WhenHulkdebuted in 2008 as part of the earlyMarvel Cinematic Universe, few could have predicted the drastic shifts that Bruce Banner and his gamma-powered alter ego would undergo. From casting changes to unexpected character arcs, the MCU’s Hulk has evolved far beyond his solo film, becoming a key part ofthe MCU timeline’s interconnected narrative. Over the years, Hulk’s storyline has taken surprising turns, introducing new characters, shifting his personality, and even altering his physical form.
Initially played by Edward Norton inThe Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner’s role was soon taken over by Mark Ruffalo starting withThe Avengers(2012). Unlike many other MCU heroes, Hulk never received a direct sequel, instead developing through team-up films and crossover appearances. Despite a relatively low-profile beginning compared to other original Avengers, Hulk has experienced some of the most drastic transformations in the franchise, both physically and narratively.
10The Hulk Ends Up In Sakaar
Thor: Ragnarok
One of the most unexpected turns in Hulk’s story was his time on Sakaar, a distant planet introduced inThor: Ragnarok(2017). This storyline borrowed heavily from Marvel Comics’Planet Hulk, a fan-favorite arc where Hulk is exiled to a gladiator-filled alien world. In the MCU, instead of being sent away intentionally,Hulk crash-landed on Sakaar after the events ofAvengers: Age of Ultron(2015), after feeling Earth and seeking solace.
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He remained in his Hulk form for years, becoming the Grandmaster’s gladiatorial champion and fully embracing his life as a warrior. This period marked a significant shift in his character, as it was thefirst time audiences saw Hulk as more than just a rage-driven brute. Hulk had developed a personality, a sense of humor, more developed speech, and even an attachment to his new home.
9The Smart Hulk Is Created
Avengers: Endgame
ByAvengers: Endgame(2019), Bruce Banner had undergone one of his most dramatic changes yet: he had merged his intelligence with the Hulk’s physical form, creating Smart Hulk (also known as Professor Hulk in the comics). This transformation happened offscreen during the five-year time jump following Thanos’ snap, with Banner explaining that he spent time in a lab perfecting the blend of his two personas. This change redefined Hulk’s presence in the MCU, as he was no longer the uncontrollable force he once was.
Instead, Hulk became a calm, collected, and even comedic figure, embracing his abilities while maintaining Bruce’s intellect. However, this shift also meant that some of the raw power and unpredictability of the original Hulk were lost, leaving some viewers divided over the new version of the character. Regardless, it’s a huge departure from the rage-fuelled behemoth seen inThe Incredible Hulk.
8The Hulk’s Son Is Revealed
She-Hulk: Attorney At Law
Perhaps the most surprising development in Hulk’s storyline came during the finale ofShe-Hulk: Attorney at Law(2022), when he introduced his son, Skaar. The revelation confirmed that Hulk’s time on Sakaar had lasting consequences, as he had fathered a child before eventually returning to Earth. In Marvel Comics, Skaar is the offspring of Hulk and Caiera, a Sakaaran warrior, and possesses immense strength along with some of his father’s gamma-related abilities.
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While the MCU has yet to explore Skaar’s origins in detail. However, his sudden introduction hints at future storylines that could bring back elements ofPlanet Hulkor evenWorld War Hulk, two comic arcs audiences have long speculated about. This twist adds a new layer to Hulk’s character, making him not just a hero but also a father, which could dramatically impact his future appearances.
Avengers: Age Of Ultron
One of the more controversial changes to Hulk’s MCU story was his unexpected romance with Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow. First teased inAvengers: Age of Ultron(2015), their relationship was portrayed as a tender but tragic love story, with Natasha being one of the few who could calm Hulk down. However, the romance was met with mixed reactions from fans, especially since it was not previously hinted at in earlier films.
Despite the setup inAge of Ultron, the storyline was largely abandoned in subsequent films, particularly after Hulk left Earth for Sakaar. By the time Bruce returned inAvengers: Infinity War(2018), his dynamic with Natasha was noticeably downplayed, and her death inAvengers: Endgame(2019) effectively ended any possibility of revisiting the relationship. Though brief, their connection remains one of the more unexpected turns in Hulk’s MCU journey.
6Hulk Is No Longer On The Run
The Avengers
When Bruce Banner first appeared inThe Incredible Hulk(2008), he was a fugitive, constantly evading General Ross and the U.S. government. His story revolved around staying off the grid, avoiding detection, and controlling his anger to prevent another destructive rampage. However, as the MCU progressed, this status quo changed significantly.
