The Netflix Superhero Flop That’s Surprisingly Not So Bad

Even before diving into the “next level” elements Ang Lee introduced in Hulk, it’s worth noting some other great aspects of the film.

Whoever had the idea of casting Sam Elliot as Thunderbolt Ross deserves significant recognition. His portrayal of Ross as both a loving but overly protective father and a ruthless general obsessed with taking down the Hulk was unparalleled. While William Hurt captured the obsession of the general well in other adaptations, he fell short in portraying the complexity of a loving father.

Ang Lee’s depiction of Hulk smashing scenes in this film is nothing short of spectacular. The action sequence set in the desert stands out as particularly amazing. It showcases the Hulk’s powers in a manner that’s more faithful to the comic books than what was seen in Incredible Hulk.

As a lifelong fan of the character, there’s a moment in Ang Lee’s Hulk that still brings tears to my eyes. No screen adaptation has truly done justice to the Hulk’s origin story from the source material, especially regarding the abuse Bruce Banner suffers at the hands of his father.

However, in Hulk, a deeply moving scene shows Bruce’s dying mother reaching out with the distant gamma explosion and resulting green cloud in the background. It serves as a heartbreaking tribute to the character’s origin and stands as one of the most powerful moments any director could create.