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Even years of professional bodybuilding didn’t seem to be enough for Arnold Schwarzenegger to get the role of Hulk.
The former governor of California was being considered for the 1977 series titledThe Incredible Hulkthat aired on CBS. While the muscular god would have been an impeccable fit to portray Dr. Banner’s monstrous alter ego, astonishingly enough, Schwarzenegger didn’t tick all the boxes to be able to bag the role.
For all the muscle thatThe Terminatorstar packs, it should’ve been an easy yes for the showrunners to assign the character to him. But turns out his height was the thorn in the road as Schwarzenegger was ruled to be too short to play Hulk. Looks like 6’2 isn’t the standard after all.
See also:Arnold Schwarzenegger’s $212M Movie Co-Star Hasn’t Forgiven Him for ‘Intentionally’ Farting on Her Face: “He had me in a position where I couldn’t escape”
Why Arnold Schwarzenegger Wasn’t Cast As Hulk inThe Incredible Hulk(1977)
The Incredible Hulkstarred Bill Bixby as David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as his green, brawny alter ego who, with his unforgiving temper and fury stood in sharp contrast to the docile yet shrewd scientist inhabiting the monster named Hulk. Executive-produced by Kenneth Johnson, the series had a successful run for 5 seasons with its final episode concluding in 1982.
As perAmerican Comic Book Chronicles, the creators ofThe Incredible Hulkwere eyeingArnold Schwarzeneggerto portray Hulk in the sci-fi show. But even after being 6’2, thePredatorstar had apparently been rejected for the role since the writer and co-producer believed that was not tall enough.
Since height seemed to be paramount to the character, the show’s developer then offered the role toMoonrakerstar Richard Kiel who was popular for being a 7’2 giant. But while Kiel met that requirement, he lacked the muscle that also happened to be Hulk’s defining feature. So the role was ultimately passed on to the 6’5 retired professional bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno.
Turns out, that wasn’t the only time when Ferrigno, 71, was competing with Schwarzenegger.
See also:“The body was really extraordinary”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Was Awestruck by Marvel Star Jake Gyllenhaal’s Insane Transformation for $94M Movie
Arnold Schwarzenegger And Lou Ferrigno Are Both Bodybuilding Champions
While Schwarzenegger, 75, holds the crown for winning Mr. Olympia 7 times, thePumping Ironstar too was a renowned bodybuilder during his glory days, winning an IFBB Mr. America title along with two consecutive IFBB Mr. Universe titles. What’s more, the two hunks had been opponents in the 1974 Mr. Olympia contest wherein the Commando star ultimately emerged victorious, leaving Ferringo in second place.
See also:What Happened Between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone – 20 Years of Rivalry Explained
Despite their professional rivalry though, Ferringo actually holds Schwarzenegger in high regard and has immense respect for him as well. He even posted a picture of him with his idol on his Facebook and sang his opponent’s praise.“I looked up to Arnold and I was very excited to be on stage with him,”he wrote.“In 1 year I went from Mr. America to then competing in Mr. Olympia. I knew I wasn’t in my best shape but this competition really raised the bar in my career.”
And now, the two are close friends and workout buddies too!
Source:Looper
Khushi Shah
Articles Published :857
With a prolific knowledge of everything pop culture and a strong penchant for writing, Khushi has penned over 700 articles during her time as an author at FandomWire.An abnormal psychology student and an fervent reader of dark fiction, her most trusted soldiers are coffee and a good book.
