The Incredible Hulk Returns
The Incredible Hulk Returns | |
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Genre | |
Created by | Nicholas Corea |
Directed by |
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Starring | |
Theme music composer |
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Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
Production | |
Executive producers |
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Producer | Daniel McPhee |
Production locations | 30708 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, California Spelling Television Inc. - 5700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California Courtyard Pl, Los Angeles, California Tiffany Court - 616 S Masselin Ave, Los Angeles, California Palomino Nightclub - 6907 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California |
Cinematography | Chuck Colwell |
Editors |
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Running time | 100 minutes |
Production companies |
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Original release | |
Network | NBC |
Release | May 22, 1988 |
Related | |
The Incredible Hulk The Trial of the Incredible Hulk |
The Incredible Hulk Returns is a 1988 American television superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character the Hulk and serves as a continuation of the 1978–1982 television series The Incredible Hulk.
In The Incredible Hulk Returns, Dr. David Banner, a scientist who transforms into a green-skinned superhuman monster when enraged, believes that he has found a potential cure for his condition, but he is delayed by the inexplicable arrival of the arrogant Viking warrior Thor.[1] Bill Bixby returns as Banner and Lou Ferrigno reprises his role of the Hulk. Eric Kramer makes his first and only appearance as Thor and Steve Levitt stars as Donald Blake. This was also Jack Colvin's last appearance as Jack McGee.[2][3]
Plot
In the morning, Banner scolds Blake for setting back his experiment and demands that he make amends. Journalist Jack McGee hears of sightings of the Hulk and attempts to track him down. Thor bonds with Blake at a bar, briefly entertaining the possibility of Thor using his powers to fight crime. A Mercenary gang outside the Joshua-Lambert Institute seek to kidnap Banner and the Transponder, but the Hulk effortlessly dispatches them. The mob leader Jack LeBeau targets Dr. Shaw instead of Banner. Mob members disguised as police officers ambush Banner and Shaw and kidnap Shaw despite the combined efforts of the Hulk and Thor.
LeBeau blackmails Banner into handing over the Transponder in return for Shaw's life. Banner sabotages the Transponder so it cannot be used as a weapon, removing his chance of a cure. Hulk, Blake, and Thor ambush the gang's hideout and fight them to rescue Shaw. McGee is once again the subject of ridicule for his obsession with the Hulk and Thor. Blake and Banner both agree that Shaw has likely figured out that Banner and the Hulk are one and the same. Thor and Blake, now at peace with each other, say their goodbyes to Banner. Banner is forced to end his relationship with Shaw and once again leaves to find a cure.
Cast
- Bill Bixby as David Banner
- Lou Ferrigno as Hulk
- Jack Colvin as Jack McGee
- Donald Blake
- Eric Allan Kramer as Thor
- Tim Thomerson as Jack LeBeau
- Charles Napier as Mike Fouche
- Lee Purcell as Dr. Margaret Shaw
- John Gabriel as Joshua Lambert
- Jay Baker as Zachary Lambert
Production
Unlike the preceding series which was produced by
Bill Bixby recruited
This television film acted as a
The film was filmed between November 1987 and January 1988 in Los Angeles.
This film is the first time another character from the Marvel Universe or any genuinely supernatural or otherworldly elements appeared in the universe of the Incredible Hulk TV series.[5] Thor and the Hulk next appeared on-screen together in 2012's The Avengers, played by Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo respectively.
On May 21, 1988, just one day before the film aired, Ferrigno appeared as a contestant on the game show
Reception
The Incredible Hulk Returns was a major ratings success, outdoing even the high expectations directed to it as a reunion of the Incredible Hulk TV series.[4]
Home media
This television film was released by
References
- ^ Harmetz, Aljean (1988-10-11). "Superheroes' Battleground: Prime Time". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-08-12.
- ^ "F.O.O.M. (Flashbacks of Ol' Marvel) #16: "I'm Free Now – The Incredible Hulk (1988-1990)"". Comic Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
- ^ "Hulk Smash Television!". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
- ^ a b Glenn, Greenberg (February 2014). "The Televised Hulk". Back Issue! (70). TwoMorrows Publishing: 25.
- ^ O'Connor, John J. (1988-05-20). "TV Weekend; Incredible Hulk Meets Mighty Thor". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-08-10.