Hulk is coming to TV, while Punisher isn't

Following the massive success of the comic book movie The Avengers, The Incredible Hulk may be smashing his way to television in 2013. The television network ABC, which is part of the Disney-owned family that includes Marvel Comics, recently announced that a Hulk show is being primed for the 2013-2014 season. It would mark the first live-action adaptation of the venerable Marvel property for the small screen since the 1970s series that co-starred Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno, and which aired for five seasons.

Avengers fans might be interested to know that television veteran Joss Whedon, who happened to direct and co-write the blockbuster team-up movie, appears to be unconnected to the project at this point. Instead, the major name attached is Guillermo del Toro, who would serve as executive producer. Like Whedon, his resume is tinged with horror/action projects, and between Hellboy, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and the sequel movie Blade II, he certainly appears to know a thing or two about comic book adaptations. The series should be highly-anticipated, provided that the hype from The Avengers hasn't died out by next year.

Interestingly, while Marvel's Green Goliath may be looking to become the next multi-media star, other Marvel characters have had less luck. Fox and ABC had shown an interest in the ultra-violent vigilante The Punisher and the female hero Jessica Jones, respectively, but those series have reportedly stalled in development. It's not entirely surprising; Jessica Jones is unproven, and while The Punisher has starred in several features over the years, the most recent was a commercial dud. On the other hand, The Hulk just co-starred in a film that has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, and he couldn't be more visible. Frankly, Marvel would probably have an easier time getting an Agent Coulson television show off the ground - that is, if they aren't already trying.