| Bruce Banner | |
|---|---|
| Marvel Cinematic Universe character | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Edward_Norton_and_Mark_Ruffalo_as_Bruce_Banner_Hulk.jpg) Bruce Banner / Hulk as portrayed by Edward Norton (left) in The Incredible Hulk and portrayed by Mark Ruffalo (right) in The Avengers (2012) | |
| First appearance | The Incredible Hulk (2008) |
| Based on | |
| Adapted by | Zak Penn |
| Portrayed by |
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| Voiced by | Mark Ruffalo (What If...?) |
| In-universe information | |
| Alias |
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| Title | Champion of Sakaar |
| Occupation |
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| Affiliation |
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| Significant other |
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| Children | Skaar[c] |
| Nationality | American |
Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, more commonly known as Bruce Banner, or his alter ego, the Hulk, is a fictional character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise originally portrayed by Edward Norton and subsequently by Mark Ruffalo—based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Banner is depicted as a genius physicist who, after a failed experiment to replicate a super soldier program using gamma radiation, transforms into a large, muscular creature with green skin whenever his heart rate goes above 200 beats per minute or when facing mortal danger. As the Hulk, he possesses superhuman abilities, including increased strength and durability.
Over time, Banner demonstrates an increasing ability to control the transformation and becomes a founding member of the Avengers. Following the conflict with Ultron, Banner is unintentionally transported to Sakaar, where he remains the Hulk for several years until eventually returning to Earth during the conflict against Thanos. In the years following the Blip, Banner learns to retain the Hulk form with his mind still intact, and he is instrumental in the Avengers' mission using time travel to obtain the Infinity Stones from the past to undo Thanos' actions. Banner restores trillions of lives across the universe using the Stones in a specially-made gauntlet. Banner then participates in the final and victorious battle against Thanos. After his cousin Jennifer Walters is accidentally imbued with his blood, Banner trains her to handle her newfound "She-Hulk" transformation before departing again to Sakaar. He returns months later with his son, Skaar.
Banner is a central MCU character, having appeared in nine MCU films as of 2023, as well as the Disney+ streaming series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. The character was introduced in the titular film The Incredible Hulk (2008), portrayed by Edward Norton before being recast to Mark Ruffalo. The character has been generally well-received by critics and audiences alike, but his inconsistent characterization has received some criticism. Additionally, Ruffalo voices several alternate versions of Banner in the animated series What If...?
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