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ByThe Avengers(2012), Bruce had already stopped running, having settled in India before being recruited by S.H.I.E.L.D. Over time, he transitioned from an outcast to a valued team member, particularly with the Avengers, and is no longer pursued by the military. While he did experience exile again inThor: Ragnarok(2017), it was not due to pursuit but rather an unintended journey into space. Since then, Hulk has become more integrated into society, even openly assisting others as seen inShe-Hulk: Attorney at Law(2022).
5Bruce Banner Isn’t The Only Hulk In The MCU
She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, Captain America: Brave New World
InThe Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner was the sole person dealing with gamma radiation-induced transformations, making his struggle unique. However, the MCU has since introduced multiple gamma-powered individuals. Jennifer Walters, Bruce’s cousin, became She-Hulk after a blood transfusion from him, adding another Hulk to the MCU. Meanwhile Thaddeus Ross’s Red Hulk inCaptain America: Brave New World.This proffers three official Hulks in the MCU, plus the other gamma-infused characters.
Emil Blonsky, a.k.a. Abomination, was a villain inThe Incredible Hulkand has since returned in a more controlled version of his monstrous form.She-Hulkalso introduced Bruce’s son Skaar, who boasts the famed green skin and large frame. With multiple gamma-powered individuals now active, Bruce is no longer the sole representative of this superhuman category, expanding the mythology beyond his personal journey established in the early MCU.
4Bruce Banner Is No Longer Seeking A Cure
DuringThe Incredible Hulk, Bruce was desperate to rid himself of the Hulk, seeing the transformation as a curse rather than a gift. He actively researched ways to neutralize his gamma mutation, even working with Dr. Samuel Sterns to develop a potential cure. However, this motivation faded as the MCU progressed. By the timeThe Avengersintroduced him, Bruce had accepted Hulk as a part of himself, focusing more on managing his condition than eliminating it.
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This change was cemented inAvengers: Age of Ultron(2015) andThor: Ragnarok, where Hulk took on a larger role and Banner showed no desire to remove him. The most significant shift came inAvengers: Endgame(2019), where Bruce willingly merged his identities, becoming Smart Hulk. Rather than seeking a cure, he now embraces his dual nature, using it to help others.
3Bruce Banner Can Control His Transformations
InThe Incredible Hulk, Bruce had no control over his transformations, with each shift triggered by stress, anger, or external forces. His lack of control made him a dangerous liability, leading to immense destruction and making him fear his own abilities. It is implied, but never confirmed, in the final scene inThe Incredible HulkBruce had learned to control his transformation. This is definitively confirmed byThe Avengers, he claimed to be"always angry,“and is able to transform at will.
Of course, during this time, Banner would also transform during times of stress, as seen inAge of Ultronwhen he rampaged in Johannesburg – leading to the iconic Hulkbuster scene. By the time Banner has merged his personalities into Smart Hulk inEndgame, the transformations became irrelevant. Subsequently, Banner has invented a suppressor that reverted him, albeit temporarily, back to his human form.
2Bruce Banner Has Made Friends And Teammates
When Bruce Banner debuted inThe Incredible Hulk, he was a loner, avoiding close relationships for fear of harming others. His only major connections were Betty Ross and Dr. Samuel Sterns, but neither became a lasting part of his journey. This changed dramatically withThe Avengers, where Bruce found camaraderie among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. His closest bond was with Tony Stark, with whom he shared a love of science, leading to their “Science Bros” friendship.
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This even led to Banner moving into Stark Towers. Natasha Romanoff also became a key figure in his life, offering emotional support and even a romantic subplot inAge of Ultron. Later, Bruce developed friendships with Thor inRagnarokand Jennifer Walters inShe-Hulk. No longer an isolated fugitive, Bruce has formed meaningful relationships that have helped him grow as both a scientist and a superhero.
1Hulk Has Faced Foes Stronger Than Him
Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War
InThe Incredible Hulk, Bruce’s greatest challenge was Abomination, a gamma-powered rival who matched him in strength. However, the MCU has since pitted Hulk against even stronger adversaries.The Avengerssaw him take on Loki and the Chitauri, but his true test came inThor: Ragnarok, where he battled Thor in an arena match. While evenly matched, Thor nearly won before outside interference.
The most devastating loss came inAvengers: Infinity War(2018), when Hulk was swiftly defeated by Thanos in hand-to-hand combat. This loss shook his confidence, causing him to retreat during the battle for Earth. Though he didn’t fight Thanos again, he played a key role in reversing the Blip inEndgame. While he was once seen as the strongest Avenger, his battles have proven that evenHulkhas limits, forcing him to evolve beyond brute strength.
