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If you were like me, and hated Ang Lee's take on The Incredible Hulk with the burning hatred of a thousand radioactive test-sites, you'd be thrilled to attend the New York Comic Con's Hulk event because it promised something completely different. If you were like me, your brain would have exploded at the results. Along with screening never-before-seen footage and a new trailer, director Louis Leterrier, Ur-villain Tim Roth, and a sometimes surprising panel were game to answer fans' most pressing questions. Want to know how The Hulk's love interest first sees him transform, why the Abomination's the villain, if we'll hear "Hulk smash!," or how director Louis Leterrier felt about working with absent star Ed Norton?
When director Louis Leterrier is introduced, he starts off by saying he's just come in from working on the movie's score, and that composer Craig Armstrong's work is "Star Wars good." This is perhaps not the best way to begin: a low hiss and some boos from the audience. It's probably smarter to tread softly with the Star Wars with this room.
Leterrier makes amends: he's going to show us a lot. There's going to be rough stuff, mixed in with good-looking stuff.
So what's essentially different, this time around? What does this particular take on The Incredible Hulk have? Answer: a kickass villain.
Clip: Zoom-in on the bearded face of Tim Roth. [Cheers!] William Hurt's Gen. Thunderbolt Ross talks to him about a supersoldier program from the fifties, and then we see Ross surreptitiously taking some formula out of deep-freeze. Next, a veritable needle-torture porn: Many. Scary. Long. Needles. Roth's character, Emil Blonsky, has seemingly volunteered to try out the formula. He's told that two go into his neck — and that the one in his back will really hurt. Blonsky is strapped to a a gurney that flips over, and we get to see both his face AND an even bigger needle going in to his back. But you can't cringe, because a sudden zoom-in on Blonsky has him opening his eyes in a jolt of realization, and you just know something crazy's about to happen —
The screen goes black, the lights come on, and Tim Roth takes the stage to enthusiastic applause. He says that the movie is in pursuit of what the Hulk is, and that in the clip Blonsky has had "his first injection, many to go" and that the film is "dark, twisted and fun."
The panel, comprised of Leterrier, Roth, and producers Gale Anne Hurd and Kevin Feige, were surprisingly forthcoming with information. Why choose Blonksy's alter ego, The Abomination, as the movie's villain? "We needed a big-ass fight. The Abomination is as big as they come." Such a formidable opponent turns the Hulk into the underdog, with many square-offs and many fights. There will be both Hulk vs. the army, and Hulk vs. the Enemy. There were no radioactive dogs in sight.
Leterrier says that he's worked hard to incorporate tons of images and panels from the Hulk comic books into the film. And he's about to show us a fight, though it's unmixed and with slightly rough visual effects.
The room goes dark again. Cheers! We see Ed Norton as Bruce Banner being chased by a ton of army guys in a gothic building setting. He ends up on this sort of enclosed glass bridge, with the army in full-on operation subdue mode. Liv Tyler's character, Betty Ross, is attempting to get to him and is clearly freaked out by the proceedings. When she tries to run towards the action, she's grabbed by some soldiers, and there's a great moment where Betty impatiently elbows and knocks down her restrainer. The army attacks with a ton of firepower and traps Banner on the bridge. They fire a canister of gas in after him and as it's going off, there's a ton of tension between him and the hungrily watching Gen. Ross and Blonsky, and between Banner and Betty Ross, who's panicky and obviously hadn't known what her guy is like when he's angry.
Needless to say, Banner transforms into The Hulk, and it is awesome, though some of the effects were unfinished. There's an insane chase with The Hulk busting loose with the army in full pursuit and firing endless rounds into him. The Hulk handily overturns a tank, to my internal cheer. When Roth's Blonsky decides to join the action, The Hulk uses two ripped sides of a car as a wicked bullet-shield. "Is that all you've got?" Blonsky taunts. The Hulk rears back, delivers a straight kick to Blonsky's chest, and he goes flying — into the dark. 
The lights are back on again. Goddammit. Of the ridiculously cool action sequence we'd just seen, producer Hurd declares, "We promised Hulk smash, you'll get Hulk smash!"
