The Incredible Hulk TV Film (1977)
MovieOptionalLegacy
Scientist David Banner is exposed to gamma radiation while researching hidden strength. This 1977 Marvel film was made outside Marvel Studios’ main MCU line-up, so it’s optional for the watch order and works fine on its own. It runs 1h 35m.
| Release date | November 4, 1977 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 1h 35m |
| IMDb rating | 6.9/10 |
| Series | Legacy Marvel films |
| Post-credit scene | No |
Why it matters now
The pilot that launched the Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno series.
About The Incredible Hulk (1977 TV film)
This two-hour CBS movie launched the live-action Hulk. David Banner, a physician and scientist still haunted by the car crash that killed his wife, Laura, studies how people summon extraordinary strength in moments of crisis. Working with colleague Dr. Elaina Marks, he runs an unsupervised experiment and accidentally overdoses on gamma radiation, and from then on extreme anger turns him into the Hulk. Meanwhile, tabloid reporter Jack McGee starts sniffing around the story.
It aired on November 4, 1977, and served as the pilot for the series that ran on CBS until 1982. Kenneth Johnson developed and produced the show, fresh from creating The Bionic Woman. Bill Bixby plays David Banner, bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno plays the Hulk, Jack Colvin plays McGee and Susan Sullivan guest-stars. Johnson changed Banner's first name from Bruce to David to move away from comic-book alliteration, and Bruce became his middle name. The pilot was shown in theaters in some countries. It holds a 57% on Rotten Tomatoes from a small sample of reviews.
Good to know
- A second pilot, The Return of the Incredible Hulk, followed and was later retitled Death in the Family for syndication.
- Johnson said the name David also honored his son, while Stan Lee and Lou Ferrigno reported CBS objected to "Bruce."
- Lou Ferrigno later voiced the Hulk in The Incredible Hulk (2008) and, uncredited, in The Avengers (2012).
- Johnson married Susan Appling the day after filming wrapped on the pilot.
How to watch it
Start here before the 1978–82 series, since this film explains why Banner is presumed dead and why McGee is chasing the Hulk. Follow it with The Return of the Incredible Hulk, the second pilot. It's also worth watching before the MCU's The Incredible Hulk (2008), which nods to the show in a few fun ways. It plays more like a '70s drama than a superhero film, so it suits viewers who like character-focused, slower-paced stories.
Where it fits in your watch
- All legacy Marvel films
The Incredible Hulk (1977 TV film) FAQ
Why is Bruce Banner called David in The Incredible Hulk (1977)?
Kenneth Johnson renamed him to get away from comic-book alliteration and to honor his son, David. Bruce became Banner's middle name.
Who played the Hulk in the 1977 TV movie?
Bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno played the Hulk, and Bill Bixby played David Banner.
Is the 1977 Incredible Hulk movie the pilot for the TV series?
Yes. It aired in November 1977, and the weekly series followed on CBS from March 1978 to June 1982.
Can you skip The Incredible Hulk (1977 TV film)?
Yes. It isn’t part of the MCU timeline.
When was The Incredible Hulk (1977 TV film) released?
The Incredible Hulk (1977 TV film) was released on November 4, 1977.
Is The Incredible Hulk (1977 TV film) part of the MCU?
No. The Incredible Hulk (1977 TV film) is a Marvel film made outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so it isn’t on Marvel Studios’ official timeline.
Does The Incredible Hulk (1977 TV film) have a post-credit scene?
No, The Incredible Hulk (1977 TV film) has no post-credit scene.