Lou Ferrigno compares Norton to Bill Bixby

[Obi-Ron]

Lou Ferrigno Says Hulk Cameo A ‘Smash’
4 Comments | Published by Shawn Adler on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 4:28 pm.
Consider that Lou Ferrigno’s most iconic role is about to be taken over (for the second time) by a huffing and puffing mass of computer-generated images, and you might forgive the former Mr. Universe for being green with envy. But the world’s most famous Hulk told MTV News that he’s totally on board with Edward Norton’s upcoming reboot…literally.

“I was in the movie. I just finished filming,” Ferrigno said, smiling. “It’s a spectacular movie. Very impressive.”

Ever since 1977 when he began playing the character in a famous television series, Ferrigno has had a lot of time to ruminate on the Hulk. Norton, he says, shares a similar obsession.

“We talked about it. I believe he rewrote the script because he’s very involved with the character,” Ferrigno related. “He’s not just doing another movie, he wanted to be involved with the character. I think that’s going to bring it to the next level.”

Lou went on to give Norton and the production his highest seal of approval, in fact, saying the work they were doing on the film will “be like the TV series.”

“[Ed actually] reminds me a lot of Bill Bixby,” Ferrigno confessed, referencing the actor who played Banner in the series. “He has a similar physique, similar personality. Ed is a very fine actor and it adds tremendous credibility for him to be involved with the movie.”

Not sure in what way it will be "like the TV series", but we should all know already that there will be some elements of the show.

LINK

 

[wobbly]

Nice find.
Wonder what Lou's cameo is this time? (Is Stan Lee back for one too?)

Re: "like the TV Series". I think we already knew that Norton liked the fugitive style of the original show (and the Bruce Jones' run in the books) so that was a lock anyway.
Hopefully the Hulk will be given more than just a guest spot in the Bruce Banner show this time round...(only kidding )

 

[The Shredder]

Nice find.

And I can see where the comparison is being made. Bixby added alot of credibility to the role of David "Bruce" Banner in the tv show, and I can certainly see Norton doing much the same in TIH film itself.

 

[Bannerless Hulk]

Well, I know for some here, the "the film will 'be like the TV series'" part beckons nothing but a chorus of Boo's... but have to say I continue to be impressed with what I hear about Norton in this movie. That Lou would use Norton and Bixby in the same sentence, comparing the two in a favorable light, speaks volumes. Granted, actors are going to tout their own movies, but I don't think Lou is the type to just say whatever to please the masses. His ringing endorsement of Norton can only be a good sign IMO.

On a separate note, does anyone else think this movie will redefine Norton's career? It just seems that, with everything we're hearing, he's put so much into it - as if he's made it his life goal to see to it that TIH kicks ass. I gather that he's "leaving it all on the field" and have to wonder if this simply is a role he always dreamed of having. Proud to say he's our man anyway. Eagerly await the finished product.

 

[EmeraldBeast]

Well, I know for some here, the "the film will 'be like the TV series'" part beckons nothing but a chorus of Boo's... but have to say I continue to be impressed with what I hear about Norton in this movie. That Lou would use Norton and Bixby in the same sentence, comparing the two in a favorable light, speaks volumes. Granted, actors are going to tout their own movies, but I don't think Lou is the type to just say whatever to please the masses. His ringing endorsement of Norton can only be a good sign IMO.

On a separate note, does anyone else think this movie will redefine Norton's career? It just seems that, with everything we're hearing, he's put so much into it - as if he's made it his life goal to see to it that TIH kicks ass. I gather that he's "leaving it all on the field" and have to wonder if this simply is a role he always dreamed of having. Proud to say he's our man anyway. Eagerly await the finished product.

Amen.

 

[Bannerless Hulk]

We're of one mind EB.

 

[EmeraldBeast]

We're of one mind EB.

You know what they say, great minds think alike.t:

 

[co2]

Granted, actors are going to tout their own movies, but I don't think Lou is the type to just say whatever to please the masses.

I wouldn't be so sure about that part...but non-the less, I think Norton will do a terrific job. He's a pretty damn safe bet. Abd him being compared to Bixby is a good thing since Bixby made a great Banner.

