Marvel’s cinematic and television history is packed with jaw-droppingHulkmoments, but even the most ardent fans might have missed some especially intriguing moments. Hulk is famed for smashing puny gods and taking on entire armies single-handedly inthe MCU timeline. However, some thrilling Hulk moments occurred in deleted scenes, obscure animated movies/series, and in retro made-for-tv movies. These overlooked gems highlight the Green Goliath’s strength, depth, and even humour.
The Hulk has had a long and varied history in film and television, from live-action series in the 1970s to modern-day CGI spectacles. In the 1978 TV seriesThe Incredible Hulk, Bill Bixby portrayed Dr. David Banner, with Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk. In cinema, Hulk has been played by Eric Bana, Edward Norton, and finally Mark Ruffalo in the MCU. Hulk has also appeared in a litany of animated movies, fronted numerous of his own animated series and alongside animated Avengers.
10Hulk Punches A Leviathan
Deleted Avengers: Endgame Scene
A deletedAvengers: Endgamescene depicted in concept art reveals a stunning moment where Hulk uses his immense strength in an unexpected way. Rather than simply smashing a Chitauri Leviathan, Hulk first punches Black Panther,transferring kinetic energy into his vibranium suit. Black Panther then redirects this energy to annihilate the massive Leviathan in a single blow.
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This scene would have beena direct callback to Hulk’s iconic Leviathan punchinThe Avengers(2012), demonstrating his brute strength once again. However, the added twist of Black Panther’s energy absorption ability added a new dimension to the teamwork aspect of the Avengers. While it was ultimately cut from the final film, this moment would have cemented Hulk’s raw power while highlighting the synergy between the Avengers’ unique abilities. The idea of combining science with brute force makes this a fascinating “what could have been” moment.
9Hulk Fights The Red Hulk
The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes Season 2, Episode 22 “The Deadliest Man Alive”
InThe Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest HeroesSeason 2, Episode 22, audiences were treated to thefirst animated depiction of the legendary Hulk vs. Red Hulkbattles outside the comics. General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, transformed into the Red Hulk, takes on Bruce Banner’s green alter ego in a fight that is both visually spectacular and emotionally charged. The battle is a thrilling clash between two Hulks with different temperaments.
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Unlike Bruce, Ross retains his logical and tactical side, making him even more dangerous. The animation captures the sheer weight of each punch as thetwo titans demolish their surroundings. Beyond the action, the fight serves as a powerful metaphor for the ongoing conflict between Ross and Banner – two men forever bound by their hatred and misunderstanding of one another. This episode remains one of the most exciting yet underappreciated Hulk moments in animation.
8Hulk Vs Wolverine
Hulk Vs.
The 2009 animated double featureHulk Vs.brings to life one of the most iconic battles in Marvel history – Hulk vs. Wolverine. The film adaptsThe Incredible Hulk#181, the comic that introduced Wolverine to the Marvel Universe. The battle is brutal, fast-paced, andsurprisingly gory for an animated feature. Wolverine’s adamantium claws and relentless fighting style are a perfect contrast to Hulk’s overwhelming strength and durability.
The fight sequences are dynamic, with both characters refusing to back down despite the damage they inflict on one another. The film also delves into Wolverine’s past, involving Weapon X and a sinister government conspiracy. This not only adds emotional weight to the battle but also provides depth to both characters. For those who love raw, no-holds-barred Marvel battles,Hulk Vs.delivers one of the best adaptations of their rivalry.
7Hulk And Bruce Reconcile
Deleted Avengers: Infinity War Scene
In a deleted scene fromAvengers: Infinity War, Bruce Banner, inside the Hulkbuster armour,desperately pleads with Hulk to emerge and help fight Thanos’ forces. Hulk, still traumatized from his earlier defeat at the hands of Thanos, initially refuses. However, Bruce manages to reach an understanding with his alter ego, leading to a crucial moment of self-acceptance.
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This deleted scene would have set up Smart Hulk’s introduction inEndgamemore naturally, showing the moment Bruce and Hulk finally work together. Another deletedInfinity Warscene even shows Smart Hulk greeting Black Widow, surprising her with his new form. These momentsadd a deeper emotional arc to Hulk’s journey, making his transformation into Smart Hulk feel more earned rather than abrupt. Instead, Hulk is sidelined once more by the MCU, and his reconciliation with Hulk happens off-screen.
6Daredevil Defends the Hulk
The Trial Of The Incredible Hulk
InThe Trial of the Incredible Hulk, a 1989 made-for-TV movie, David Banner (as he was known inThe Incredible Hulkseries) is wrongfully arrested and finds himself defended by none other than Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil. This crossover betweentwo of Marvel’s most tormented heroesis a rare and fascinating moment in live-action Marvel history. The movie follows Daredevil’s quest to take down the Kingpin, while also exploring Hulk’s struggle with being perceived as a monster.
The Trial of the Incredible Hulkincludes a surreal dream sequence where Bruce imagines himself transforming into the Hulk during a courtroom trial. This scene is particularly notable as it featuresStan Lee’s first-ever cameo in a Marvel movie. Though often forgotten, this movie is a fascinating precursor to modern Marvel crossovers and presents an early take on Daredevil before the Netflix series popularized the character.
5The Hulk Dies
The Death Of The Incredible Hulk
InThe Death of the Incredible Hulk(1990), Hulk meets his end in a tragic and unexpected manner. During the climax, Hulk is thrown from an exploding airplane, hurtling hundreds of feet before crashing into the concrete below.Unlike his usual near-invulnerability, the impact proves fatal. This moment is unique because Hulk is rarely depicted as truly vulnerable.
