The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

Year: 1989

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

ActionFantasyAdventure

After stopping a mugging, Dr. David Banner is arrested for assault and confined. Blind lawyer Matt Murdock, secretly the vigilante Daredevil, convinces Banner to help locate the thieves, suspecting they work for his nemesis Kingpin. Fearing exposure, Banner escapes as the Hulk, forcing Murdock to reveal his own origin and setting the two heroes against the Kingpin’s criminal empire.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Portland

Portland serves as the backdrop for Banner’s attempt to stay incognito while Fisk’s criminal empire tightens its grip on the city. Key locations include a commuter subway, a hospital, a jail, and Fisk’s office tower, culminating at a Portland-based radiation laboratory where scientists search for a cure. The urban landscape emphasizes the clash between science, law, and vigilante justice as the Hulk erupts and heroes rise to protect the vulnerable. The city’s social fabric—police, witnesses, and bystanders—becomes a battleground for truth against manipulation.

🏙️ Urban city 🕵️ Crime syndicate 🧪 Scientific research

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:35

Main Characters – The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989)

Meet the key characters of The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David Banner (Bill Bixby)

A brilliant but hunted scientist who tries to stay under the radar as David Belson. He carries the burden of an accidental transformation into the Hulk, a forceful alter ego that erupts under threat. Compassionate and morally driven, he seeks to protect Ellie and expose Fisk’s crimes while wrestling with the loneliness of a life split between man and monster.

🧪 Scientist 🌀 Dual Identity ⚖️ Legal Troubles

The Hulk (David Banner)

Banner’s rage-fueled alter ego, a gigantic green powerhouse who embodies both danger and heroism. The Hulk’s appearances disrupt the city’s order but also yield moments of clarity and courage for Banner and those who stand with him.

💥 Superhuman 🧬 Radiation 🧭 Transformation

Daredevil (Matt Murdock)

A blind lawyer with heightened senses who defends Banner pro bono and opposes Fisk’s schemes. He is guided by a strong moral code, and his evolving partnership with Banner bridges the line between legal justice and vigilantism.

🦸 Superhero 🗺️ Secret Identity 🗡️ Vigilante

Wilson Fisk

A powerful crime lord who uses fear and influence to control the city and shape national syndicates. He orchestrates plots against Daredevil and Banner, presenting himself as the puppeteer behind a larger criminal machine.

🕴️ Crime Boss 💰 Power 🧠 Mastermind

Ellie Mendez

A key witness who becomes a target as Fisk’s men attempt to silence her. Her resolve hardens as she negotiates protection for her family in exchange for truth about the attack.

🎗️ Victim 🗣️ Witness 🧭 Moral Dilemma

Edgar

Fisk’s right-hand man who hints at past salvations and glimpses of a more complex loyalty. His presence adds ambiguity to the criminal empire’s inner circle and its fragile loyalties.

🤝 Right-hand 🧩 Ambiguity 🧭 Loyalty

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:35

Major Themes – The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989)

Explore the central themes of The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Identity

The story centers on Banner’s struggle to keep his transformation secret while facing a hidden life shaped by Daredevil’s own vigilante path. The Hulk’s emergence tests Banner’s morals and complicates trust between friends. Matt and Banner reveal their true natures, linking science and heroism through shared vulnerability. The film uses dual identities to explore sacrifice, trust, and the cost of power.

💥 Power & Corruption

Wilson Fisk wields influence to consolidate a nationwide criminal syndicate, showing how power warps institutions and loyalties. The narrative exposes manipulation, intimidation, and the lure of control behind the veneer of legitimacy. The crime bosses’ fear-driven strategy contrasts with the protagonists’ pursuit of truth and accountability. The result is a cautionary look at how wealth and force can corrupt justice.

⚖️ Justice

Pro bono defense by Daredevil’s Matt Murdock brings legal scrutiny to Fisk’s crimes, highlighting the tension between law and vigilantism. Ellie’s testimony and her quest for protection become a test of credibility in a corrupt system. Banner and Matt join forces to reveal the truth, culminating in a courageous stand that challenges the criminal network. The ending hints at reform, even as new threats loom.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:35

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Movies with Fugitive Hero Alliances like The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

On-the-run heroes must trust an unexpected partner to clear their name.If you enjoyed the tense partnership between the Hulk and Daredevil in 'The Trial of the Incredible Hulk,' you'll like these movies featuring hunted heroes forced to form risky alliances. Discover similar action-packed stories of fugitives teaming up with unlikely partners to fight powerful foes and prove their innocence.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a hero on the run, often framed or misunderstood, who crosses paths with another lone figure—a vigilante, a fellow outcast, or a reluctant ally. Their initial distrust gives way to a fragile partnership as they combine their unique skills to take down a mutual threat, culminating in a climactic confrontation that tests their newfound bond.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the 'fugitive alliance' trope, combining high-intensity action with the compelling character dynamics of two misfits learning to work together under extreme pressure. The consistent mood is one of urgency, paranoia, and hopeful determination.

Vigilante vs. Crime Lord Movies like The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

Street-level heroes uncover a vast conspiracy controlled by a shadowy kingpin.Fans of 'The Trial of the Incredible Hulk' will enjoy these movies where heroes like Daredevil take on powerful crime bosses. Explore similar stories of vigilantes fighting to expose and dismantle vast criminal empires, filled with tense investigations, action-packed confrontations, and a clear battle between justice and corruption.

tensedeterminedgrittyurbanconspiratorialanxioushopeful

Narrative Summary

The plot typically begins with a street-level crime that reveals a deeper, city-wide conspiracy led by an untouchable crime lord. The hero, often a lawyer, journalist, or vigilante, works from the shadows to gather evidence and systematically dismantle the organization, leading to a final, personal showdown with the kingpin.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific narrative structure and world-building element: a clear hierarchy of evil with a mastermind at the top. The appeal lies in the methodical takedown of a powerful antagonist and the classic theme of one hero standing against systemic corruption.

Unlock the Full Story of The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

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The Trial of the Incredible Hulk Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Trial of the Incredible Hulk, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk Summary

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Trial of the Incredible Hulk with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk Timeline

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Trial of the Incredible Hulk Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

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