Hulk’s rogues’ gallery is one of the most fearsome in Marvel Comics, and The Incredible Hulk: The Animated Series (1996-1998) portrayed some of them so perfectly that the MCU would be wise to adapt them. While some villains, like the Abomination, have already appeared in the MCU timeline, there are still many classic adversaries from the animated series that could make a major impact on the big screen. These villains, each with unique motivations and devastating power sets, would fit seamlessly into the current MCU landscape, providing fresh challenges for Bruce Banner and his allies.
With Captain America: Brave New World introducing Red Hulk and the Leader, and Abomination already returning in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, it’s clear that the MCU isn’t shying away from Hulk’s villains despite Universal’s complicated distribution rights over solo Hulk films. While Universal retain the rights to a Hulk-centric movie, this move opens the door for more characters from Hulk: The Animated Series to make their live-action debuts. Indeed, some of Hulk’s most memorable adversaries from the show could ideal for upcoming MCU projects.
10
Dark Hulk Could Build On Hulk’s Relationship With Doctor Strange
The Incredible Hulk “Mind Over Anti-Matter”
Dark Hulk, a sinister manifestation of Bruce Banner’s rage, was a monstrous villain introduced in Hulk: The Animated Series. Created when a Dark Enтιтy bonded with Hulk’s gamma-infused form, Dark Hulk was an uncontrollable force of destruction. This concept would fit perfectly into the MCU, especially given the franchise’s growing supernatural elements.
With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness establishing darker realms of magic and the corruption of powerful heroes, Dark Hulk could be introduced through a mystical accident, possibly tied to the Darkhold’s lingering influence or a new multiversal threat. This could allow Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange to interact with Hulk again, building on their brief yet entertaining dynamic from Avengers: Infinity War. A battle between Hulk and his darker self, infused with supernatural energy, would be a visually stunning and narratively compelling addition to the MCU’s evolving mythology.
9
Gargoyle Is A Monstrous Primary Hulk Adversary
The Incredible Hulk “Return Of The Beast”
Gargoyle, also known as Yuri Topolov, is a classic Hulk villain who played a significant role in Hulk: The Animated Series. Originally a Soviet scientist, Gargoyle was transformed into a grotesque genius with an oversized cranium and enhanced intellect. His obsession with capturing and studying the Hulk made him a constant menace, and his unique appearance set him apart from more physically imposing adversaries.
The MCU has already introduced multiple genius-level villains, such as MODOK and the High Evolutionary, so adding Gargoyle would continue this trend while giving Hulk an adversary who challenges him with intellect rather than brute force. Given the MCU’s recent focus on international intrigue (Black Widow, Thunderbolts), Gargoyle could be reimagined as a rogue scientist tied to a secret Russian program attempting to harness gamma power for nefarious means. His grotesque look and sinister genius would make him an unforgettable addition.
8
Ogress Was A Terrifying Leader Of The Gamma Warriors
The Incredible Hulk “Fantastic Forтιтude”
Ogress is one of the most underrated villains from Hulk: The Animated Series, yet her imposing presence and brutal strength made her a formidable opponent. As the leader of the Gamma Warriors, she was a towering force of destruction with intelligence to match. Ogress had a ruthless streak, making her a serious threat to the Hulk and his allies. Introducing her into the MCU would add an exciting female powerhouse to the franchise.
Given the MCU’s expansion of the Hulk family through She-Hulk and potential World War Hulk storylines, Ogress could be a fantastic antagonist in a plot where multiple gamma-powered beings battle for dominance. She could also tie into Thunderbolt Ross’ experiments, leading a new wave of gamma-powered soldiers under the government’s control. Her sheer power and tactical mind would make her an outstanding live-action villain.
7
The Gamma Warriors Were A Haunting Band Of Villains
The Incredible Hulk “Fantastic Forтιтude”
The Gamma Warriors were a terrifying group of gamma-mutated beings who served as enforcers in Hulk: The Animated Series. Unlike individual Hulk villains, this team provided a constant threat, acting as a strike force designed to capture or eliminate Hulk. Each member had unique mutations and abilities, making them an exciting and unpredictable challenge. In the MCU, they could be introduced as a failed government experiment – perhaps an evolution of the Abomination’s enhancements – leading to a group of uncontrollable gamma-powered soldiers.
This would fit perfectly into a Thunderbolts storyline or a Captain America sequel, showing the dark side of military experiments with gamma radiation. These creatures would provide Hulk with a thrilling physical challenge, forcing him to fight not just one foe but an entire squad of mutated powerhouses. Their monstrous forms and tragic backstories could add an emotional weight to their live-action adaptation.
6
Sasquatch Is A Perfect Hulk Counterpart
The Incredible Hulk “Man To Man, Beast To Beast”
Dr. Walter Langkowski, better known as Sasquatch, is a compelling villain-turned-antihero from Hulk: The Animated Series. A Canadian scientist who experimented with gamma radiation, Langkowski gained the ability to transform into the mᴀssive, orange-furred Sasquatch. His size and strength make him a formidable Hulk adversary, but what makes him truly interesting is his intelligence – unlike Bruce Banner, Langkowski retains his mind in monster form.
