Lou Ferrigno, the original live-action Hulk, has shared his thoughts on the character’s evolution in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he’s not holding back. Like many fans, Ferrigno is calling for the return of a more “authentic, mean, green” Hulk, criticizing the character’s portrayal in recent MCU films.
Marvel and Mark Ruffalo, for whatever reason, castrated the Hulk in Avengers: Endgame which followed the Hulk hiding and running with his tail between his legs after Thanos wiped the floor clean with him in Infinity War!*
Lou Ferrigno’s Hulk Legacy
Before CGI brought the Hulk to life, there was Lou Ferrigno. Standing at 6’5”, Ferrigno embodied the Green Goliath in The Incredible Hulk TV series from 1977 to 1982. He later lent his voice to animated series and had cameos in the first two films, and even voiced the Hulk in The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
It’s safe to say that Ferrigno knows what he is talking about and he even walks the walk: Lou Ferrigno at 73 years old is still in super shape.
What Does Ferrigno Want for the Hulk?
When asked about his advice for the Hulk’s future in the MCU, Ferrigno emphasized a return to the character’s roots:
“I would say change the concept and make it more like the original Hulk, authentic, organic, mean, green [big smile].”
Lou Ferrigno not happy with Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk
This isn’t the first time that Lou Ferrigno has criticized the Jade Giant. Following Avengers: Endgame, Lou Ferrigno shared his dissatisfaction at Canada’s Hamilton Comic Con:
“What’s happening is that the first two Hulk movies, the CGI was improving, but the last one, Endgame, I was disappointed. Because the Hulk needs to be hideous, he needs to be a creature. You see in Endgame, Mark Ruffalo — I think it has a lot to do with him and Disney — I didn’t like the way it portrayed [Hulk]. It took away that beauty, that quality of the Hulk. That’s why a lot of people liked the series.”
Ferrigno added at the time that he thought that “too much” of Endgame was “extreme with the spaceships, the shooting, the outer space,” which took away from the movie:
“We need good stories. Good elements, good messages about life. Because when you see the series, even like The Twilight Zone, the original Twilight Zone, you learn something from every episode. The CGI, I mean, it’s all different. People like it that way because it’s bigger entertainment on the screen.”
*Note: The Russos denied that the Hulk was afraid and explained he was trying to get even and prove a point with Banner. We don’t believe them. There is also concept art for Endgame that shows Hulk vs Thanos round two which the Russos chose not to do.
What is next for the Hulk in the MCU?
Last we saw of the puny Mark Ruffalo Hulk was in She-Hulk with his just as goofy son, Skaar.
February sees Harrison Ford become mean and RED, as Ford will become Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World. It’s unknown if Ruffalo’s Hulk is set to appear. Maybe the Red Hulk will give Ruffalo’s wimpy Hulk a beat down, and then per Lou’s words, the “mean” and “green” Hulk smash will finally be let loose again!
Rumors have offered Kevin Feige might be going with a Hulk vs Wolverine movie, featuring Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Jackman. Another rumor says World War Hulk is happening. If any of these rumors are right — we need the mean and green Hulk, not Ruffalo’s goofy version! Hulk smash!!!
Do you agree with Lou Ferrigno? Should Marvel bring back a more classic Hulk, or do you like the direction the MCU has taken? Let us know in the comments! below!
