Hulk’s rogues' gallery is one of the most fearsome in Marvel Comics, andThe Incredible Hulk: The Animated Series(1996-1998) portrayed some of them so perfectly that theMCUwould be wise to adapt them. While some villains, like the Abomination, have already appeared inthe MCU timeline, there are still many classic adversaries from the animated series that could make a major impact on the big screen. These villains, each with unique motivations and devastating power sets, would fit seamlessly into the current MCU landscape, providing fresh challenges for Bruce Banner and his allies.
WithCaptain America: Brave New Worldintroducing Red Hulk and the Leader, and Abomination already returning inShe-Hulk: Attorney at Law, it’s clear that the MCU isn’t shying away from Hulk’s villains despite Universal’s complicated distribution rights over solo Hulk films. While Universal retain the rights to a Hulk-centric movie, this move opens the door for more characters fromHulk: The Animated Seriesto make their live-action debuts. Indeed, some of Hulk’s most memorable adversaries from the show could ideal forupcoming MCU projects.
10Dark Hulk Could Build On Hulk’s Relationship With Doctor Strange
The Incredible Hulk “Mind Over Anti-Matter”
Dark Hulk, a sinister manifestation of Bruce Banner’s rage, was a monstrous villain introduced inHulk: The Animated Series. Created when a Dark Entity bonded with Hulk’s gamma-infused form,Dark Hulk was an uncontrollable force of destruction. This concept would fit perfectly into the MCU, especially given the franchise’s growing supernatural elements.
WithDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessestablishing darker realms of magic and the corruption of powerful heroes, Dark Hulk could be introduced through a mystical accident, possibly tied to the Darkhold’s lingering influence or a new multiversal threat. This couldallow Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange to interact with Hulk again, building on their brief yet entertaining dynamic fromAvengers: Infinity War. A battle between Hulk and his darker self, infused with supernatural energy, would be a visually stunning and narratively compelling addition to the MCU’s evolving mythology.
9Gargoyle Is A Monstrous Primary Hulk Adversary
The Incredible Hulk “Return Of The Beast”
Gargoyle, also known as Yuri Topolov, is a classic Hulk villain who played a significant role inHulk: The Animated Series. Originally a Soviet scientist, Gargoyle was transformed into agrotesque genius with an oversized cranium and enhanced intellect.His obsession with capturing and studying the Hulk made him a constant menace, and his unique appearance set him apart from more physically imposing adversaries.
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Captain America: Brave New World opened the possibility for more Hulk narratives, which the MCU should pinch from The Incredible Hulk animated series.
The MCU has already introduced multiple genius-level villains, such as MODOK and the High Evolutionary, so adding Gargoyle would continue this trend while giving Hulk an adversary who challenges him with intellect rather than brute force. Given the MCU’s recent focus on international intrigue (Black Widow,Thunderbolts),Gargoyle could be reimagined as a rogue scientist tied to a secret Russian programattempting to harness gamma power for nefarious means. His grotesque look and sinister genius would make him an unforgettable addition.
8Ogress Was A Terrifying Leader Of The Gamma Warriors
The Incredible Hulk “Fantastic Fortitude”
Ogress is one of the most underrated villains fromHulk: The Animated Series, yet her imposing presence and brutal strength made her a formidable opponent. As the leader of the Gamma Warriors, she wasa towering force of destruction with intelligence to match. Ogress had a ruthless streak, making her a serious threat to the Hulk and his allies. Introducing her into the MCU would add an exciting female powerhouse to the franchise.
Given the MCU’s expansion of the Hulk family through She-Hulk and potentialWorld War Hulkstorylines, Ogress could be a fantastic antagonist in a plot where multiple gamma-powered beings battle for dominance. She could also tie into Thunderbolt Ross’ experiments,leading a new wave of gamma-powered soldiersunder the government’s control. Her sheer power and tactical mind would make her an outstanding live-action villain.
7The Gamma Warriors Were A Haunting Band Of Villains
The Gamma Warriors were a terrifying group of gamma-mutated beings who served as enforcers inHulk: The Animated Series. Unlike individual Hulk villains, this team provided a constant threat, acting as a strike force designed to capture or eliminate Hulk. Each member hadunique mutations and abilities, making them an exciting and unpredictable challenge. In the MCU, they could be introduced as a failed government experiment – perhaps an evolution of the Abomination’s enhancements – leading to a group of uncontrollable gamma-powered soldiers.
I’m Convinced The Leader’s Design In Captain America: Brave New World Was Changed At The Last Minute
I am absolutely certain that the Leader’s distinctive cranium underwent a significant redesign in rehoots, and early character designs support this.
This would fit perfectly into aThunderboltsstoryline or aCaptain Americasequel, showing the dark side of military experiments with gamma radiation. These creatures would provide Hulk with a thrilling physical challenge, forcing him to fight not just one foe but an entire squad of mutated powerhouses. Theirmonstrous forms and tragic backstoriescould add an emotional weight to their live-action adaptation.
6Sasquatch Is A Perfect Hulk Counterpart
The Incredible Hulk “Man To Man, Beast To Beast”
Dr. Walter Langkowski, better known as Sasquatch, is a compelling villain-turned-antihero fromHulk: The Animated Series. A Canadian scientist who experimented with gamma radiation, Langkowski gained the ability to transform into the massive, orange-furred Sasquatch. His size and strength make him a formidable Hulk adversary, butwhat makes him truly interesting is his intelligence– unlike Bruce Banner, Langkowski retains his mind in monster form.
