Okay, let's talk about the big, green elephant in the room. Or, more accurately, the big, green guy missing from Disney Plus.
Where’s Hulk? You know, the one who smashes? The one who gets angry? Seriously, where is he?
The Hulk-Sized Hole in Our Disney+ Hearts
Disney Plus has almost everything Marvel. From Iron Man to Thor, and even that weird Howard the Duck movie (seriously, who asked for that?). But no solo Incredible Hulk film staring Edward Norton?
It's a glaring omission. It's like having a burger without the patty. It's like having a pizza without cheese! And I think I know why.
My (Slightly Unhinged) Theory
Hear me out. Maybe Disney is embarrassed by it. Okay, maybe "embarrassed" is a strong word. Perhaps "mildly regrets" is better?
Let's be honest, The Incredible Hulk (2008) is the forgotten child of the MCU. It feels...different. It's the weird uncle you only see at Thanksgiving.
And I secretly love it for that! It's gritty. It's angsty. It has a villain who's genuinely terrifying (Abomination was awesome!).
But it doesn't quite fit the Disney mold, does it? It lacks the snappy one-liners. The shiny, happy visuals. The guaranteed happy ending. It's just... Hulk.
Think about it: Disney Plus is all about curated content. They want a consistent brand. They're crafting a narrative.
And a movie about a guy with serious anger management issues running from the government might not be the best fit for their "family-friendly" image.
The "Ownership" Issue (Yawn!)
Okay, I know, I know. There's the whole "Universal still owns the distribution rights" thing. But come on! Is that *really* the only reason?
Universal has allowed Hulk to be in other MCU movies, and even on Disney+ in team-up movies. It's not a total blockade.
Maybe Disney just doesn't want to pay Universal a hefty sum for a movie they're not particularly proud of. It's all about the money, honey.
The Unpopular Opinion (Brace Yourselves!)
Here's where I might lose some of you. Are you ready? Deep breath...
I think The Incredible Hulk is better than people give it credit for. There! I said it!
Edward Norton's portrayal of Bruce Banner was phenomenal. He captured the tormented scientist perfectly. He had such a troubled look!
And the action sequences were brutal! Remember the fight in the bottling plant? The showdown in Harlem? Pure Hulk rage!
It's not a perfect movie, by any means. But it's a solid superhero flick with a unique tone. One that deserves a little more love, and a spot on Disney Plus.
So, What's the Solution?
Disney, hear my plea! Cut a deal with Universal. Remaster The Incredible Hulk in glorious 4K. Slap it on Disney Plus. Please!
Or, at the very least, give us a What If...? episode where Edward Norton stayed as Hulk! That would be amazing.
Until then, I'll just keep re-watching it on Blu-ray, and dreaming of the day when Hulk finally gets the recognition he deserves.
And maybe, just maybe, Disney will realize that even the angriest Avenger deserves a home on their streaming service. Just saying!