In the MCU, Sasquatch would work well as a rival Hulk, either as a government experiment or a desperate scientist trying to surpᴀss Banner. His ties to the Canadian government and Alpha Flight could help set up a broader exploration of international superhuman conflicts. Additionally, a fight between Hulk and Sasquatch in the Canadian wilderness would be visually stunning, while also proffering a potential avenue to introduce Wolverine as one of Sasquatch’s former teammates in Alpha Flight.
5
The Hulkbusters Could Use Old Stark Technology
The Incredible Hulk “Helping Hand, Iron Fist”
The Hulkbusters are a specialized military task force dedicated to containing or eliminating the Hulk. Led by General Thunderbolt Ross and often featuring soldiers like Major Glenn Talbot, the Hulkbusters in Hulk: The Animated Series were relentless in their pursuit of Bruce Banner. The team used high-tech weaponry and power suits to challenge the Green Goliath, providing an effective counterforce to his rampages.
In the MCU, the Hulkbusters could be revived using leftover Stark Industries technology. With Tony Stark gone, his abandoned or repurposed tech could fall into the wrong hands, possibly through a secret government initiative. The idea of Stark’s legacy being used against one of his old allies adds an ironic twist to the story. Whether as a military response to an out-of-control Hulk or a misguided attempt to harness his power, the Hulkbusters could be a major threat, possibly even connecting with the MCU’ Armor Wars.
4
Zzzax Could Help Explore The Tragic Monster Themes
The Incredible Hulk “Raw Power”
Zzzax is a unique villain, both in Hulk: The Animated Series and the comics, as an energy-based creature born from electrical accidents. It feeds on electricity and even the minds of humans, growing stronger the more it consumes. More than just a powerful enemy, Zzzax embodies the uncontrollable nature of science gone wrong, much like the Hulk himself.
In the MCU, Zzzax could be a tragic antagonist, a being that was once human but lost its idenтιтy to the energy field. This would allow for a deeper exploration of Banner’s own fear of losing himself to the Hulk. A storyline where Bruce tries to save a Zzzax-afflicted individual rather than destroy them would add emotional depth. Plus, Zzzax’s electricity-based abilities would create visually stunning battles, making it an ideal villain for a film centered on Hulk or even a She-Hulk project.
3
Major Glenn Talbot Is A Close Colleague Of Thaddeus Ross
The Incredible Hulk “Return Of The Beast”
Major Glenn Talbot is one of Hulk’s most persistent human antagonists, serving as General Thaddeus Ross’s right-hand man. In Hulk: The Animated Series, Talbot is a dedicated military officer obsessed with bringing down the Hulk. His rivalry with Bruce Banner is further complicated by his feelings for Betty Ross, adding a personal layer to their conflict.
With the late William Hurt’s Ross now being portrayed by Harrison Ford in the MCU, introducing Talbot would provide a natural extension of Ross’s military agenda. He could serve as the face of the Hulkbuster program or even as a new Secretary of Defense. Talbot’s single-minded pursuit of Banner could be intensified if he blames him for Ross’s eventual fate. His presence would add a grounded, tactical threat to the Hulk’s story, showing that not all of Hulk’s enemies are gamma-powered monsters.
2
Wendigo Could Help Introduce The MCU’s Wolverine
The Incredible Hulk “And the Wind Cries… Wendigo!”
The Wendigo is a terrifying, supernatural creature that has clashed with the Hulk multiple times, including in Hulk: The Animated Series. Originating from an ancient curse, the Wendigo is created when a person resorts to cannibalism in the Canadian wilderness, transforming them into an unstoppable, feral beast. This monster’s connection to the wild makes it a natural entry point for Wolverine, whose first comic appearance involved battling both Hulk and the Wendigo.
In the MCU, the Wendigo could serve as a horror-based antagonist in a Hulk film, setting the stage for a brutal battle in the Canadian wilderness. This could also lead to the introduction of the MCU’s Logan, who might be tracking or hunting the beast in his pre-X-Men activities. A film depicting Hulk and Wolverine battling both each other and the Wendigo would be a dream come true, particularly as it was partly teased in ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine.
1
Absorbing Man Is A Classic Hulk Foe
The Incredible Hulk “They Call Me Mr. Fixit”
Carl “Crusher” Creel, the Absorbing Man, is one of Hulk’s most iconic enemies, appearing in Hulk: The Animated Series as a relentless powerhouse. Gifted with the ability to absorb the properties of anything he touches – whether metal, rock, or even energy – Creel has been a major threat to the Hulk and the Avengers alike. His strength and adaptability make him a perfect physical match for the Jade Giant.
Although a version of Creel appeared in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the character hasn’t had a proper MCU introduction. A reimagined Absorbing Man could fit seamlessly into a new Hulk story, perhaps as a super-powered enforcer working for the government or a criminal organization. His ability to counter Hulk’s raw power with his own makes him one of the few villains who can challenge Banner in a straight-up brawl, making his Hulk: The Animated Series depiction an essential addition to the MCU.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
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May 2, 2025
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
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Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
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Spider-Man Homecoming 4
- Release Date
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July 24, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
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