Considering the intricate mapping of Marvel’s cinematic universe, it’s interesting to note how simple it was for the comic book studio to write out a key movie from its first phase. The second attempt at a Hulk standalone film (after the 2003 Ang Lee-directed version) came in the shape of 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, which landed mixed reviews and a middling box office return. It has since been referred to as the sole flop of the entire MCU – a rather harsh conclusion – and for the most part, the events depicted within its two hour running time have largely been forgotten. That is, except for one character who was reportedly in the running for Avengers: Age Of Ultron some time ago.
Let’s get the obvious names out of the way first. It’s common knowledge that Bruce Banner is back. A key member of the Avengers first played by Edward Norton in the 2008 film, he was later replaced by Mark Ruffalo who has since portrayed the green giant. So, who else could we be talking about?
Well, it turns out that in a recent interview with Crave promoting his latest movie, Selma, Tim Roth revealed that at one stage he was in talks to reprise his villainous role of Emil Blonsky. Known to most fans as The Abomination, Roth said that Marvel were cooking up a way for the British marine to make an appearance:
“They were going to do it. They did do that. They were thinking, in ‘The Avengers 2’ or something,” Roth said. “There was a movie we could do that at one point, but way back when. It just kind of got swept under the carpet I guess. That would be hilarious.”
It’s a shame that at least one significant element from The Hulk’s on-screen past hasn’t been roped into the Avengers antics, but there’s still many more movies in phase three and plenty of room for Mr. Blonsky to make an appearance…
Sadly without Tim Roth, Avengers: Age Of Ultron opens on May 1st, 2015.
Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to the Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.