WHAT WENT WRONG Hulk (2003)
May 5, 2025
Dive into the chaotic production journey of the 2003 Hulk film, featuring a decade of development hell and multiple writers. Discover bizarre casting choices, including a potential animatronic Hulk and an unlikely Steve Buscemi portrayal. The hosts humorously critique the film's memorable elements, like a distracting mustache, while also celebrating its visual creativity. Explore the challenges of adapting the beloved character and the artistic clash between studio demands and innovative storytelling, all wrapped in a nostalgic yet critical lens.
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Directorial Shakeup During Development
- Joe Johnston was initially attached to direct Hulk but left to shoot October Sky.
- The project then moved to first-time director Jonathan Hensley, making production riskier.
Comedy Tone Considered for Hulk
- The studio considered turning Hulk into a comedy by Jim Carrey or Adam Sandler.
- This revealed uncertainty about the film's tone, confusing the eventual final product.
Hulk as Greek Tragedy
- Ang Lee viewed Hulk as a Greek tragedy and psychodrama, not a typical superhero movie.
- This explains the film's melodramatic tone and departure from comic book norms.