Louis Leterrier reveals the surprising MCU connections cut from The Incredible Hulk

Louis Leterrier, director of *The Incredible Hulk* (2008), has revealed the film’s original version included more Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) connections than the released cut. The movie starred Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, William Hurt as General 'Thunderbolt' Ross, and Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky. Iron Man (Tony Stark), played by Robert Downey Jr., made a cameo at the end. Originally, Captain America and Iron Man were planned to appear, with Captain America’s presence hinted at in a deleted scene where Bruce Banner cracks ice, revealing a frozen Captain America and shield. Robert Downey Jr. appears in the final scene, meeting General Ross and discussing plans for a team. The director noted the original cut was darker and longer, with some deleted scenes released and others still unreleased. Leterrier explained the MCU connections were ahead of their time, and the film’s early-stage MCU context limited its integration. The original opening was set in the North Pole, darker than intended. For *The Incredible Hulk 2*, he planned to introduce different Hulk versions, focusing on the original rage-filled form over Grey Hulk or Smart Hulk. The film’s release followed *Iron Man* (2008), marking the MCU’s early stages. General Ross’s alter ego, Red Hulk, was also explored in the sequel’s potential.