Years after his first appearance, General Ross eventually popped up in Civil War, Infinity War, Endgame, and Black Widow. Emil Blonsky has now appeared in Shang Chi and She-Hulk. And now we’ve seen the announcement that Samuel Sterns will return as The Leader. Looking over the cast, it’s odd that the only character to be recast is the hero!
The MCU’s reintegration of its second film is clearly quickening, so it seemed fitting to revisit it. Plus I’m completely intolerant of leaving things incomplete and there are only a few MCU films I haven’t reviewed.
Back to the initial casting though, and I like Norton in the role. His Hulk looks nothing like him unfortunately, yet with the muscle striation also a much more menacing version of the green goliath. A recent tweet I read proclaimed that this Hulk would rip Thanos in two. I don’t think he would, though he’s cool in his own way. Regardless of Hulk, I do miss the ability to grow even bigger with increased anger. Norton himself has a wiry strength; he’s fit and physically capable. He still pulls off being a smart cookie. But Ruffalo has come to embody MCU Hulk so entirely that I can’t imagine Norton with the Avengers. It’s a shame but probably for the best. Could you imagine his Hulk mellowing and shouting “time travel!”?
In the case of the Abomination things are clear, especially with Roth staying in the role. I much prefer the newer version, which is both more comic-accurate but also less a colour palette swap with extra bone (the MCU and its villains being “same powers but bad” is forever aggravating). Tim Roth brings the right amount of confidence with an underlying seediness. His CGI abs may be highly suspect but when he comments on how his experience in a younger body would be dangerous…I believe it.
Being so early in the MCU’s existence, there are several pieces of clumsy world building. Time and distance are being kind though, as the MCU has settled and can now make the best of the things this film puts in place, such as The Leader. Now to being back Liv Tyler as Betty Ross! Natasha is off the table now, so bring back Bruce’s first love.
Looking back, Ross is a bastard. He didn’t give Banner all the information, hiding that the ultimate aim was weaponisation and new Super Soldiers. Banner experimented on himself because he wanted to help people. It would be years before he could fully embrace his powers. Blonsky chased more power because he selfishly wanted to be on top and face bigger challenges. Ross let someone else take the hit.
The Incredible Hulk is perfectly watchable, with some decent performances and action. Now it’s more outlandish elements are being fully embraced, maybe it can be too.
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