10 Hulk Stories From The Animated Show That The MCU Needs To Steal
Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for Captain America: Brave New World.
The Incredible Hulkanimated series proffered some thrilling narratives that the MCU should definitely consider adapting.The 1990s The Incredible Hulk animated series is one of Marvel’s most underrated cartoons, delivering compelling stories that mixed action, drama, and deep emotional stakes. While the MCU’s portrayal of Bruce Banner has had its moments, it has yet to fully embrace some of the best aspects of the Hulk’s mythos. With Captain America: Brave New World expanding the Hulk pantheon in the MCU timeline, now is the perfect time for the MCU timeline to take inspiration from the animated series.
Ever since 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, Marvel Studios has struggled to give Bruce Banner the solo spotlight he deserves. Legal entanglements with Universal have prevented another standalone Hulk film, and the Hulk’s evolution in the MCU has been largely restricted to ensemble projects. However, Captain America: Brave New World reintroduced key elements from the 2008 film, opening the door for more Hulk-centric narratives in the franchise. TheIncredible Hulk animated series remains a goldmine of untapped potential, presenting classic arcs and characters that could fit seamlessly into the MCU’s evolving landscape.
10 The Hulk Teams Up With The Fantastic Four
The Incredible Hulk Season 1, Episode 8 “Fantastic Fortitude”
One of the standout moments in The Incredible Hulk animated series was Bruce Banner’s alliance with Marvel’s First Family, the Fantastic Four. In the episode “Fantastic Fortitude,” the Hulk joins forces with the Thing to battle the Leader, blending high-energy action with some surprisingly emotional depth. Given the Fantastic Four reboot in the MCU, this is the perfect time to integrate the Hulk into their story.
n the comics, Bruce Banner and Reed Richards share a fascinating dynamic as two of the world’s most brilliant scientists, and seeing this relationship play out on-screen would be a major win. Not to mention, watching the Hulk and The Thing square off before teaming up would be an absolute crowd-pleaser. After finally establishing the Fantastic Four in the MCU with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the franchise should definitely reintroduce Hulk.
9 The Hulk Faces The Leader
The Incredible Hulk Season 1, Episode 1 “Return Of The Beast”
The Leader remains one of the Hulk’s most iconic foes, and his return in Captain America: Brave New World suggests that Marvel Studios is finally ready to give this villain his due. More importantly, unlike most MCU villains, Sterns survived, so could return to face his primary adversary in the future. In The Incredible Hulk animated series, the Leader was a recurring antagonist who continually tormented Bruce Banner, seeking to harness the Hulk’s power for his own nefarious plans.
I'm Convinced The Leader's Design In Captain America: Brave New World Was Changed At The Last Minute
I am absolutely certain that the Leader’s distinctive cranium underwent a significant redesign in rehoots, and early character designs support this.
The Leader's grotesque intellect made him a formidable adversary, and his over-the-top villainy fit perfectly within the show’s heightened storytelling. The MCU has largely shied away from giving Hulk a true arch-nemesis, and the Leader’s return provides the perfect opportunity to change that. By borrowing elements from the animated series – particularly the Leader’s persistent schemes and his grotesque experiments – Marvel could finally deliver the kind of villainous rivalry the Hulk deserves.
8 The Grey Hulk Debuts
The Incredible Hulk Season 2, Episode 1 "Hulk Of A Different Color"
One of the most significant transformations in The Incredible Hulk animated series was the debut of the Grey Hulk. This version of the Hulk, which originated in the comics, possessed a more cunning, street-smart personality and was often depicted as a morally ambiguous figure. The animated series took full advantage of this persona, presenting Grey Hulk as a sarcastic, brutish anti-hero who operated in the shadows.
Grey Hulk has never been depicted in live-action, with most adaptations shying away from Banner’s second persona. While the MCU’s Smart Hulk has been a departure from the classic raging Hulk, it hasn’t fully explored the psychological complexity of Banner’s transformations. Introducing the Grey Hulk would allow the MCU to delve deeper into Banner’s fractured psyche and explore new shades of the character that haven’t yet been seen on the big screen.
7 The Hulk Vs Sasquatch
The Incredible Hulk Season 1, Episode 6 “Man Mo Man, Beast To Beast"
One of the most unique and thrilling episodes of The Incredible Hulk animated series featured a battle between the Hulk and the Canadian powerhouse, Sasquatch. In the episode “Man to Man, Beast to Beast,” Walter Langkowski, a scientist and member of Alpha Flight, transforms into Sasquatch while attempting to cure Bruce Banner. However, things quickly spiral out of control, leading to a brutal clash between the two massive beings.
This fight was not only visually spectacular but also added an emotional layer, as Langkowski’s own struggle with his monstrous alter ego mirrored Banner’s internal turmoil. As the MCU continues expanding, it will presumably include Alpha Flight and other Canadian superheroes, a Hulk vs. Sasquatch showdown could be an exciting and unexpected addition to Marvel’s future plans. Adapting the pair’s thrilling showdown into live-action would make for a very compelling narrative.
6 Doc Samson Tries To Cure Hulk
The Incredible Hulk Season 1, Episodes 11-13 “Darkness and Light”
One of the most compelling arcs in The Incredible Hulk (1996-1997) involved Dr. Leonard "Doc" Samson, a brilliant scientist determined to cure Bruce Banner of his gamma affliction. Unlike the traditional antagonists who sought to exploit the Hulk’s power, Samson's mission was rooted in genuine concern for Banner’s well-being. However, the story became more complex as Samson’s own exposure to gamma radiation turned him into a superpowered being with enhanced strength and durability, creating both a rivalry and camaraderie with Hulk.
