TMC
04-21-2022, 08:36 PM
https://www.looper.com/840179/game-changing-crossovers-that-almost-happened/
https://www.looper.com/img/gallery/game-changing-crossovers-that-almost-happened/1970s-hulkspider-man-1650579450.webp
Debuting on TV screens in 1977 within mere months of each other, "The Incredible Hulk" and "The Amazing Spider-Man" were the first live-action adaptations of Marvel Comics superheroes. Though the special effects of the day limited their scope, they still managed to impress, with Lou Ferrigno and Bill Bixby in particular making "The Incredible Hulk" a ratings hit that lasted for five seasons plus three follow-up TV movies. "The Amazing Spider-Man," starring Nicholas Hammond as Peter Parker, is sadly best known for its goofy webslinging and ran for just 13 episodes. But if Hammond and Bixby had their way, according to the Hollywood Reporter (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/spider-man-tv-star-nicholas-hammond-no-way-home-1235019437/), there would have been one more that would have put their versions of Spidey and the Hulk together in a special that would have formed the first Marvel television universe.
Hammond reportedly told SFX magazine (via CBR (https://www.cbr.com/spider-man-hulk-tv-crossover-nearly-was/)) that Bill Bixby — who had major pull with the studio at that point — was actually close to a deal with Columbia Television on a project featuring both heroes. "Bill was going to direct, and I was to have writing credits with Stan Lee and Ron Satlof," said the actor, who added that Spider-Man would have worn the recently introduced black costume. The project fell apart due to scheduling conflicts and issues with the two studios who owned the rights. While meeting Spider-Man never happened, Hulk would get his chance at a crossover, meeting both Thor and Daredevil in a pair of television movies in the 1980s.
https://www.looper.com/img/gallery/game-changing-crossovers-that-almost-happened/1970s-hulkspider-man-1650579450.webp
Debuting on TV screens in 1977 within mere months of each other, "The Incredible Hulk" and "The Amazing Spider-Man" were the first live-action adaptations of Marvel Comics superheroes. Though the special effects of the day limited their scope, they still managed to impress, with Lou Ferrigno and Bill Bixby in particular making "The Incredible Hulk" a ratings hit that lasted for five seasons plus three follow-up TV movies. "The Amazing Spider-Man," starring Nicholas Hammond as Peter Parker, is sadly best known for its goofy webslinging and ran for just 13 episodes. But if Hammond and Bixby had their way, according to the Hollywood Reporter (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/spider-man-tv-star-nicholas-hammond-no-way-home-1235019437/), there would have been one more that would have put their versions of Spidey and the Hulk together in a special that would have formed the first Marvel television universe.
Hammond reportedly told SFX magazine (via CBR (https://www.cbr.com/spider-man-hulk-tv-crossover-nearly-was/)) that Bill Bixby — who had major pull with the studio at that point — was actually close to a deal with Columbia Television on a project featuring both heroes. "Bill was going to direct, and I was to have writing credits with Stan Lee and Ron Satlof," said the actor, who added that Spider-Man would have worn the recently introduced black costume. The project fell apart due to scheduling conflicts and issues with the two studios who owned the rights. While meeting Spider-Man never happened, Hulk would get his chance at a crossover, meeting both Thor and Daredevil in a pair of television movies in the 1980s.