Question and answer time! The fans line up. Of course, the first question off the bat is for Leterrier and is about what it was like to work with Ed Norton. Here, for the first time, there's a stumble: Leterrier is very amiable and has been smooth and forthright until now, but my notes read "awkward awkward says he's amazing awkward says he's very skilled tries to change subject awkward." Leterrier manages, at least, to laud Norton's talent and contributions while maintaining a good distance. He wraps up with "it was great, um, yeah, it was great."
Roth is asked if he had any motivation when playing Blonksy. He doesn't quite answer, but says of his character: "He's having fun. He's a combat man, not a desk man." But he's aging and needs to be physically enhanced.
The panel is asked about rumors that we could be seeing Nick Fury or Tony Stark in The Incredible Hulk. The question is neatly skirted by saying that some rumors are true, some are not, and we'll find out soon enough.
Another question about the off-screen drama that has plagued the film. What about those editing disputes we heard about? The producer fields that one, saying vaguely that Norton showed up to the editing sessions, and is 100% behind the film. 
Does Hulk talk? What would you like him to say, they reply, then immediately joke, "Oh, Hulk smash? We should put that in."
Leterrier lets slip that the end of the movie features a fight in New York City — with attendant helicopters! He also mentions that he's read "many comments" on the internet about the film and says that he tries to take the fans' concerns into consideration.
The next questioner states that though we know the movie tries to be faithful to the comics, is it faithful at all to the live-action TV Hulk? Leterrier starts talking about how his first exposure to the superhero was via the TV show, once it was imported to France — that he grew up watching Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. Then — whaa? Was the question a plant? Because Lou Ferrigno is called on from the wings! The crowd goes wild. Ferrigno is still a naturally hulking, massive figure, especially sitting next to Tim Roth. He's supposed to have "a real funny part" in the movie, taking the normal cameo to another level. When he demonstrates his take on the Hulk voice (Ferrigno has a slight speech impediment and the voice for any Hulk dialogue on TV was dubbed), Leterrier offers that he has to do the movie's voice now, and is he free next week? Does this mean we'll have that most essential bit of Hulkish dialogue?
Trailer world exclusive! We are all completely freaking out at this point after the build-up. We hear that Banner is a fugitive for stealing state secrets, and see him as a lonesome loner in lots of gorgeous foreign scenic shots. He looks sort of like a bearded hippie on the lam. The army is after him. There is a crazily sweet-looking rooftop chase. The Abomination looks freaky as all hell. There is a kiss with Betty Ross in the rain. The tagline flashes: "Our only hope is...Something incredible." There's a flash of a sexy sex scene! Bruce Banner in boxer briefs in bed with probably Betty Ross! There are fights and explosions and gun battles and the Hulk brings down a helicopter!
The trailer kicks a ridiculous amount of ass, but we've been told to stick around for a minute afterwards for some important clarification. We all do, of course, and then..
William Hurt as Gen. Ross is in a bar and he is talking to HOLY CRAP IT'S IRON MAN! Pandemonium. The crowd around me shrieks. I do, too. Actor Robert Downey Jr.'s deadpan stare works well for Tony Stark. He says to Ross, droll, "I hear you have an unusual problem?" General Ross: "You should talk." I think I actually made the sound "squee."
Behind-the-scenes infighting notwithstanding, it seems like The Incredible Hulk film will, at the very least, provide for some spectacular action sequences, and with such a talented cast attached, there's bound to be tongue-in-cheek humor and references for the faithful.
Going in with lowered expectations, I left dying to see the movie. If everyone involved is happy with the results, and if they believe in the film as much as they claim to, then Hulk's PR people need to get a new buzz going. It looks like The Incredible Hulk deserves the same amount of attention as Iron Man, not just a visit from him.
Comments
Downey as Stark in the Hulk film? It's about time there was some crossover in these things.
Any idea when this trailer will be released to the general public?
Still love Edward Norton, even though he's obviously a dick. When will my misplaced passion begin to know bounds?
@Bluecell: No clue, unfortunately... They like to get the double hype: once by showing the trailer at an event where people will blog about how great it was, and then again when they actually release it.
