Lou Ferrigno Wants Marvel’s Hulk to Return to His Savage Roots

Lou Ferrigno, known for playing the Hulk in the 1978-82 The Incredible Hulk TV series, has voiced his desire for Marvel Studios to return the character to his more primal, rage-filled origins. The actor and bodybuilder, a fan favorite for his portrayal of the “mean, green” hero, believes the modern Hulk needs to better reflect his authentic, furious roots.

The Evolution of Hulk in the MCU

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Hulk has undergone significant transformations:

He was a destructive force fueled by uncontrollable rage in his earlier MCU appearances. From his breakout in The Avengers to his gladiatorial battles in Thor: Ragnarok, the “enormous, green rage monster” was a fan favorite for his ferocity and untamed power.

Following his defeat by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, Bruce Banner merged his intellect with Hulk’s strength, creating “Smart Hulk.” This version, introduced in Avengers: Endgame, brought a calmer, more rational personality but left many fans missing the chaotic energy of the Savage Hulk.

She-Hulk and Beyond

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law showcased Smart Hulk mentoring his cousin Jennifer Walters while also introducing his son, Skaar. However, this more lighthearted portrayal further distanced the character from his rage-filled origins.

Ferrigno feels the MCU’s Hulk lacks the raw authenticity of his original portrayal. He emphasized a desire to see Hulk as “authentic, organic, mean, [and] green,” suggesting that Marvel should pivot away from the overly polished Smart Hulk to a version more in line with the character’s roots.

Many MCU fans share Ferrigno’s sentiment, yearning for the return of a more primal and emotional Hulk. The subdued nature of Smart Hulk has left some viewers nostalgic for the days when Hulk’s fury was a defining trait.

Potential ways the MCU could reintroduce Savage Hulk:

A deeply emotional event, such as harm coming to his son Skaar, could reignite Hulk’s rage.

Encounters with foes like Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk or a clash with Dr. Doom could push Bruce to his breaking point.

Avengers: Doomsday

If Hulk plays a role in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film, the stakes could be high enough to force a reversion to his more destructive persona.

Although Mark Ruffalo’s return as Bruce Banner is not yet confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday or The Kang Dynasty, fans remain hopeful he’ll reprise the role. While it’s unclear if Marvel will embrace Ferrigno’s advice, the longing for a more savage Hulk suggests there’s still an appetite for the Green Goliath’s raw fury in the MCU.