Two directors who worked at Marvel Studios started a project in the 90s about the Hulk with an amazing actor, but it never came to fruition.
The cinema of the 90s gave us unforgettable gems, but among the shadows of the possible, the story of a huge project has re-emerged – the Hulk movie. Think an explosive combination of animatronics and CGI in the style of ‘Jumanji’ and ‘Jurassic Park’, with Johnny Depp first in the role of Bruce Banner. This project, which promised to revolutionize the superhero genre, never saw the light of day. Today we will unravel the mystery of this lost film.
Hulk: More than just muscle and fury
In the year It was 1997, and the film industry was buzzing with new ideas. Among them was Emerald, who brought the giant to the big screen in 2010. Cinema Limbo.
The millions invested in pre-production and the promises of a faithful adaptation of the comic have made this project a constant topic of conversation. But after many comings and goings, the film was forgotten. But what really happened?
Hensley’s script changed the Hulk profoundly. Not only did he act as Bruce Banner’s speech alter ego, but he also featured amazing action sequences and visuals. In this script, the Hulk was not just an angry monster, but a character with depth and conversational potential, something unusual for the character’s representative at the time.
A script that defies expectations.
The film was about to open with a shocking scene: a death row inmate is saved at the last moment for a genetic modification experiment. Banner and his team attempt to create creatures capable of surviving on Mars, which subverts the character’s traditional origins in the comics.
The project, backed by an unscrupulous investor interested in the riches of Mars, and overseen by a mysterious government agent, promises a plot full of intrigue and action. However, after the gamma ray disaster, Banner and experienced criminals change, causing a series of unexpected events.
The script suggests the Hulk transforms into an insect monster, confronting criminals while trying to save his co-worker’s son. These action sequences are interspersed with moments of humor and tension, providing a unique mix for the moment.
Why did it fail?
Despite the creativity and potential of the project, the 90’s Hulk fell by the wayside. Constant changes in the cast, along with questions about the feasibility of effectively mixing animatronics and CGI, led to the cancellation of the project. It may have been a bombshell in superhero cinema, but it remains a dream come true. But, his legacy lives on, reminding us of the spontaneity of the world of cinema and the hidden gems that sometimes fall by the wayside.
Will this ’90s Hulk be a lost classic or a failed attempt with its daring looks and star-studded cast? The answer still sparks curiosity and speculation among fans in the field of what could be a cinematic dream.
More hero than monster: Hulk’s battle with the beast
Think about it: Bruce Banner, the friendly scientist, turns into a talking Hulk while driving a Lexus. An image is as memorable as it is memorable. This Hulk, the dumb beast of the Bronze Age comics or the 70s TV series, speaks in short sentences and doesn’t seem to suit Bruce’s purpose.
Interestingly, the color is somewhere between gray and green, the origin of the comic book and the nickname “Ol Jade Jaw”. Bruce’s transformation into the Hulk during the Lexus chase became a mockery of the early days of the Internet. what’s funny Hulk continues to drive, barely fitting in his small vehicle, until he collides with a moving train.
Despite errors in the copy of the script, Bruce refuses to take the mutation drug, choosing instead to use it on his nemesis, Deacon. Hensleigh’s Hulk is undoubtedly a hero. In the final fight, Hulk grows to twelve feet tall, fighting Deacon, a beetle-like monster, in the space where the rocket was fired. Hulk’s final transformation into Bruce, saving him from being trapped under rubble, is a highlight. The film ends with a series of post-credits scenes that include a humorous interview about aliens.
The problem with the characters, plot and team
Despite the liberties taken with the Hulk’s origins, Hensley’s film raises questions. If there aren’t classic characters like Betty Ross or Thunderbolt Ross, why do it? Also, the logic of creating superhumans to colonize Mars is questionable. Most concerning is the lack of character development, including Bruce, whose heroic motivations seem unexplored. The film loses the essence of the inner conflict that defines its character.
Hensleigh’s version was eventually scrapped, making way for Ang Lee to take over the helm of the project in 2003. Lee’s film received mixed reviews despite its central themes. Meanwhile, Johnston and Hensley continued their journey in the Marvel Universe with other projects. The question remains: Would Hensley’s vision have been better? We may never know, but the idea of an animatronic Hulk fighting insect monsters was certainly a sight to behold.