The parts that are hard to follow from the film alone, explained with a story summary, a character map and key terms.
Released
2008
Runtime
112 min
Set in
2011
Good to know before watchingNo spoilers
Bruce has a different actor here
Edward Norton plays him in this film. From The Avengers on, Mark Ruffalo takes over. Same Bruce Banner.
How he became Hulk is shown quickly
The opening montage briefly explains the lab accident that created Hulk. Don't miss it.
General Ross matters later
General Ross, who hunts Bruce, becomes an important figure in much later films.
Tony Stark shows up at the end
Iron Man's Tony appears in the final scene, a sign that the films are connected.
Character mapSpoilers
Who's who in The Incredible Hulk (2008), with Bruce Banner and Betty Ross at the center. Bruce's allies are above, those hunting him below.
Because of copyright, we can't use stills, posters or any other images of the characters as they appear in the film. All face photos are freely licensed photos of the actors themselves (non-human characters are original illustrations made for this site; people without a photo are shown with initials).
Drag to move, pinch (or scroll on a computer) to zoom. Tap a person to read about them.
Face photos are freely licensed photos of the actors from Wikimedia Commons, cropped to a square and resized. Non-human characters are original illustrations made for this site, and people without a photo are shown with a placeholder (initials).
Scientist Bruce Banner is left by a lab accident with a body that turns into Hulk when he's angry. After hurting the woman he loves, Betty, he disappears.
2. Life in Brazil
Bruce works at a factory in Brazil, practices breathing to control his anger, and searches for a cure with an online contact called Mr. Blue. Then something gives away his location to the army.
3. The army closes in
General Ross sends in a team that includes Blonsky. Cornered, Bruce turns into Hulk, overpowers them and escapes. Having seen Hulk's power, Blonsky wants more strength for himself.
4. Reunited with Betty
Back in the U.S. to find his research, Bruce reunites with Betty. The army attacks again, the enhanced Blonsky fights Hulk, and Hulk escapes carrying Betty.
5. Who Mr. Blue is
In New York, Bruce and Betty meet Mr. Blue, Dr. Sterns. The treatment seems to work, but Bruce is captured by the army.
6. The Abomination
Blonsky forces Dr. Sterns to use Bruce's blood on him, becomes the monster Abomination, and goes on a rampage in the city.
7. Hulk vs. Abomination
Only Hulk can stop him. Bruce chooses to jump from a helicopter and become Hulk, then fights and defeats the Abomination.
8. Separate paths
Bruce disappears again, but the final shot hints he's learning to control his power. Meanwhile Tony Stark visits General Ross and mentions a team he's putting together.
