Boasting a talented cast, The Incredible Hulk introduced a huge array of important characters and relationships that would later become extremely important in the long-running narrative of the MCU. The film followed Jon Favreau’s Iron Man as the second movie in the comic book movie franchise, and while some characters make brief appearances to connect these stories together, it’s a mostly separate narrative that aims to explore a different corner of this world. Like most Marvel projects, it’s the characters and their dynamics with each other that really bring The Incredible Hulk to life, enriching this fictional world and developing the overarching journey of the MCU.
The Hulk is an incredibly strong character in both the comics and the MCU, but The Incredible Hulk focuses more closely on the human side of Bruce Banner, analyzing how this split identity affects his everyday life. Despite frequently being cited among the worst MCU projects, the film does a great job of introducing these characters and explaining why they’re important — and that’s all thanks to the impressive performances that command the story. The script is ittedly messy and hasn’t aged very well, but that never stops these characters from being fun to watch.
Edward Norton as Bruce Banner
The protagonist of The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner is a talented scientist whose experiments tragically backfired and cursed him with the ability to transform into an inhumane creature called the Hulk. The Incredible Hulk sees Banner living a secret life in South America, running from a government that wants him for the crimes of his dangerous counterpart. Glass Onion.
Liv Tyler as Betty Ross
Betty Ross plays a huge role in The Incredible Hulk, as she humanizes Banner’s alter-ego, proving that maybe he’s not as dangerous as he initially seems. She’s a romantic interest of Banner’s, and one of the few people that’s able to calm the Hulk whenever he loses control. Betty fights alongside Banner for his freedom, understanding that he’s a completely different person from the creature that he can often become. Her attempts to defend Banner cause many problems with both the government and her own family. She’s portrayed by Liv Tyler, who is most famous for her role as Arwen in the Lord of the Rings franchise.
William Hurt as General Thaddeus Ross
Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross is hugely important in Marvel comics, and he’s also appeared several times throughout the MCU. The Incredible Hulk served as the character’s introduction to this franchise, setting him on a collision course with Bruce and his own daughter, Betty. Not only does he feel obligated to capture Banner for his crimes, but he also wants to research and potentially exploit the failed serum that caused his powers. He might not be the MCU’s most threatening villain, but the late William Hurt’s performance as Thaddeus Ross was always entertaining to watch. The actor is also known for his roles in Body Heat and The Big Chill.
Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky
Tim Roth made a career out of playing chilly, menacing characters, and Emil Blonksy is just that. Roth is well-known for working with Quentin Tarantino on some of his best movies, such as Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, and he brings this same cold-blooded intensity to Blonsky. The hardened soldier is hired by the US government to track down and capture (or, failing that, execute) Banner for his crimes, but after coming into with a sample of Banner’s blood, Blonsky turns into Abomination, the exact sort of creature he’s been trying to eliminate.
The Incredible Hulk’s ing Cast & Characters
Lou Ferrigno as The Hulk - Lou Ferrigno is best known for playing the Hulk in the original TV series of the same name, and while the MCU’s Hulk is created with CGI, Ferrigno was still given the opportunity to provide the voice of the character. This gives the creature a somewhat human quality that allows audiences to connect with him.
Ty Burrell as Doctor Leonard Samson - The MCU failed Hulk in several ways, but it’s always been effective at exploring the humanity and vulnerability behind Bruce Banner. His relationship with Betty Ross exemplified this, and Doctor Leonard Samson was a huge obstacle for the pair to overcome. He began dating Betty after Bruce was forced into hiding, and consequently assisted General Ross in hunting Banner down. Samson is portrayed by Ty Burrell, who’s most famous for his work in Modern Family.
Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns - Despite being a hugely important character in Marvel Comics, Samuel Sterns only appears briefly in The Incredible Hulk. He’s a skilled scientist who tries to help Banner cure his condition, but he’s ultimately defeated by Blonsky’s Abomination. Nelson’s other notable works include O Brother, Where Art Thou and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark - The Incredible Hulk features a great post-credit scene where Tony Stark approaches General Ross and informs him about the Avengers Initiative, teasing Banner’s future involvement in the group. It’s only a small moment, but it helps connect this movie to the rest of the MCU and generated hype future of the franchise. Downey’s other famous movies include Sherlock Holmes and Zodiac.
Martin Starr as Roger Harrington - Although Martin Starr’s role in The Incredible Hulk is only minor, university student Roger Harrington later became a fan-favorite following his appearances in the MCU’s Spider-Man movies. His character is a fun example of just how rich and detailed Marvel’s history is, allowing them to retroactively turn their minor characters into fun ing players. Starr’s other works include Freaks and Geeks and Silicon Valley.
Stan Lee (Cameo) - Stan Lee made several great cameos in the MCU right until his death in 2018. In The Incredible Hulk, he’s one of the first people to be contaminated with Banner’s blood after an accident in a bottling factory. The role doesn’t lead to anything, but it’s a funny moment that represents Lee’s influence over this franchise.
