Anna Daniels
“Shulkie,” as she’s affectionately known by fans, is a fierce lawyer, fashion plate (though at 6’7″, custom tailoring is a must), and occasionally aware of her own nature as a fictional character. Despite her independence, she’s spent some time as part of the ever-loving Four, most notably when she replaced a soul-searching Thing. As it turned out, her upbeat attitude, kooky storylines, and thrilling heroics fit the Four like a big green hand in a giant glove.
She-Hulk requires an actress of an iron will, who understands that strength and conviction don’t come at the cost of humor or joy. Betty Gilpin — star of GLOW, Isn’t It Romantic, and The Hunt — is exactly that sort of actress. As Debbie Eagan, Gilpin plays a newly single mother whose acting career has led her to the world of professional wrestling. She’s often stressed, irritable, and smeared as strident, but it’s only because she loves so fiercely. Her desire to provide for her son, escape her impoverished childhood, and demand respect from an unfair industry drive her to absolute genius.
That sort of passion, commitment, and sheer ferocity would serve She-Hulk splendidly, while avoiding the pitfalls a lesser actor might trip into. Gilpin wouldn’t settle for a generic air of “sass.” She understands the truth of ambitious, driven characters far better than that. And She-Hulk, whose name is sometimes preceded by “the Savage,” is nothing if not driven.
Written by: Looper
