August 29, 2012

SPECULATION: Marvel Axing HULK TV Series To Focus On Film For 2015?


Today, we learned that Joss Whedon would be putting together a television series based on Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D. for ABC. The odd part of this announcement is that it's going straight to pilot while the Hulk pilot has yet to be greenlit. My opinion is, Marvel might have axed their plans for a Hulk series after the massive success of The Avengers. Along with the call from fans for another Hulk film. Mark Ruffalo and Joss Whedon have already teased plans already being in motion around the time of Avengers' release in May.

The Hulk series seemed to be a giant headache for both ABC and Marvel. Considering how difficult it is to develop a compelling/cost effective show that included a good amount of CGI. Effects, that aren't cheap to begin with and could end up looking terrible. I believe that Marvel could have pushed S.H.I.E.L.D. into production to cover their asses with ABC to fill the pilot slot left by Hulk. Plus, why throw away perfectly solid plot points that could be used for the film franchise in a TV series?


Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy 1-2, Blade 2, Pacific Rim) had been attached to direct the series pilot but is likely in talks to helm the film instead. The writer/director has had a long standing history with Marvel starting with making Blade 2 for New Line. He was also in talks for years to direct Doctor Strange. However, with recent talk from Marvel producers that a new Hulk film is being aimed for a 2015 release date (after Avengers 2?).  This is all speculation on my part but I wouldn't doubt that a script from Joss Whedon (who mentioned interest in writing the film) with Guillermo del Toro directing enough to bring new life to the Hulk franchise. Del Toro has a bunch of projects in development but has dropped films before to focus on passion projects.

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