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Hulk typically regenerates and survives the most catastrophic damage, making his death all the more shocking. As Bruce Banner reverts to human form, he dies quietly, leaving behind a legacy of tragedy and misunderstood heroism. While the movie itself is somewhat obscure, this final moment carries emotional weight,marking the end of the character’s journey in the 1970s and 1980sTV universe. It remains one of the most poignant and rarely discussed moments in Hulk’s long history on screen.
4Bruce Contemplates Life In The Arctic
Alternate Opening The Incredible Hulk
An alternate opening forThe Incredible Hulk(2008) presents a darker glimpse into Bruce Banner’s psyche. In this scene, Bruce travels to the Arctic, seemingly intending to end his life with a revolver. As he looks at the gun,his turmoil triggers a transformation into the Hulk, preventing the suicide. This moment delves deep into Bruce’s despair and the internal battle he faces daily.
This scene wasa far more effective introduction to Bruce’s harrowing journey than the montageinThe Incredible Hulkultimately went with. Interestingly, the scene also includes an Easter egg: a brief glimpse of a frozen Captain America beneath the ice. While ultimately cut from the theatrical release, this sequence offers a profound look at Bruce’s suffering and the Hulk’s role as both protector and curse. It underscores the character’s enduring struggle with his own existence and the monster within.
3Hulk Fights A Grizzly Bear
The Incredible Hulk Series
In the second half of the two-hour pilot ofThe Incredible Hulktelevision series, later syndicated as “A Death in the Family, The Return of the Incredible Hulk” there’sa memorable and peculiar scenewhere the Hulk battles a grizzly bear. As David Banner attempts to help a woman in distress, he encounters the bear, leading to a confrontation that forces his transformation into the Hulk.
The ensuing tussle is both intense and unintentionally humorous, given the era’s special effects. Staggeringly, the sequenceuses a real bear for several shots, which include the Hulk being bitten, but switches to an unconvincing bear costume for the Hulk to throw the beast, resulting in a campy yet iconic moment. This scene stands as a testament to the show’s ambitious storytelling and the limitations of 1970s television production, making it a nostalgic highlight in Hulk’s history.
2Hulk Teams Up With Thor
The Incredible Hulk Returns
In the 1988 made-for-TV movieThe Incredible Hulk Returns, David Banner crosses paths with the Norse god Thor. This early crossover features a portrayal of Thor that’s markedly different from the MCU’s version. Here, Thor is depicted as a boisterous warrior eager for battle and revelry. The plot centers David Banner coming close to a potential cure for his condition andbeing interrupted by Donald Blake’s introduction of Thor.
The movie was intended as a backdoor pilot to a Thor television series, which ultimately failed. Nevertheless, the dynamic between the reserved Banner and the exuberant Thor provides both action and comedic moments. This filmoffers a glimpse into Marvel’s early attempts at character crossoversand adapting one of its more fantastical characters, complete with dodgy costumes. It’s a thrilling precursor to the pair’s later collaboration inThor: Ragnarok.
1Stupid Avenger Vs Tiny Avenger
Thor: Ragnarok
A deleted scene fromThor: Ragnarokprovides additional insight into the evolving relationship between Thor and the Hulk. In this extended sequence, the two engage in a heated argument,exchanging playful yet biting insults. Hulk refers to Thor as the"Tiny Avenger,“highlighting his own perception of superiority. This interaction exemplifies Hulk’s developing intelligence and capacity for humor, traits that are more pronounced here than in the final cut of the film.
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The banter between the quarreling heroes adds depth to their camaraderie and hints at Hulk’s growing self-awareness. This moment enriches the narrative by highlighting the personal growth of both characters and their shifting dynamics within the team. This lesser-known momentsoffer a deeper understanding of the Hulk’s character, demonstrating his complexity beyond the well-known smash-and-bash persona depicted in decades of Marvel’sHulkmedia.
Avengers: Endgame
Cast
Avengers: Endgame, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, concludes the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga. It follows the remaining Avengers as they attempt to reverse the destruction caused by Thanos, navigating complex dynamics and forging alliances to restore balance to the universe.
The Incredible Hulk
The Incredible Hulk (1977): In this film, scientist David Banner suffers a gamma radiation overdose, triggering a transformation into a giant, muscular green creature whenever he becomes angry. This condition compels him to undertake a journey to understand and control his monstrous alter ego.
The Trial of the Incredible Hulk
The Trial of the Incredible Hulk is a 1989 television film directed by and starring Bill Bixby as David Banner, with Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk. The film chronicles Banner’s transformation into the Hulk and his subsequent involvement in preventing a violent crime. In a legal battle to clear his name, he encounters Matt Murdock, a blind attorney who also fights crime as Daredevil, leading to a unique alliance between the two heroes.
The Incredible Hulk Returns, a 1988 television film, reunites Dr. David Banner with a former student who possesses a magical hammer summoning Thor, the Norse god. As they initially clash, the duo ultimately joins forces, combining their formidable powers against common adversaries.
The Death of the Incredible Hulk
The Death of the Incredible Hulk sees David Bruce Banner, played by Bill Bixby, in his final transformation as the Hulk. Fleeing from authorities and seeking a cure, Banner collaborates with a scientist, unaware of the dangers ahead. Directed by Bill Bixby, this television film concludes Banner’s poignant journey while showcasing his enduring struggle between man and monster.
Hulk vs. Wolverine
Hulk vs. Wolverine, released in 2009, features Wolverine tasked by Department H to hunt the enigmatic Hulk, who is causing havoc in the Canadian wilderness. As Wolverine investigates, he uncovers hints of toxic scents and gunpowder, setting the stage for a confrontation between the iconic Marvel characters.
Thor: Ragnarok, released on June 29, 2025, is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It features Chris Hemsworth as Thor, who is imprisoned on the other side of the universe, racing against time to return to Asgard to prevent Ragnarok and confront the formidable Hela.
