There are sequels, there are remakes, there are even “re-imaginings,” but The Incredible Hulk may be Hollywood’s first “do-over.” That’s the word from Marvel Studios, the folks who unapologetically brought Elektra and Ghost Rider to the screen, but for some reason are still deeply ashamed of Ang Lee’s 2003 take on The Hulk. “The 2003 movie was like test-driving a car,” Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel told the New York Times. “We were able to see what people liked and did not.”
Lee’s version took in $132 million at the box office, and while that isn’t exactly chump change, it was a disappointing haul given the movie’s budget. But that’s not really the biggest obstacle the Marvel people had to overcome in re-launching the franchise. They’re hoping to overcome the notion that the first film was too artsy and light on action – you know, too interesting for a movie about a big dumb man-monster who likes to smash things.
“Starring Edward Norton, The Incredible Hulk, set for a June 13 release, will serve up more action (Hulk battles a new creature called Abomination) and more female-friendly themes,” according to the Times. “The monster was mute in Mr. Lee’s film, but this one speaks, a nod to the campy 1978-82 television series that starred Bill Bixby and the bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno (resplendent in green body paint).” Sorry, New York Times, but the Hulk talked in the Marvel comics; he was mute on the TV show when he was played by the deaf guy.
Sadly for Marvel, not everyone shares their enthusiasm for the reboot. Even the ever-cooperative Norton is getting angry – and you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry. “Mr. Norton and Marvel, which has the right of final approval on the film, have sparred in recent weeks over trims, among other issues, said studio executives involved, who asked to remain anonymous as they were not authorized to speak publicly. Mr. Norton — who was hired to rewrite the script along with playing the lead — has made it clear he won’t cooperate with publicity plans if he’s not happy with the final product, these people said.”
The biggest threat the Hulk faces this summer will likely come from his fellow superheroes. With Batman and Iron Man both storming theaters this summer, will there be enough of an audience left for the green goliath? Marvel hopes to create some crossover appeal by having Robert Downey Jr. cameo as Iron Man in The Incredible Hulk, which is either a clever idea or a cry for help. Hey, nobody ever said it was easy being green.
