The legendary bodybuilder returns to the franchise that made him a star
Yesterday while visiting the set of the new Paul Rudd/Jason Segel comedy I Love You, Man, we got a chance to chat with legendary bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno. In the film he plays himself, a client of Segel's that is looking to buy a bigger house. While discussing that project, the subject of this week's The Incredible Hulk came up. Not only does Lou have a surprise cameo in the film, he is also doing the voice of the Hulk himself. Here is what Lou had to say about the upcoming Marvel comic book adaptation, which seems to be more of a continuation of the 1978 Friday night TV series he starred in than it does a sequel to Ang Lee's 2003 film:
Are you excited about The Incredible Hulk?
Lou Ferrigno: I am very excited about the premier this coming Sunday. I was very happy to do the voice, because this particular movie will be leaning more towards the TV series. I am very happy to be involved with Edward Norton, and my favorite great director Louis Leterrier. People might think it's cool. I think it could be a huge hit.
After all these years doing the "Hulk", do you have a preference on how tThe Hulk is being depicted?
Lou Ferrigno: Well, I haven't seen the movie. But I think it's nice that the Hulk is nine feet tall instead of forty feet tall. I think Ang Lee did a great job, and that was more like the comic book. But this new one is more like the TV series. You have the cat and mouse chase. And I think the Hulk is more sympathetic. I was glad to be doing the voice, because the character will now be more believable. I am also playing a part in the movie, but I can't contractually say what it is. But it is a surprise. It's a nice scene.
Why can't you talk about it?
Lou Ferrigno: Because the contract is signed. I can't talk about it until after the film is out.
Is it something so amazing that we can't know about it?
Lou Ferrigno: It's a requirement from Universal Studios that I can't talk about my part. Everyone has signed one of these agreements. But you'll find out in four days.
How is the body building going?
Lou Ferrigno: It is going great. I am involved with my website, louferrigno.com. I am also doing a shoot for Fitness. It is a father-son workout thing. I am very active with them. I write articles, and have been with them for thirty years.
So you workout with your sons?
Lou Ferrigno: Yes, they are very involved in it. One is eighteen and the other is twenty-three. They are both avid bodybuilders. And they try to emulate me. Of course they have a college education, this is just a camaraderie thing. Maybe its because I own a gym.
Are they going to enter any competitions with the old man?
Lou Ferrigno: Oh, yeah. Sure. But the old man is going to stand up.
What are you working on next? We saw some clips on line that you may be showing up in the American Gladiators.
Lou Ferrigno: Yeah, I did a promo for American Gladiators. It's to promote the Hulk movie, because they are both produced by Universal Studios. It is sort of like hype for the movie. I am excited about the Hulk, because it has been so long. Young kids would like to see the continuum. I think this is going to take it to the next level. Because we were such a hit with the TV series. Its all about power, and kids love power. "Spider-Man" and the Hulk are Marvel's two biggest franchises. I'd like to see it continue, because it is a positive thing for the environment. Especially all over the world, and for the kids.
Working with Bill Bixby, and then working with Ed Norton. Was it surreal at all?
Lou Ferrigno: They are very similar in that they are both fine actors. Working with Ed is going to be closer to the series. I think we are going to surprise a lot of people, because he rewrote the script himself. And he knows what the character should be. That is important for the film.
The Incredible Hulk opens June 18th, 2008.
The Incredible Hulk was released June 13th, 2008 and stars Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, Christina Cabot, Peter Mensah. The film is directed by Louis Leterrier.
Comments (14)
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coolnblue
no doubt,lou ferrigno..the best hulk ever.
I miss (new) shows of "king of queeens"and seeing lou as Doug's neighbor.If that show could only come back.It was one of the best comedys on tv.
4 years agoby @coolnblueFlag
CelluloidDreams
Very Cool...
4 years agoby @2movieguysFlag
sirmetro
i hope he kills captain america so he doesn't make his own f*ckin film.LOL.
The hulk is gonna be great.
4 years agoby @sirmetroFlag
XJWS79
I saw that same article on comicbookmovie.com Punisher, sounded like they cut it because they didn't think the child audience could handle the scene.
4 years agoby @xjws79Flag
justinishulk
hey everybody... Look for Cut Captain America Footage Online in Next 2 Days! click this http://www.comicbookmovie.com/news/articles/4673.asp
4 years agoby @justinishulkFlag
justinishulk
cool...
4 years agoby @justinishulkFlag
Shadow Of The Day
Cool.
4 years agoby @asifFlag
PUNISHER
I know that I was just being a smart ass.
4 years agoby @cerealkillerFlag
Tronticon
LOL--- > Punisher!!
I think he's got a lisp cause he's partially deaf!
Otherwise.. i dont care.. it's real cool to see him in this!
4 years agoby @tronticonFlag
T.Clark
He says "hulk smash" in the trailer. Awesome
4 years agoby @insertusernamehereFlag
Phatlightning
i'm voting yes.
4 years agoby @sxers2k1Flag
PUNISHER
I just read that a scene was cut from the Hulk movie that involved Banner killing himself. But before he can do it he meets up with Captain America. The director said the scene would eventually be online to see and will for sure be on the dvd. He wouldnt specify when or where the clip would be released. But its confirmed that Captain America, while not in the final cut, does meet Bruce Banner.
http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_14849.html
Above is the link to the article I got this info from.
4 years agoby @cerealkillerFlag
Timmy
HAHA
4 years agoby @timmyFlag
PUNISHER
So does the Hulk have a lisp?
4 years agoby @cerealkillerFlag