Watch the actor commentary on the Fight Club DVD. Norton interrupts Pitt several times to tell his version of some anecdote. He kind of comes across as a pompous know-it-all. Now that is all I see whenever I watch a movie with Norton in it.
"Smashes all expectations".
Of 12 year old fanboys, maybe. But they are going to have to memory wipe anyone who saw the first awful trailer and deliver something about 10x better than any Iron Man preview for that to be true.
I honestly don't recall Lou Ferrigno -ever- speaking in his role as the Hulk.
"Ferrigno has a slight speech impediment and the voice for any Hulk dialogue on TV was dubbed."
Lou is partially deaf - that's the reason for the 'slight speech impediment.'
TV Hulk never ever spoke. There was no dubbing over.
Later on however, Lou's voice was "dubbed" onto the '90s cartoon Hulk...so he's done the voice before.
@Annalee Newitz: my thought process reading this article: "you know, he probably could have shown up here at least if he isn't going to do interviews-oh hai pecs in a green shirt. what was i saying?"
@Plague: First Awful Trailer?! That trailer was awesome! (No I'm not twelve, I swear....) Better than the whole first movie, for pete's sake.
Man, I wanna see the new trailer. This summer is going to kick major donkey bits.
@dwiff: I just write down what the people on stage say -- and they said that someone else had dubbed for Hulk's voice on the series. Maybe they meant grunts and roars and stuff? I did not know about his hearing loss, though, so thanks for that info.
@Plague: Not 12, and that's fangirl, but I was much more excited about the clips screened than the trailer. Maybe it's all those excellent actors, maybe it's hard to approach our favorite superheroes rationally, but the mood seemed just right, the intensity high.
The trailer was awesome, but they never really show the real measure of a movie anyway. I think the goodies here are going to be in the fight sequences, if they finish the effects well, the acting, and a serious look at Hulk, but not the Hulk fraught with random daddy issues that Lee made. They promise a *lot* of fights. Plus, Liv Tyler could kick Gwyneth Paltrow's ass up and down the map in the heroine/love-interest role, anytime, anywhere, anyplace, and there's not much Iron Man can do about that.
i now actually want to see this. even if the whole movie sucks, that short scene of IRON MAN in it will kick ass.
i REALLY hope that iron man actually shows up in armor and contributes to the battle or something.
Look.
The first trailer was rushed, and not well made.
This was the big problem for this film, in the mind's eye of fans.
I'm crossing my fingers that this and Iron Man will make for a good summer.
Forget Batman films over 2 hours. Enough already.
@Kaila Hale-Stern: @Kaila Hale-Stern: Strange that they said that - Lou even lobbied the producers of the show for years to get them to allow the Hulk to talk.
And then he finally got to do Hulk's voice on the cartoon, many years later.
So someone up there was confused...
anyway thanks for the info, it's a nice gesture to include Lou on Marvels part.
The name alone in the credits will get the audience cheering.
sorry i loved ang lee's take. doesn't mean i won't like this one too.
I adored Ang Lee's version as well, and I'm excited for this movie. I love Hulk.
@WordMan:
Same! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ang Lee's HULK. Just watched it again a few weeks ago. Had to show the fiance what a dramatic comic book film can be. And I am also excited about this new one. I am just so tired of the bashing HULK gets, its to slow of a band wagon for all to jump on, come up with something original to say.
I had zero urge to see the movie before. I had a double-bonus with the last film: I was not a fan of the comics' character AND I felt robbed by Ang Lee's take. I just never found tales of an illiterate behemoth leaping across the globe compelling. But enough about U.S. foreign policy.
The presentation described here made me way psyched to see this film now. From writers to performances, this seems like a crew who knows what to do with the story.
I have tried watching the Ang-Lee Hulk several times and I always ended up losing intrest and and washing the dishes or mowing the yard instead. Someday when I am home with the flu or chemo I will give it another try.
@Carrespondent: @reddingofish: Honestly, the best part of the Ang Lee Hulk movie was when he was jumping. I'm completely serious.
Glad to see the Hulk movie will shape up as another summer hit. Ironman in there to? Can't wait....