The MCU has yet to fully explore Doc Samson's character, despite introducing him in The Incredible Hulk (2008) as Betty Ross’s romantic partner. Bringing him back as a conflicted ally who wants to cure Banner while dealing with his own gamma mutation would add depth to the Hulk’s MCU narrative and expand the science-fiction elements of his lore. It would also allow Ty Burrell to return to the franchise as Tim Blake Nelson has.
5 Hulk Partners With She-Hulk
The Incredible Hulk Season
While She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022) briefly explored Jennifer Walters' transformation into She-Hulk, the 1990s animated series delved far deeper into her dynamic with Bruce Banner. Unlike the comedic tone of the Disney+ series, The Incredible Hulk portrayed She-Hulk as a true superhero partner to Hulk, often aiding him in battles against General Ross, the Leader, and other threats. She wasn’t just Banner’s cousin; she was one of his few allies who embraced her gamma-powered form rather than viewing it as a curse.
10 Best Marvel Movie And TV Show Hulk Moments You've Probably Never Seen
Many of Hulk’s most memorable moments have become iconic in the superhero genre, but some of the more intriguing events are often overlooked.
Though the MCU depicted their relationship, the two barely engaged in battle together. The MCU could benefit from revisiting this dynamic, showcasing the two working together in a more action-packed, dramatic fashion. A World War Hulk adaptation or the MCU’s Avengers:Secret Wars could use She-Hulk as a key player, strengthening the family connection while highlighting her combat skills and leadership.
4 Bruce Banner Battles The Hulk
The Incredible Hulk Season 1, Episode 13 “Darkness And Light: Part 3”
One of the most thrilling moments in The Incredible Hulk animated series came in “Darkness and Light: Part 3,” when Bruce Banner donned the Hulkbuster armor to take on the Hulk in an all-out battle. Unlike previous internal struggles where Banner fought the Hulk within his mind, this episode saw him physically engaging his monstrous alter ego following a desperate attempt to separate himself from the Hulk once and for all. No in separate forms, Banner is forced to subdue the Hulk.
The Hulkbuster armor, designed specifically to counter the Hulk’s strength, allowed Banner to hold his own in an intense fight, but ultimately, the battle underscored the futility of his struggle. The MCU has already introduced Hulkbuster technology in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Infinity War, the latter of which saw Banner don the armor. A subsequent narrative that sees Hulk and Banner separate could facilitate the showdown seen in The Incredible Hulk.
3 The Symbiote Hybrid Bonds With General Ross
The Incredible Hulk Season 2, Episode 8 “Mission: Incredible”
One of the most unexpected and thrilling stories from The Incredible Hulk animated series featured General Thunderbolt Ross being attacked by a symbiote-style monster named Hybrid. While the details of this transformation were unique to the animated show, the concept of Ross merging with an alien organism created a terrifying new foe for the Hulk. The MCU has already introduced elements of the symbiote through Spider-Man: No Way Home but has yet to capitalize on their introduction.
If the MCU were to adapt this storyline, it could elevate Ross into a monstrous villain unlike anything seen before, combining with his Red Hulk abilities for a mighty villain. As Ross also survives until the end of Captain America: Brave New World, he is primed to return in the future. Ross bonding with a symbiote would also tie into the ongoing themes of unchecked power and the dangers of merging human ambition with inhuman abilities.
2 Hulk And Ross Team Up To Save Betty
The Incredible Hulk Season 1, Episode 10 "And The Wind Cries... Wendigo!"
Despite their longstanding enmity, the 1990s animated series saw Hulk and General Ross temporarily put aside their differences when Betty Ross’ life was at stake. This uneasy alliance made for a compelling storyline, as Ross had to accept that Hulk—whom he had spent his career trying to destroy – was the only one capable of saving his daughter. The MCU has only scratched the surface of this relationship, with The Incredible Hulk (2008) portraying Ross as an unrelenting antagonist.
However, now that Harrison Ford is established as Ross in Captain America: Brave New World, there’s an opportunity to adapt this animated storyline. A high-stakes scenario where Ross is forced to work with Hulk to rescue Betty, possibly from the Leader or another gamma-powered threat, would add complexity to their dynamic. It could also serve as a redemption arc for Ross after his rampage as Red Hulk.
1 Abomination Works For the Leader
The Incredible Hulk Season 1, Episode 1 “Return Of The Beast”
Tim Roth’s return as Emil Blonsky in the MCU has taken a lighter, more comedic turn, but The Incredible Hulk animated series offered a far darker and more sinister take on the character. In the show, Abomination was not just a rival to the Hulk but a dedicated enforcer for the Leader, serving as his right-hand man in a quest for gamma domination. This dynamic provided an additional layer of threat, as the Leader’s genius and Abomination’s brute force made them a dangerous combination.
The MCU could revisit this idea by having Blonsky fall under the Leader’s influence once more, particularly if Samuel Sterns returns as a major villain. Given that the Leader has been reintroduced with Captain America: Brave New World, bringing him back with Abomination as his enforcer could create a formidable threat that ties together long-dormant storylines from the early days of the MCU. With both of these in place in the MCU already, these The Incredible Hulk storylines are prime for pinching.
The Incredible Hulk
- Release Date
- 1996 - 1998-00-00
- Network
- UPN
- Directors
- Ernesto Lopez, Tom Tataranowicz, Richard Trueblood, Dick Sebast
- Writers
- Bob Forward, Meg McLaughlin, John Semper Jr., Douglas Sloan, Len Wein, Steve Granat, Greg Johnson
Cast
Lou FerrignoJennifer Walters / She-Hulk (voice)
Uncredited
- Creator(s)
- Jack Kirby, Stan Lee
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