But seriously, can't Lou please stay away from this one.? OK, he played the Hulk in a successful TV show. We get it. Does he have to do the voice or have a cameo in every Hulk related project?

 

[Tony Stark]

Not sure in what way it will be "like the TV series", but we should all know already that there will be some elements of the show.

From what I read, they like the element of Banner being on the constant run. Perhaps they might even try the "fake death" angle the series went to.

 

[jadejaws]

I wouldn't be so sure about that part...but non-the less, I think Norton will do a terrific job. He's a pretty damn safe bet. Abd him being compared to Bixby is a good thing since Bixby made a great Banner.

But seriously, can't Lou please stay away from this one.? OK, he played the Hulk in a successful TV show. We get it. Does he have to do the voice or have a cameo in every Hulk related project?

lol...have you ever met Lou? I'm saying this sarcastically because when you meet him he basically thinks that he owns the character. He would never allow anything to get made without forcing himself into the project. I remember going to a convention like 7 years ago and watching him yell at someone because they were selling Hulk tv show bootlegs. Now granted, selling bootlegs is considered bad, but Lou was more pissed because he wasn't getting a spiff on it. I'm not saying he's a horrible person or anything, but he's a selfish as they come when it pertains to the Hulk and money. As long as he's gracing this earth he will attach himself to anything that features the green guy.

 

[Porygon]

I remember going to a convention like 7 years ago and watching him yell at someone because they were selling Hulk tv show bootlegs.

I think the image of getting told off by the Hulk himself for piracy is hilarious t:

 

[terry78]

I think the image of getting told off by the Hulk himself for piracy is hilarious t:

Arggghhh..Ferrigno smash independent capitalists.

 

[jadejaws]

I think the image of getting told off by the Hulk himself for piracy is hilarious t:

...Indeed.

 

[Bannerless Hulk]

Still nice of Lou to deflect the attention off of himself and onto Norton. Insofar as his interview that is the subject of this thread is concerned, I don't see that any of his comments place him at the center of attention as some of you have now done. But go ahead, tarnish his image. I can't stop you.

 

[ultimatefan]

Bixby was the man. I hope Norton channels some of what his performance captured, while making it his own too.

 

[co2]

lol...have you ever met Lou? I'm saying this sarcastically because when you meet him he basically thinks that he owns the character. He would never allow anything to get made without forcing himself into the project. I remember going to a convention like 7 years ago and watching him yell at someone because they were selling Hulk tv show bootlegs. Now granted, selling bootlegs is considered bad, but Lou was more pissed because he wasn't getting a spiff on it. I'm not saying he's a horrible person or anything, but he's a selfish as they come when it pertains to the Hulk and money. As long as he's gracing this earth he will attach himself to anything that features the green guy.

Yeah, I've met Lou a few times...at both Bodybuilding and Comic events. Which is why I was surpried when I thought you were serious.
I don't know about everything else you said, but he does not leave a good impression on fans sometimes....which is too bad because I grew up admiring him.
I know I sure wish Bixby was still around. I really would have liked to have met him.

 

[jadejaws]

Still nice of Lou to deflect the attention off of himself and onto Norton. Insofar as his interview that is the subject of this thread is concerned, I don't see that any of his comments place him at the center of attention as some of you have now done. But go ahead, tarnish his image. I can't stop you.

right dude.

 

[Doc Samson]

Bill Bixby was absolutely the best part of the TV series, so if Norton is channeling his performance, that would be great. The problem with the TV show, IMO, was with the Hulk himself, and his lack of actual strength due to budget or creative liberties. I don't think the film will treat him anything like that, so hopefully everything will come together here in the next few months...

 

[El Payaso]

Bill Bixby was absolutely the best part of the TV series, so if Norton is channeling his performance, that would be great. The problem with the TV show, IMO, was with the Hulk himself, and his lack of actual strength due to budget or creative liberties. I don't think the film will treat him anything like that, so hopefully everything will come together here in the next few months...

In no way that'll happen.

Other than that, I agree with everything you said.