MCU: Incredible Hulk Heading to New Streaming Service (Not Disney+)

By Richard Nebens Updated:
The Incredible Hulk, HBO Max

These days, after each Marvel Studios film makes its run in theaters, it subsequently moves to the Disney+ streaming service more often than not. Currently, there are only four movies that don't reside on Disney's streaming home - a group that consists of the Spider-Man trilogy and 2008's The Incredible Hulk. This is due to both characters' rights falling under the ownership of Sony Pictures and Universal Pictures, respectively.

The liscensing issues have plagued the Hulk in particular over the years, resulting in the character only leading one solo movie in the MCU - the franchise's second full project. Although this may change in the near future thanks to She-Hulk's imminent debut on Disney+, the angry green giant still remains a bit of an anomaly amongst his Avengers counterparts.

While The Incredible Hulk is available for purchase through various marketplaces, both virtual and physical, Edward Norton's MCU solo movie can only currently be streamed via Spectrum on Demand. That now changes thanks to a new report surrounding this film, although its new home is far from the one that fans may have expected.

Incredible Hulk Finds a Streaming Home

Hulk.Marvel Studios
Marvel

Decider revealed the lengthy list of movies that will be available to stream on HBO and HBO Max starting in April 2022. One movie on that list is 2008's The Incredible Hulk, the second movie released within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which will start streaming at the start of the month on Friday, April 1.

Other notable April additions alongside Edward Norton's MCU solo movie include Dances With Wolves (1990), Les Miserables (1998), and Rain Man (1988).

HBO Max Hosting a New Marvel Movie?

HBO Max is largely known for being the main home for Warner Bros.' DC films, including the entire DC Extended Universe and dozens of other superhero outings. Although The Incredible Hulk is firmly a part of the Marvel world, this isn't the first film from the red side of comic book movies that calls this particular streaming service home.

Other past Marvel movies on the platform include all three movies in Wesley Snipes' Blade trilogy and 2020's The New Mutants from 20th Century Fox. Because these films were never under the Disney umbrella or within the MCU, it's more plausible to see them on HBO Max rather than alongside their more recent counterparts on Disney+. 

The Incredible Hulk coming to HBO Max is likely due to its place under Universal ownership, even though the MCU can use the character only in team-up movies. This could change in the near future, especially with Universal neighbor Namor coming into Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but it will remain the case as long as the these characters' rights remain with Universal. 

For now, The Incredible Hulk will be available to stream on HBO and HBO Max starting on April 1. The rest of the MCU, excluding the Spider-Man trilogy, is available for viewing on Disney+.

- About The Author: Richard Nebens
Richard Nebens joined The Direct in March 2020, now serving as the site's Senior Writer and also working as an assistant editor and content creator. He started his journalism career as a hobby in 2019 and is passionate about sharing news and stories from the entertainment industry, especially comic book movies, comedy, and sci-fi. Richard looks to expand his knowledge about movies and TV every day, and he is eager to stay locked into the latest releases and breaking news at every opportunity.