In the thrilling superhero film "The Incredible Hulk," we follow the journey of scientist Bruce Banner, portrayed by Edward Norton. A brilliant mind tormented by his own creations, Banner is in search of a cure for the uncontrollable rage that transforms him into the Hulk—a powerful, green-skinned giant capable of devastating destruction. As he roams the globe, evading the military and their attempts to harness his incredible strength, he grapples with his dual identity and the fear of his own power, determined to regain control over his life and his inner monster.
Banner's plight becomes dire when the military, led by General Thaddeus Ross, played convincingly by William Hurt, forces him to confront his past in order to exploit his abilities. This relentless pursuit not only threatens Banner's safety but also the lives of those he loves, especially Betty Ross, portrayed by Liv Tyler. Betty is not only Bruce's love interest but also a key figure in his quest for redemption, providing emotional support while struggling with the consequences of her father's ambitions. Their complex relationship adds an emotional depth to the narrative, highlighting the personal stakes involved in Banner's battle against the Hulk.
As Banner reluctantly returns to civilization, he must face a new and formidable adversary: the Abomination, a monstrous being that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. With the military and this new foe closing in, Bruce must summon all his wits and courage to confront the darker side of his existence. In this action-packed tale of transformation and acceptance, "The Incredible Hulk" explores themes of identity, the fine line between man and monster, and the lengths one will go to protect the ones they love.
Main Cast of The Incredible Hulk
Edward Norton
Bruce Banner
Edward Norton's portrayal of Bruce Banner in "The Incredible Hulk" (2008) is a nuanced and compelling exploration of the character's internal struggle between his human side and the monstrous alter ego he becomes when enraged. Norton brings a depth of emotion and intellectual intensity to the role, effectively conveying the burden of living with such a powerful and unpredictable curse. His performance is marked by a palpable sense of vulnerability and a desperate quest for control, as he uses his scientific expertise to seek a cure while constantly on the run from those who wish to exploit his condition. Norton's Banner is both sympathetic and strong-willed, showcasing the actor's ability to balance the character's gentle nature with the underlying ferocity that hints at the Hulk's presence. His interactions with other characters, particularly his romantic interest Betty Ross (Liv Tyler), reveal a tender and compassionate side, contrasting sharply with the raw, destructive power of his alter ego. Norton's embodiment of Banner is a highlight of the film, providing a human and relatable core to the superhero spectacle.
Liv Tyler
Betty Ross
Liv Tyler brought a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance to the role of Dr. Elizabeth "Betty" Ross in the 2008 film "The Incredible Hulk." As the daughter of General "Thunderbolt" Ross and a former colleague and love interest of Bruce Banner, Tyler's Betty is portrayed with a depth of compassion and intelligence. She embodies the character with a warmth that humanizes the scientific and ethical dilemmas at the core of the story, while also showcasing a strength and resilience that stands up to the military-industrial complex represented by her father. Tyler's on-screen chemistry with Edward Norton's Bruce Banner is palpable, providing the film with a heartfelt emotional anchor. Her performance is a key factor in grounding the film's exploration of the duality of the protagonist's existence, as she grapples with her own professional aspirations and the complexities of her relationships, all while being drawn back into the chaos surrounding the Hulk's emergence. Liv Tyler's portrayal of Betty Ross is a testament to her ability to balance vulnerability with fortitude, making her a standout character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's portrayal of the Hulk's mythos.
