Avengers series, the one they must work together to subdue.

In the perspective of Leterrier, the Hulk’s character had the ability to portray both heroism and villainy. Instead of developing a straightforward superhero, he aimed for a more ethically complex depiction, as evidenced by the chaos, violence, and intensity exhibited in the 2008 film, suggesting that this internal struggle was crucial to Leterrier’s interpretation of the character. Similarly, Norton believed that the Hulk’s story should be more intricate rather than a stereotypical comic book plot on the big screen. Consequently, the initial strategy involved having the Hulk potentially become a hero in a future film or serve as the antagonist in The Avengers.

The Avengers Having Hulk As A Villain In Its Story Could’ve Led His MCU Arc Down A Very Different Road

The Entire MCU Would Have Looked Very Different

In much the same vein, Norton’s portrayal of Bruce Banner in the MCU was limited to his initial appearance. Similarly, Leterrier departed from the studio and embarked on other projects. However, if “The Incredible Hulk” had been the first movie or had received a warmer welcome, it could have significantly influenced the direction of the franchise and the character of the Hulk. This might have resulted in a markedly different portrayal of the character throughout the MCU, and perhaps even altered the overall trajectory of the series.

If Hulk had been the main antagonist of the Avengers, there could have been a significantly different narrative unfolding. His uncontrollable power would have likely resulted in massive destruction, making for an intriguing plotline as Bruce Banner struggled with his alter ego. This scenario might have also reshuffled the team, necessitating the inclusion of heroes more adept at handling a character like Hulk.

Looking Back Now, It’s Easy To Wonder Whether Making The Hulk The Villain Of The Avengers Might Have Had A Better Outcome For The Character

Loki’s Narrative Arc Could Have Been Replaced By A More Sweeping Hulk Story

In the MCU, they chose Loki as the main antagonist for The Avengers, a decision that led to him becoming a beloved character with a rich backstory. This storyline was expanded upon in two seasons of a series. However, had Bruce Banner been cast as the villain instead, the movie would have taken on a completely different tone and narrative.

In the movie “The Avengers,” there were a few minor disagreements between the Hulk and the rest of the team, but imagine if they had turned him into a full-fledged villain instead. Having Bruce Banner, who is usually on the side of good, join forces with the Hulk would have made for an intriguing twist. This transformation could have set the stage for characters like Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader to reappear earlier in the story, while General Ross might have been working alongside the superheroes to take down the menacing Hulk. Although we ended up with a fantastic Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as it is, it’s fascinating to ponder what would have happened if events unfolded differently.

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2025-04-21 01:08

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