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The new 'Hulk' TV ad reveals a very special, not-so-secret guest star

Jun 10, 2008, 09:58 AM | by Dafna Pleban

Categories: Comic Books, Film, I'm Just a Geek, Movie Trailers

I’m a comic book fan through and through, but even I had no intention of seeing the Edward Norton-starring Incredible Hulk this summer, following Ang Lee’s disastrous turn in 2003. Since most of my money goes to Marvel Comics as it is (and really, if you’re aren’t picking up Ed Brubaker’s Captain America, there is something seriously wrong with you), I didn’t think they’d miss yet more of my hard-earned cash. But now I'm thinking that Marvel really, really wants me to reconsider my decision with their latest TV spot:


Maybe it’s a little desperate of Marvel to blow their RDJ wad within the first 10 seconds of their ad, but I have to admit, it totally worked on me. The cameo wasn’t the best-kept secret in nerdland, but I had figured 30 seconds of spectacular facial hair wouldn’t justify my 10 bucks. I was wrong. Now, after only being exposed to the Stark charm for a grand total of four seconds, The Incredible Hulk is starting to look something like a worthwhile investment. Maybe I’m just shallow, but the power of Stark’s ‘stache is awfully compelling.

What about you, PopWatchers? Is Marvel’s transparent ploy to ride the coattails of Iron Man’s surprising success working on you too? Or am I just a really easy target?


barry Sat, Jun 14, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST

I saw the film it was done very well with omag paid to the late bill bixby and a cameo by lou feregno and cant miss stan lee I give it ***** 5 stars I'm ready for the avengers

DA Fri, Jun 13, 2008 at 10:49 AM EST

I have been anticipating Incredible Hulk since hearing of Edward Norton's casting. He has long been one of my favorite actors. Having seen Iron Man now and falling under Mr. Downey's charismatic spell, this trailer just reaffirms my desire to see the film. Two for the price of one!

Antoinette Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 11:40 AM EST

Count me as another who must confess that I had no intention of paying to see the Hulk. We were thinking of seeing something else and then sneak into the Hulk. I had heard about the Tony Stark cameo but assumed it would be a few seconds at the end of the credits. But yes, now that I have seen that he is a part of the overall story, however small, I will now pay to see the Hulk. But does anyone else agree with me that they should have waited a bit longer after that Ang Lee disaster of a Hulk film to make another one?

Kathleen Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST

And so as not to totally embarrass myself, I want to (truthfully) add that I am not going to see TH just because of the cameo. I loves me some comics, so I really did want to see it anyway. Honest. :-D

Kathleen Thu, Jun 12, 2008 at 10:42 AM EST

I don't know if it's because I'm getting older, but RDJ is getting exponentially sexier to me. Is he sexy? No. He is sexay. Sexified. HAWT.

I haven't seen the cameo yet, although I knew it existed (didn't watch the clip here). Going to a midnight showing of "The Hulk" tonight! Yay!

Devan Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 09:51 PM EST

Hey it totally worked on me. I mean i thought remaking the hulk was stupid but when i saw ironman...wow.see you at the movies on friday.

Jayel Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 04:10 PM EST

I'm with the OP - this is the only reason I can think of to see this movie. Sorry, Marvel fans - that Ang Lee version was just torture.
Also, I will never be able to fully enjoy a Hulk story until I get an adequate rationalization for the problem of the pants. (And no, the Eric Bana-worn stretchy shorts thing did NOT do the trick for me.)
I'm still worried we might have seen pretty much the whole Stark cameo here, in which case . . . I think I'll wait until a more intrepid and/or Hulk-loving friend sees this and gives me the scoop.

Jon Hughes Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 01:04 PM EST

If the writer was TRULY a marvel fan, then he would know that this is not a "transparent ploy" to milk the success of Iron Man, rather something planned long in advance. The goal is to tie in the characters that will eventually comprise superteam "The Avengers" which is being suggested by Nick Fury in cameos by Sam Jackson in each movie. This will continue through "Thor" and "Captain America", and then lead into a release of an "Avengers" movie featuring the Hulk, Iron Man, Cap, and Thor.

Pathetic lack of research here.

Dana Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 09:37 AM EST

I'd see it for Edward Norton alone, LOVE HIM! Great actor

Deuce Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 01:03 AM EST

I've been drooling and aching to see this movie since last year. I'm glad that it's gotten a bunch of positive feedbacks. I hope they leave the Steve Rogers scene in the movie (don't want to have to wait till it's out on BlueRay to see the deleted scenes). Cripes, every nerd knew RDJ is in the movie, but just watching that one clip with him makes me drool more.

