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Daredevil and Hulk: A Look Back at an Obscure 1980s Marvel Film

In the realm of superhero films, a particular live-action portrayal of Daredevil and Hulk from the 1980s remains notably obscure. This has led many to incorrectly believe that Ben Affleck was the pioneer in bringing the Marvel hero to life on screen. In truth, Rex Smith was the first, sharing the screen with former Mr. Universe Lou Ferrigno in The Trial of the Incredible Hulk.

The seeds for a live-action Daredevil project were sown as early as the mid-1970s, with Angela Bowie, ex-wife of David Bowie, acquiring the rights to the character for a brief, one-year period. She enlisted photographer Terry O’Neill to capture images of her as Black Widow and actor Ben Carruthers as Daredevil to pitch the idea, but the project ultimately did not come to fruition.

Fast forward to 1983, ABC attempted to create a Daredevil pilot, which never saw the light of day. It wasn’t until 1989, with the NBC television movie, that the character finally made his debut, serving as a sequel to The Incredible Hulk Returns. While there were plans for a spin-off series, they never materialized.

Matt Murdock Is Eager to Keep Hulk Out of Prison in ‘The Trial of the Incredible Hulk’

This unique film interweaves themes of legal struggle, friendship, and villainy, despite the shortcomings typical of 1980s special effects. Notably, Bruce Banner’s alternate persona, the Hulk, is portrayed by two different actors within The Trial of the Incredible Hulk.

In the movie, Banner, played by director Bill Bixby, is depicted as a scientist who transforms into the Hulk whenever he experiences intense anger. Seeking to evade detection in New York, he adopts the alias David Belson and remains composed even when confronted by provocateurs.

However, a turning point occurs when he witnesses a young woman threatened by two thugs loyal to the notorious villain, Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin. In a fit of rage, Banner transforms into the Hulk, causing significant chaos while attempting to assist. This leads to his wrongful arrest and charges of assault, compounded by the woman’s reluctance to testify out of fear of retaliation from Kingpin, portrayed by John Rhys-Davies. Fisk’s control over the criminal underworld is evident as he revels in his victories over rivals, often with lethal consequences.

Hope dawns when blind attorney Matt Murdock, played by Rex Smith, takes on Banner’s case. Initially resistant, Banner ultimately acquiesces to Murdock’s assistance. As Murdock digs deeper, he uncovers a larger conspiracy tied to Kingpin, which raises ethical dilemmas for him as he navigates the dangerous criminal landscape. Meanwhile, Banner grapples with unsettling dreams of being judged while in his Hulk form, leading to escalating confrontations between Murdock and Kingpin’s forces.

Daredevil Discards His Comic Costume for Ninja Fashion in ‘The Trial of the Incredible Hulk’

While The Trial of the Incredible Hulk captivated many during its release, contemporary viewers may cringe at its many flaws. A significant point of contention is Daredevil’s costume, which diverges dramatically from the comic book representation. Instead of the iconic red suit, Murdock sports a bland all-black ninja outfit that lacks eyeholes—a clear indication of his blindness, to any opponent who might be observing.

This choice perhaps reflects the popularity of ninja films in the 1980s, but it has not aged well, making the viewing experience less enjoyable for today’s audiences. Comic enthusiasts of the time might have felt bewildered by the creative decision to alter such a signature element of the character.

Additionally, the film’s title can be misleading. Despite its name, this is primarily a Daredevil movie with the Hulk relegated to a secondary role. Banner transforms into the Hulk only a handful of times, missing the climactic showdown, which ultimately hinges on Daredevil’s actions alone—a miscalculation considering the Hulk’s prominence in popular culture at the time.

The absence of an actual trial, despite the film’s title, also constitutes a major disappointment. While some might enjoy courtroom drama, the only semblance of such a scene appears in a nightmare sequence, lacking the substance expected by audiences familiar with lawyers and legal intricacies, particularly as showcased in later adaptations like the Daredevil television series.

Inconsistencies abound in the plot; it raises questions about why Banner, aware of the ongoing crime wave in the city, remains imprisoned instead of utilizing his powers to confront Kingpin directly. Moreover, the effects of the transformation scenes suffer from the necessity of quick cuts, making them less convincing.

‘The Trial of the Incredible Hulk’ Proved Marvel Couldn’t Compete (Back Then)

The current landscape of superhero films sees Marvel leading the charge in live-action adaptations, but in the 1980s, DC was squarely in the spotlight. The Trial of the Incredible Hulk exemplifies Marvel’s struggles during that era. Critics may excuse the film as a product of its time, yet it was released the same year as Tim Burton’s Batman, highlighting the clear quality divergence between the two franchises.

During that decade, DC solidified its reputation with multiple Superman sequels and films like Supergirl and Swamp Thing. In contrast, Marvel had minimal representation, primarily seen in Dolph Lundgren’s Punisher and the preceding TV movies.

Despite its flaws, The Trial of the Incredible Hulk served as a stepping stone in Marvel’s evolution. While its shortcomings may have thwarted the development of subsequent shows, it provided valuable lessons for future filmmakers about effectively portraying the Hulk’s character. Audiences would eventually enjoy more dynamic representations of the Hulk later on.

A surprising highlight of this film is the appearance of Stan Lee, marking his first live-action movie cameo. Yet, his experience during filming left much to be desired; he portrayed a jury foreman in a brief dream sequence. Lee was dissatisfied with the production decisions and found himself replaced by a stunt double during a pivotal scene involving the Hulk, insisting he wanted to perform the stunt himself. Ultimately, director Bill Bixby chose to prioritize Lee’s safety over his wishes, showcasing the protective sentiment surrounding one of comic history’s most beloved figures.

Source
movieweb.com