Thor: Ragnarok Referenced Jeff Goldblum’s Failed Hulk 2003 Audition

Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe became what it is now, it went through many ups and downs with different superhero films, among those Ang Lee’s Hulk, which could have had Jeff Goldblum as the title character – something that was subtly referenced in Thor: Ragnarok. The MCU went through a much needed change with Taika Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok, which not only explained where Thor and the Hulk were during the events of Captain America: Civil War, but also gave the God of Thunder a personality, seizing Chris Hemsworth’s comedic talents, and helped shape Avengers: Infinity War.

Thor: Ragnarok takes place two years after the battle of Sokovia in Avengers: Age of Ultron, and follows Thor’s efforts to escape the other side of the universe in order to save Asgard from Hela (Cate Blanchett) and the imminent Ragnarok. In the meantime, he and Loki reunite with their father, Odin, before he passes away, the two brothers end up in garbage planet Sakaar, and they reunite with the Hulk. Thor and his Avengers teammate were brought together by the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum), one of the Elders of the Universe and Sakaar’s ruler, as he wanted them to compete in his Contest of Champions. Little did he know, these two are good friends.

Many actors from the MCU have previously taken part in other Marvel films, such as Chris Evans as Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel, and others have joined the Marvel Universe after failing to play other characters in past films. Such is the case of Jeff Goldblum, and Thor: Ragnarok wasted no time in referencing it.

Thor: Ragnarok Has A Subtle Reference To Jeff Goldblum’s Hulk Audition

Hulk made the jump to the big screen in 2003 in the film simply titled Hulk. Eric Bana was the one in charge of playing Bruce Banner/Hulk, but before he was cast, many actors were considered for the role and even auditioned for it, among those Jeff Goldblum. Of course, that failed audition didn’t stop Goldblum, who worked on a number of films and TV shows before he officially joined the Marvel Universe in Thor: Ragnarok.

As it turns out, the film included a very subtle reference to Goldblum’s Hulk screen-test, and it can be found in the scene where the Grandmaster introduces Hulk at the arena. The Grandmaster says the Hulk is “unique, there’s none like him” and that he “feels a special connection to him” – surely, Goldblum wouldn’t have been interested in playing the character if he didn’t feel some connection to it. Ultimately, losing the role was for the best for Goldblum’s career, and it gave him the opportunity to join the Marvel Universe with a much better character. Both Taika Waititi and Jeff Goldblum are known for not taking themselves too seriously and for their sense of humor, so it’s not surprising that they would go for such a subtle yet fun reference to Goldblum’s Hulk audition, adding more to the special comedic tone of Thor: Ragnarok.

About The Author

Adrienne Tyler
(3274 Articles Published)

Adrienne Tyler is a features writer for Screen Rant. She is an Audiovisual Communication graduate who wanted to be a filmmaker, but life had other plans (and it turned out great). Prior to Screen Rant, she wrote for Pop Wrapped, 4 Your Excitement (4YE), and D20Crit, where she was also a regular guest at Netfreaks podcast. She was also a contributor for FanSided’s BamSmackPow and 1428 Elm. Adrienne is very into films and she enjoys a bit of everything: from superhero films to heartbreaking dramas, to low-budget horror films. Every time she manages to commit to a TV show without getting bored, an angel gets its wings.

When she’s not writing, you can find her trying to learn a new language, watching hockey (go Avs!), or wondering what life would have been like had Pushing Daisies, Firefly, and Limitless not been cancelled. Breakfast food is life and coffee is what makes the world go round.

Guillermo del Toro said “hi” to her once. It was great.

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