In the MCU, Sasquatch would work well as a rival Hulk, either as a government experiment or a desperate scientist trying to surpass Banner. His ties to the Canadian government and Alpha Flight could help set up a broader exploration of international superhuman conflicts. Additionally, a fight between Hulk and Sasquatch in the Canadian wilderness would be visually stunning, while also proffering a potential avenue tointroduce Wolverine as one of Sasquatch’s former teammates in Alpha Flight.
5The Hulkbusters Could Use Old Stark Technology
The Incredible Hulk “Helping Hand, Iron Fist”
The Hulkbusters are a specialized military task force dedicated to containing or eliminating the Hulk. Led by General Thunderbolt Ross and often featuring soldiers like Major Glenn Talbot, the Hulkbusters inHulk: The Animated Serieswere relentless in their pursuit of Bruce Banner. The team usedhigh-tech weaponry and power suits to challenge the Green Goliath, providing an effective counterforce to his rampages.
In the MCU, the Hulkbusters could be revived using leftover Stark Industries technology. With Tony Stark gone,his abandoned or repurposed tech could fall into the wrong hands, possibly through a secret government initiative. The idea of Stark’s legacy being used against one of his old allies adds an ironic twist to the story. Whether as a military response to an out-of-control Hulk or a misguided attempt to harness his power, the Hulkbusters could be a major threat, possibly even connecting with the MCU’Armor Wars.
4Zzzax Could Help Explore The Tragic Monster Themes
The Incredible Hulk “Raw Power”
Zzzax is a unique villain, both inHulk: The Animated Seriesand the comics, as an energy-based creature born from electrical accidents. It feeds on electricity and even the minds of humans,growing stronger the more it consumes. More than just a powerful enemy, Zzzax embodies the uncontrollable nature of science gone wrong, much like the Hulk himself.
In the MCU, Zzzax could be a tragic antagonist, a being that was once human but lost its identity to the energy field. This would allow for a deeper exploration of Banner’s own fear of losing himself to the Hulk. A storyline where Bruce tries to save a Zzzax-afflicted individual rather than destroy them would add emotional depth. Plus, Zzzax’s electricity-based abilities wouldcreate visually stunning battles, making it an ideal villain for a film centered on Hulk or even aShe-Hulkproject.
3Major Glenn Talbot Is A Close Colleague Of Thaddeus Ross
Major Glenn Talbot is one of Hulk’s most persistent human antagonists, serving as General Thaddeus Ross’s right-hand man. InHulk: The Animated Series, Talbot is a dedicated military officer obsessed with bringing down the Hulk. His rivalry with Bruce Banner is furthercomplicated by his feelings for Betty Ross, adding a personal layer to their conflict.
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The Incredible Hulk animated series delivered one of the most compelling Hulk adaptations ever, often besting the MCU in several essential ways.
With the late William Hurt’s Ross now being portrayed by Harrison Ford in the MCU, introducing Talbot would provide a natural extension of Ross’s military agenda. He could serve as the face of the Hulkbuster program or even as a new Secretary of Defense. Talbot’s single-minded pursuit of Banner could beintensified if he blames him for Ross’s eventual fate. His presence would add a grounded, tactical threat to the Hulk’s story, showing that not all of Hulk’s enemies are gamma-powered monsters.
2Wendigo Could Help Introduce The MCU’s Wolverine
The Incredible Hulk “And the Wind Cries… Wendigo!”
The Wendigo is a terrifying, supernatural creature that has clashed with the Hulk multiple times, including inHulk: The Animated Series. Originating from an ancient curse, the Wendigo is created when a person resorts to cannibalism in the Canadian wilderness, transforming them into an unstoppable, feral beast. This monster’s connection to the wild makes it a natural entry point for Wolverine, whosefirst comic appearance involved battling both Hulk and the Wendigo.
In the MCU, the Wendigo could serve as a horror-based antagonist in a Hulk film, setting the stage for a brutal battle in the Canadian wilderness. This could also lead to the introduction of the MCU’s Logan, who might betracking or hunting the beast in his pre-X-Men activities. A film depicting Hulk and Wolverine battling both each other and the Wendigo would be a dream come true, particularly as it was partly teased inDeadpool & Wolverine.
1Absorbing Man Is A Classic Hulk Foe
The Incredible Hulk “They Call Me Mr. Fixit”
Carl “Crusher” Creel, the Absorbing Man, is one of Hulk’s most iconic enemies, appearing inHulk: The Animated Seriesas a relentless powerhouse. Gifted with the ability to absorb the properties of anything he touches – whether metal, rock, or even energy –Creel has been a major threat to the Hulk and the Avengers alike. His strength and adaptability make him a perfect physical match for the Jade Giant.
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X-Men: The Animated Series was so effective and iconic that the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be wise to consult for compelling narratives.
Although a version of Creel appeared inAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the character hasn’t had a proper MCU introduction. A reimagined Absorbing Man could fit seamlessly into a new Hulk story, perhaps as a super-powered enforcer working for the government or a criminal organization. His ability to counter Hulk’s raw power with his ownmakes him one of the few villains who can challenge Banner in a straight-up brawl, making hisHulk: The Animated Seriesdepiction an essential addition to the MCU.
