The Incredible Hulk Returns
Encyclopedia
The Incredible Hulk Returns is a 1988 TV movie loosely based on the Marvel
comic books that serves as a continuation of the popular television series. In it, Dr. David Banner has nearly cured himself from being the Hulk. This was also Jack Colvin's last appearance as Jack McGee.
This television movie acted as a backdoor pilot for an unproduced television series featuring the Thor
comic book character. This is the first time another character or element from the Marvel Universe
appeared in the milieu of the TV series. Thor's appearance differs significantly from the Marvel Comics
original, resembling a more realistic version of the "Norse God of Thunder" but still closely following the comic in that he is sent to earth to learn humility. This is the first and only time that magical or supernatural elements have been used in the universe of the Incredible Hulk TV series
.
Thor was played by Eric Allan Kramer
and Dr. Donald Blake by Steve Levitt
. In this version Blake does not become Thor, who is a separate character. By holding Thor's hammer Mjolnir and shouting "Odin
!" Blake can summon the Viking Warrior to help him, the two interacting and openly discussing their situations: Blake wants Thor off his back, but the latter will not be admitted into Asgard
until he has proven himself worthy.
Unfortunately, things don't go according to plan. David is surprised by the arrival of Dr. Donald Blake, a former student of his. Blake explains that he now shares a mystical bond with a Viking God Thor. Blake calls upon Thor to appear in order to prove the validity of his story. The Viking God causes David to transform and a battle between Hulk and Thor leaves David's lab severely damaged.
With his experiment now set back, David and his transponder become the target of a crime organization within the ranks of the Joshua-Lambert Institute.
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
comic books that serves as a continuation of the popular television series. In it, Dr. David Banner has nearly cured himself from being the Hulk. This was also Jack Colvin's last appearance as Jack McGee.
This television movie acted as a backdoor pilot for an unproduced television series featuring the Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
comic book character. This is the first time another character or element from the Marvel Universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
appeared in the milieu of the TV series. Thor's appearance differs significantly from the Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
original, resembling a more realistic version of the "Norse God of Thunder" but still closely following the comic in that he is sent to earth to learn humility. This is the first and only time that magical or supernatural elements have been used in the universe of the Incredible Hulk TV series
The Incredible Hulk (1977 TV series)
The Incredible Hulk is an American television series based on the Marvel comic book character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The pilot episodes were a pair of TV movies on the CBS network beginning on November 4, 1977; the series soon followed, airing from March 10, 1978 to...
.
Thor was played by Eric Allan Kramer
Eric Allan Kramer
Eric Allan Kramer is an American actor, perhaps best known as Little John in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, as Thor in The Incredible Hulk Returns, as Whitey van de Bunt in Bob and as Dave Rogers in The Hughleys...
and Dr. Donald Blake by Steve Levitt
Steve Levitt (actor)
Steve Levitt is an American actor who has appeared in films and on television. He is best known for his role in the 1987 movie Hunk as Bradley Brinkman and a recurring role in the Showtime TV series The Paper Chase....
. In this version Blake does not become Thor, who is a separate character. By holding Thor's hammer Mjolnir and shouting "Odin
Odin
Odin is a major god in Norse mythology and the ruler of Asgard. Homologous with the Anglo-Saxon "Wōden" and the Old High German "Wotan", the name is descended from Proto-Germanic "*Wodanaz" or "*Wōđanaz"....
!" Blake can summon the Viking Warrior to help him, the two interacting and openly discussing their situations: Blake wants Thor off his back, but the latter will not be admitted into Asgard
Asgard
In Norse religion, Asgard is one of the Nine Worlds and is the country or capital city of the Norse Gods surrounded by an incomplete wall attributed to a Hrimthurs riding the stallion Svadilfari, according to Gylfaginning. Valhalla is located within Asgard...
until he has proven himself worthy.
