At the end of "The Incredible Hulk" movie, in a post-credits scene, Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) meets with General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (played by William Hurt) in a bar. Tony enters the bar and introduces himself to Ross, who is surprised to see him there. Tony then tells Ross that a "team" is being put together and they need Ross's help. This is a reference to the formation of the Avengers, and Tony's intention to recruit Ross to help them. The scene serves as a tie-in to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as the events of "The Incredible Hulk" take place in the same universe as the other Marvel films.