@Kaila Hale-Stern:
Man, you want to disqualify yourself from anyone listening to your opinions already on this site by saying Liv Tyler can ACT, let alone be a decent love interest?
Whoo boy...
@Plague: Dude. I never said that she could act. I merely pointed out that she could kick Gwyneth Paltrow's ass, which I'd like to see anyone disqualify.
Since the standard of Paltrow is, for me, about the lowest I can go, I'm not exactly anointing Tyler as the next Olivier. But she could still snap Gwynnie like a twig. A pretentious, overpaid twig.
@Kaila Hale-Stern: Is saying someone could kick Paltrow's ass really some kind of revelation? I think Squidward could take her.
Paltrow = Sky Captain. Tyler = Armageddon animal crackers. Nuff said.
Lou Ferrigno is deaf, and that's why he speaks funny.
When you're deaf, you can't hear how you sound, and you sound like you have a 'speech impediment'.
How did he look?
@danwaterhouse: Being Arwen Eveningstar doesn't count? I didn't adore that casting choice, but you try riding around for ages holding on to a tiny actor in a freaky Elijah Wood mask.
@Kaila Hale-Stern:
Hmmm.
I guess I'll continue to ponder why the ability to kick another person's ass theoretically matters in a movie's potential quality.
Actually, no, I won't.
@Plague: I was merely pointing out that Hulk already has something better going for it (in my opinion, clearly), and that's the lack of Paltrow. It wasn't a perspective in the post on what to expect from the movie.
But let's agree to disagree. I'm underwhelmed, as you were by the first 'Hulk' trailer, by some of the 'Iron Man' stuff everyone's busy drooling over, but I'm still hoping both movies are awesome and will do well. Because I like comic books, but generally not what they do to them on the big screen.
@Kaila Hale-Stern: I'm 100% willing to bet that if Liv Tyler could do it, I could also do it, without any trouble at all.
@Kaila Hale-Stern: There's video of me doing exactly that on You Tube. Be careful, full-on NSFW. I like bareback.
@Plague: I sense an io9 poll in this, Plague! Nicely done.
Which Fictional Character in One Movie Could Kick Another Fictional Character From Another Movie's Ass?
I'll start: Jean-Claude Van Damme from Hard Target could definitely kick Jean-Claude Van Damme from Time Cop's ass. Ergo, Hard Target = Better Movie.
@danwaterhouse:
Jackie Chan in "Drunken Master" could kick Jackie Chan's ass in "Forbidden Kingdom".
And for once, that actually makes sense.
>>>"Here, for the first time, there's a stumble: Leterrier is very amiable and has been smooth and forthright until now, but my notes read "awkward awkward says he's amazing awkward says he's very skilled tries to change subject awkward." Leterrier manages, at least, to laud Norton's talent and contributions while maintaining a good distance. He wraps up with "it was great, um, yeah, it was great.">>>
Why perpetuate the rumors of the bad blood between Norton & Letterier, they have both posted that this is false. Take a look at this video interview taken at New York were Letterier himself shows he has nothing but respect for Norton and vice versa: [www.newsarama.com]
Norton himself posted the same on an open letter some days before the convention and they both sound very honest.
Peter Weller as Robocop could kick whoever-the-hell-the-actor-was-that-played-Robocop-in-Robocop-3's ass.
@Simon99: I can't speak to the depth of 'bad blood,' and don't want to perpetuate rumors -- but I had to report on what was asked, and a lot of fan focus at the panel was on the much-gossiped-about infighting.
I agree that Leterrier sounds like he respects Norton. I noted his praise of Norton's abilities. That didn't stop his answer from being incredibly awkward and roundabout to witness, while he seemed to be groping for just the right English words. And respecting someone doesn't preclude creative differences.
insightful. Thanks io9!
(even though edward burns is a dick)
"If you were like me, and hated Ang Lee's take on The Incredible Hulk with the burning hatred of a thousand radioactive test-sites..."
What about those of us who didn't hate Ang's film? [Yes, there are at least two of us. I know there are...]
@ideaman2020:
haha, if you read the other comments before posting you would see there are more then 2. ^_^
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