Tim Roth
Emil Blonsky
Tim Roth's portrayal of Emil Blonsky in "The Incredible Hulk" is a standout performance that adds a complex layer to the film's narrative. As Blonsky, Roth brings a nuanced intensity to the role of a seasoned special forces operative who becomes increasingly obsessed with defeating the Hulk. His transformation from a disciplined soldier to a monstrous adversary, driven by a lethal combination of super-soldier serum and gamma radiation, showcases Roth's ability to convey a broad emotional range, from calculated determination to unhinged aggression. His interactions with Edward Norton's Bruce Banner are laden with a palpable animosity that evolves into a personal vendetta, providing a compelling human antagonist to the Hulk's raw power. Roth's physicality and gravitas lend authenticity to the action sequences and the moral ambiguity of Blonsky's character arc, making him a memorable and formidable foe in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
William Hurt
General 'Thunderbolt' Ross
William Hurt delivered a commanding performance as General Thaddeus E. "Thunderbolt" Ross in the 2008 film "The Incredible Hulk," directed by Louis Leterrier. Hurt brought a gravitas and intensity to the role, portraying Ross as a complex and driven military man obsessed with capturing Bruce Banner, played by Edward Norton, to harness the potential of the super-soldier serum that inadvertently created the Hulk. His performance was a blend of determination and underlying vulnerability, as he grappled with the moral implications of his actions and the cost of his single-minded pursuit. Hurt's Ross was not merely a villain, but a multifaceted character whose patriotism and concern for national security clashed with his personal vendetta and the collateral damage it caused. His interactions with Banner and Betty Ross, portrayed by Liv Tyler, added depth to the narrative, showcasing Hurt's ability to convey a wide range of emotions from fierce resolve to paternal affection. Hurt's portrayal of Ross was a highlight of the film, providing a strong antagonistic force that challenged the protagonist while also resonating with the audience on a human level.
Tim Blake Nelson
Samuel Sterns
Tim Blake Nelson's portrayal of Samuel Sterns in "The Incredible Hulk" is a nuanced performance that brings depth to a character who would later become the villainous Leader. Nelson captures the essence of Sterns' intellectual curiosity and compassion, as he sympathizes with Bruce Banner's plight and seeks to cure him of his hulk transformations. His performance exudes a warm charm, making his character both approachable and engagingly eccentric. Sterns' transformation sequence, where a drop of Banner's gamma-irradiated blood drips into a cut on his forehead, showcases Nelson's ability to convey a profound shift, as his eyes widen with the realization of newfound power. His interaction with the Hulk, both before and after this incident, is a highlight, as he oscillates between fear and fascination, setting the stage for his potential future as a super-intelligent adversary. Nelson's layered acting choices allow Sterns to be both a catalyst for the Hulk's development and a harbinger of the franchise's future conflicts.
Ty Burrell
Leonard
Ty Burrell's portrayal of Dr. Leonard Samson in the 2008 film "The Incredible Hulk" offered a compelling and nuanced performance that complemented the film's exploration of the duality of its protagonist, Bruce Banner. Burrell brought a restrained intensity to the role of the psychiatrist who is both a potential ally and a rival to Banner, as Samson shares a romantic interest in Banner's love interest, Betty Ross. While the film does not delve deeply into the character's comic book origins as a superhero in his own right, Burrell's performance effectively captures Samson's internal struggle between his professional commitment to curing Banner's condition and his own unspoken desires. His interactions with Edward Norton's Banner are laden with a mix of empathy and envy, hinting at the complexities of Samson's character. Burrell's ability to convey a sense of calm and reason juxtaposed with an underlying intensity foreshadows the character's potential for both heroism and conflict, making his performance a memorable aspect of the Hulk's cinematic world.
Paul Soles
Stanley
Débora Nascimento
Martina
Secondary Cast of The Incredible Hulk
Shaun McComb
Helicopter Soldier
Julio Cesar Torres Dantas
Tough Guy
John Carvalho
Plant Manager
Javier Lambert
Guatemalan Trucker
Carlos A. Gonzalez
BOPE Officer
Carla Nascimento
Large Woman
Krista Vendy
Female Bartender
Mila Stromboni
Hopscotch Girl
John Atkin
Helicopter Co-Pilot (uncredited)
Scoot DeVille
Bus Driver (uncredited)
Fabio Dorea
Brazilian Liaison Officer (uncredited)
Kieran Gallant
Test Subject (uncredited)
Richard D. Leko
Student / Car Driver (uncredited)
Kevin Lise
Super Soldier Med-Technician (uncredited)
DI MacDonald
News Crew (uncredited)
David L. Marston
FBI Agent(uncredited)
François Mequer
NYPD Cop(uncredited)
Scott Murphy
Soldier(uncredited)
Avi Phillips
Student in Lab(uncredited)
Jeffrey W. Pike
College Student (uncredited)
Johnny Prince
Tank Operator (uncredited)
T.J. Smith
Frightened Harlem Pedestrian (uncredited)
Nick Stankevich
Bartender (uncredited)
J.A. Worthington
Student (uncredited)
Russell Yuen
FBI Agent (uncredited)
Crew of The Incredible Hulk
Full backstage crew list →