The Death of the Incredible Hulk
| The Death of the Incredible Hulk | |
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 DVD cover |
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| Directed by | Bill Bixby |
| Written by | Gerald Di Pego |
| Starring | Bill Bixby Lou Ferrigno |
| Language | English |
| Release date | February 18, 1990 |
| Preceded by | The Trial of the Incredible Hulk |
The Death of the Incredible Hulk is a 1990 made-for-television film, the last of three revival TV movies from the 1977–1982 television show The Incredible Hulk. Bill Bixby reprises his role as Dr. David Bruce Banner and Lou Ferrigno returns to play the Hulk. Prior to Bill Bixby's death in 1993, there was talk of another Incredible Hulk television movie which would resurrect the character.[1][2][3]
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[edit] Plot
David Banner masquerades as David Bellamy, a mentally-challenged janitor, in order to gain access to a scientific research facility. He has determined that the studies of one of the scientists there, Dr. Ronald Pratt (Philip Sterling), may hold the key to curing his condition. Pratt takes a liking to the man he sees only as a building custodian.
Bypassing security, Banner enters Pratt's laboratory, examines the formulae on his blackboard, making corrections and filling in gaps. After Pratt catches him doing this, Banner reveals his true identity and history. Both scientists agree to work together to cure Banner and perfect the formula harnessing gamma radiation believed to give ordinary humans superhuman strength when under periods of stress.
The two men become friends, and Banner is accepted as part of Pratt's family. One night, the pair decide to attempt another experiment that could cure Banner or kill him. However, an Eastern European spy network dedicated to using Pratt's (and Banner's) work for corrupt purposes sends Jasmin (portrayed by Elizabeth Gracen), a reluctant spy in the network, to break into the lab. As a result the experiment is halted and Pratt is hurt, sending him into a coma.
Since Jasmin did not complete her mission successfully, the leader of the network, Jasmin's sister Bella, orders Banner's capture, but he evades them, assisted by Jasmin.
Banner falls in love with Jasmin, who returns his affections. With her help, Banner causes Ronald to come out of his coma by jogging his memory about a high school prank.
However, the spy network then capture Pratt and his wife Amy (Barbara Tarbuck. Jasmin and Banner trace the kidnappers to an airfield and rescue the Pratts. but Bella and her Henchman attempt to escape in a small plane. While pursuing the kidnappers, Banner once again turns into the Hulk and manages to climb aboard the plane as it is leaving.
The Hulk overpowers those on board, but then the plane explodes in mid-air. The Hulk is caught in the explosion and falls to the pavement below. The Hulk's impact with the pavement splinters the asphalt beneath him. Jasmin rushes to his side and holds his hand. The creature, calmed by Jasmin's soothing words and actions, slowly morphs back into Banner. The Pratts also rush to his side.
"David, no . . . don't die," Jasmin says with tears in her eyes. "We can be free now."
"Jasmin . . . I am free." Banner says with his last breath, as he has now been cured of the Hulk. Jasmin and the Pratts weep around him as he dies. As the camera rolls back, the original TV series' "Lonely Man" theme plays in the background.
[edit] Production
This third Hulk telefilm was initially announced to feature the Marvel Comics character She-Hulk, just as the previous two had featured Thor and Daredevil. As of early July 1989, it was still firmly expected to do so, and to air that autumn, with Iron Man under consideration for a follow-up.[4]
[edit] Canceled Sequel
Despite the Hulk's apparent death in the 1990 film, the program's makers had always intended for him to return in The Revenge of the Incredible Hulk, in which he would be revived in a state in which the Hulk had Banner's mind.[1] As of July 10, 1990, a script was being written.[5] However, all such projects were canceled when Bill Bixby's health declined. He died of cancer in November 1993.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b The Incredible Lou, Papa Llama's Convention Report, 7 November 2008.
- ^ "F.O.O.M. (Flashbacks of Ol' Marvel) #16: "I'm Free Now – The Incredible Hulk (1988-1990)"". Comic Bulletin. http://www.comicsbulletin.com/foom/128355284240689.htm. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
- ^ "Hulk Smash Television!". IGN. http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/881/881149p3.html. Retrieved 2010-09-09.
- ^ "Comics Screen", Comics Scene, Starlog Communications International, Inc., October 1989, pp. 69-70.
- ^ "Comics Screen", Comics Scene, Starlog Communications International, Inc., October 1990, pp. 69-70.
[edit] External links
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