The Incredible Hulk (film)

The Incredible Hulk is a 2008 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Directed by Louis Leterrier and written by Zak Penn, it is the second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film stars Edward Norton as Dr. Bruce Banner, alongside Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, and William Hurt.

The film serves as a soft reboot of the Hulk film series, distancing itself from the 2003 film Hulk directed by Ang Lee, while still acknowledging its existence in a loose continuity. The Incredible Hulk depicts Bruce Banner as a fugitive on the run from the U.S. military, led by General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, who seeks to weaponize Banner's ability to transform into the Hulk. Banner, meanwhile, is trying to find a cure for his condition and avoid capture. The film focuses on Banner's search for a cure, his relationship with Betty Ross, and his eventual confrontation with Emil Blonsky, a soldier who transforms into the Abomination.

The film was intended to be a more action-oriented and faithful adaptation of the source material than its predecessor. While initially intended to be a direct sequel to Hulk, the decision was made to reposition it within the burgeoning MCU. Edward Norton extensively rewrote the script, leading to conflicts with the studio and ultimately, his replacement as Bruce Banner by Mark Ruffalo in subsequent MCU films.

The Incredible Hulk was released in the United States on June 13, 2008, and received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its action sequences and improved faithfulness to the comics, while criticizing its pacing and narrative shortcomings. The film was a moderate box office success. The character of General Ross, played by William Hurt, reappeared in later MCU films, establishing a clearer continuity with other Marvel properties. Despite the recasting of Bruce Banner, The Incredible Hulk remains an official part of the MCU timeline.