Why The Incredible Hulk Remains the MCU’s Best Monster Movie

Because of its unique connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the "Incredible Hulk" is often seen as the "black sheep" of the franchise. In contrast to many previous MCU films, it did not get the same amount of critical praise, and Mark Ruffalo eventually took Edward Norton's Bruce Banner role. But with the appearance of characters like Emil Blonsky and General Thaddeus Ross in subsequent MCU films, The ‘Incredible Hulk’ has grown in significance over time. Because it emphasizes the darker side of Hulk's abilities and is still approachable by new audiences without requiring a deep understanding of the MCU, the movie also continues to be important.

The movie celebrates its horrific beginnings by showing Bruce Banner's everyday battles to contain his inner beast. ‘The Incredible Hulk’ echoes Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by emphasizing Banner's internal conflict rather than an unduly convoluted origin story like Ang Lee's 2003 adaptation. Even while Norton lacks Ruffalo's charm, his sombre portrayal complements the film's harsher tone by highlighting Banner's terrible incapacity to have a regular life, particularly in his connection with Betty Ross.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

With its unnerving bodily horror when Banner turns into the Hulk, the film places more of an emphasis on horror than action. Like Frankenstein and other famous monster myths, its darker tone examines acceptance and self-hatred.  A concept that is still relevant today, the film also exposes the military-industrial complex by highlighting the perils of weaponizing harmful powers.

‘The Incredible Hulk’ is a realistic Genesis narrative, even though it isn't as spectacular as later MCU films. Compared to some more recent MCU flicks, its kinetic pace and sombre tone—which has few jokes or references—offer a welcome change. Since ‘The Incredible Hulk’ is still one of the more powerful and thought-provoking films in the MCU, it is evident in hindsight that it was underestimated.

–Farheen Ali