A man in a tweed jacket stands with clenched fists in a lamplit apartment as a giant green shadow with enormous fists looms on the wall behind him.

Original artwork, not a still

David Banner

Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.

— The Incredible Hulk • 1977

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

It is a warning delivered by the gentlest man in the room, and it sets up the series' whole bargain: every week a quiet, tired David Banner is pushed past his limit and something else takes over. The TV series made it the Hulk's catchphrase. It has since become the stock way to say that someone is about to lose their temper, usually by a person who is not about to turn green.

Context reviewed

In context

Spoilers for The Incredible HulkShow the scene

In the pilot movie of The Incredible Hulk (CBS, 4 November 1977), Dr. David Banner has been working with Dr. Elaina Marks on how people tap hidden strength, after a gamma-radiation accident. Tabloid reporter Jack McGee comes to their private research institute asking about a monster that has been seen nearby and tells Banner to his face that he is a liar. Banner calmly replies that McGee should not make him angry, because he would not like Banner angry. McGee does not take the hint; his snooping soon sets the lab on fire.

Sources (3)

Context reviewed

Share this quote