The 1970s Superhero TV Landscape: Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, and Lou Ferrigno's Take
The late 1970s marked a significant period for superhero entertainment, with the release of Richard Donner's iconic film "Superman" in 1978 and the rise of superhero TV shows like "Super Sentai" and "Kamen Rider" in Japan. In the United States, popular shows included "The Six Million Dollar Man," "The Bionic Woman," and quirky series like "Bigfoot and Wildboy" and "Electra Woman and Dyna Girl." Additionally, Filmation introduced live-action superhero series like "Shazam!" and "The Amazing Spider-Man" during this era.
Two standout superhero shows from the 1970s were "Wonder Woman" and "The Incredible Hulk." "Wonder Woman," starring Lynda Carter, followed the adventures of Diana Prince as she transformed into the superheroine to battle villains. On the other hand, "The Incredible Hulk," featuring Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the green-skinned monster, explored a more somber tone as Banner sought justice while dealing with his transformation.
Despite being part of the growing superhero media landscape of the '70s, Lou Ferrigno, who portrayed the Hulk, expressed his lack of enthusiasm for "Wonder Woman" in a 1979 interview with Starlog Magazine. Ferrigno believed the show lacked substance and preferred more serious superhero portrayals. He also shared his thoughts on other superhero shows, suggesting that "The Amazing Spider-Man" could have benefited from a different lead actor.
While Ferrigno may not have been a fan of "Wonder Woman," the series had a dedicated fan base who appreciated its fun and fantastical elements, including Diana's invisible jet. In contrast, Ferrigno highlighted the seriousness and depth of "The Incredible Hulk," emphasizing that the show took a different approach from the campy tone of the 1960s "Batman" series.
In conclusion, the 1970s were a transformative time for superhero media, with iconic shows like "Wonder Woman" and "The Incredible Hulk" captivating audiences with their unique storytelling and character portrayals. Lou Ferrigno's perspective on superhero shows offers insight into the diverse range of interpretations within the genre during that era.