Plot
Two years after he walked off into the sunset in the episode "A Minor Problem", we find that Dr. David Banner has been gainfully employed at the Joshua-Lambert Research Institute (as David Banyan) where he and a team of scientists are putting the final touches on a Gamma Transponder. It has been two years since his last transformation into the creature and Banner is now happily involved in a relationship with a young widow. Banner hopes to put all worries about the risk of transforming into the Hulk to rest by using the Gamma Transponder to reverse the effects of gamma radiation on himself.Unfortunately, things don't go according to plan. David is surprised by the arrival of Dr. Donald Blake, a former student of his. Blake explains that he now shares a mystical bond with a Viking God Thor. Blake calls upon Thor to appear in order to prove the validity of his story. The Viking God causes David to transform and a battle between Hulk and Thor leaves David's lab severely damaged.
With his experiment now set back, David and his transponder become the target of a crime organization within the ranks of the Joshua-Lambert Institute.
Cast
- Bill BixbyBill BixbyWilfred Bailey Everett “Bill” Bixby III was an American film and television actor, director, and frequent game show panelist.His career spanned over three decades; he appeared on stage, in motion pictures and TV series...
as Dr. David Banner - Lou FerrignoLou FerrignoLouis Jude "Lou" Ferrigno is an American actor, fitness trainer/consultant, and retired professional bodybuilder. As a bodybuilder, Ferrigno won an IFBB Mr. America title and two consecutive IFBB Mr. Universe titles, and appeared in the bodybuilding documentary Pumping Iron...
as The HulkHulk (comics)The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 .... - Steve LevittSteve Levitt (actor)Steve Levitt is an American actor who has appeared in films and on television. He is best known for his role in the 1987 movie Hunk as Bradley Brinkman and a recurring role in the Showtime TV series The Paper Chase....
as Dr. Donald Blake - Eric KramerEric Allan KramerEric Allan Kramer is an American actor, perhaps best known as Little John in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, as Thor in The Incredible Hulk Returns, as Whitey van de Bunt in Bob and as Dave Rogers in The Hughleys...
as ThorThor (Marvel Comics)Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby.... - Jack ColvinJack ColvinJack Colvin was an American character actor of theater, film and TV, known for the role of the tabloid reporter Jack McGee on the TV series The Incredible Hulk from 1977 through 1982 , and as Dr...
as Jack McGee - Charles NapierCharles NapierCharles Napier may refer to:*Charles Elers Napier , British naval officer*Sir Charles James Napier , British general*Sir Charles Napier , Scottish admiral of the Royal Navy...
as Mike Fouche - Lee PurcellLee PurcellLee Purcell is an American actress and writer-producer who has starred in films including Mr. Majestyk, Big Wednesday, Stir Crazy, and Valley Girl. She has also appeared in numerous television and stage productions.-Early life:Purcell was born at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North...
as Maggie Shaw
See also
- The Incredible Hulk (TV series)
- The Trial of the Incredible HulkThe Trial of the Incredible HulkThe Trial of the Incredible Hulk is a 1989 TV movie sequel to the 1970s Incredible Hulk television series, featuring both the Hulk and fellow Marvel Comics character Daredevil, who team up to defeat Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin...
- The Death of the Incredible HulkThe Death of the Incredible HulkThe Death of the Incredible Hulk is a 1990 made-for-television film, the last of three revival TV movies from the 1977–1982 television show The Incredible Hulk. Bill Bixby reprises his role as Dr. David Bruce Banner and Lou Ferrigno returns to play the Hulk...
- The Incredible HulkThe Incredible Hulk (film)The Incredible Hulk is a 2008 superhero action film based on the Marvel Comics character the Hulk. It is directed by Louis Leterrier and stars Edward Norton as Dr. Bruce Banner. It is the second film to be released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
, 2008 film - ThorThor (film)Thor is a 2011 American superhero film based on the comic book character of the same name published by Marvel Comics. It is the fourth film released as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
, 2011 film
External links
- Hulk Smash Television!
- Incredible Hulk News HulkRage.com Fansite, Toys, Statues, Comics, DVD's