Deuce Wed, Jun 11, 2008 at 01:03 AM EST

I've been drooling and aching to see this movie since last year. I'm glad that it's gotten a bunch of positive feedbacks. I hope they leave the Steve Rogers scene in the movie (don't want to have to wait till it's out on BlueRay to see the deleted scenes). Cripes, every nerd knew RDJ is in the movie, but just watching that one clip with him makes me drool more.

s Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 08:44 PM EST

Apparently there was also a quick Captain America cameo in the Arctic scene, but looks like that's been cut for the release and is going to be on the DVD.

Jason Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 06:20 PM EST

There is going to be an Avengers movie. Ironman and Hulk this summer, with Thor, Antman, and the Capt. in 2010. The Avengers movie is currently slated for the end of 2010

eli Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 04:41 PM EST

I saw it last night too and I totally agree w/what Dominique L. said. It's a very entertaining movie and the audience was very into it. The action is great and there are some pretty funny moments too, and the good thing is that they're supposed to be funny, the audience didn't laugh at something silly or ridiculous. And on one last note, I'm not a comic book reader, but I do know enough about the Marvel Universe to understand and get excited about references to other members of that very Marvel Universe they're referring to. Go see it, it's a great summer, action-packed movie.

manny c Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

the frist one is better. ed norton is a gay punk & I am from boston. I hope this movie bombs. eric bane was better

EP "Mayweather" Sato Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 03:56 PM EST

YO, NASHATWATY. Now that Marvel's made two kick azz action flicks this summer, you still feel like hating on Superhero movies?

If ya do, bring it on beayoch!

B Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 03:30 PM EST

I was already going to see it out of love for Norton so RDJ is just the cherry on top of the sundae.

J Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 01:45 PM EST

30 seconds of Robert Downey Jr is my ONLY real reason for wanting to see Hulk. If it happens to be a decent movie that's just icing on the cake.

Nix Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 12:22 PM EST

Just tell me they're going to make a serious full-scale "Captain America". Even if Marvel resurrects Steve for it.

Marco Obrien Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 12:17 PM EST

It seems this article was taken from Drfunkenberry.com earlier! It was more being scared of Norton not promoting the movie.

Kate Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST

DAYUM! Robert Downey Jr. is HOT!!!!!

Kate Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST

DAYUM! Robert Downey Jr. is HOT!!!!!

Ronda Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST

I'll see anything RDJ is in. PERIOD!!!!

Cate Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 11:18 AM EST

I'm seeing ANYTHING Norton is in, period.

Snarf Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 10:37 AM EST

Early word is thats it's very very good. Worth your valuable time and cash!

Dominique L. Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 10:00 AM EST

Saw the movie last night and man was I pleasantly surprised. Sure, it isn't quite Iron Man and I will admit I had to suspend my disbelief once or twice, but The Incredible Hulk was loads of fun. Entertaining, witty and oh those special effects! The crowd ate it up: cheered for our hero, winced and shuddered when he received massive blows, oohed and ahhed at the visual and clapped when RDJ and Stan Lee made their cameos. Lightyears ahead of Ang Lee's Hulk, I promise you!!! (Also, it refreshingly clocks in at a little under two hours so it does not feel bloated, unlike many superhero flicks.)

Catherine Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 09:30 AM EST

I love Ed Norton and Liv Tyler...but this just makes me want to see Iron Man all over again!!! (I guess I have a bigger crush on Robert Downey Jr. and for good movie!)

Jackie Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 09:21 AM EST

I kinda wanted to see it anyway just because it's Edward Norton, but now that I've seen Stark again.....is Iron Man still playing in theaters???

Ep Sato Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 09:17 AM EST

Cameos from superheroes in each other's movies are a long time coming. Iron Man brought us Nick Fury and set up the upcoming Avengers movie. So now, we need some Avengers.

Obvious choices are Wolverine, Spider Man and Daredevil (so long as he's not played by Affleck again). Combined with the Hulk, Iron Man, Fury, and maybe the Thing you've got a super duper superhero group ready for Clobberin' Time!

No more need for origin stories or intros, just two hours of plain CGI superhero azz kicking. IMHO, that's what has made the best superhero movies (X men 2, Spider man 2).

So I say, bring on RDJ, bring on the good version of the Hulk, and next summer, bring us the Avengers! I grew up on Marvel comics and dreamed of the days when that company would turn them into living, breathing characters on the silver screen.

While some have failed, others have excelled and I can't wait to see what's next.

bj Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 09:12 AM EST

full on robot chubby

Caro Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 09:11 AM EST

Not gonna lie, it's kinda working on me too... I had no intentions of seeing "The Incredible Hunk," despite my love for Edward Norton... but if they frame it as part of the larger "Iron Man"/"Avengers" series, I might have to see it...


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