10 Biggest Ways The MCU Hulk's Story Has Changed Since His Movie Debut

When Hulk debuted in 2008 as part of the early Marvel 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 of the 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 in The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner’s role was soon taken over by Mark Ruffalo starting with The 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.

10

The 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 in Thor: 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 of Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), after feeling Earth and seeking solace.

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 the first 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.

9

The Smart Hulk Is Created

Avengers: Endgame

By Avengers: 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 in The Incredible Hulk.

8

The Hulk’s Son Is Revealed

She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

Perhaps the most surprising development in Hulk’s storyline came during the finale of She-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.

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 of Planet Hulk or even World 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 in Avengers: 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 in Age of Ultron, the storyline was largely abandoned in subsequent films, particularly after Hulk left Earth for Sakaar. By the time Bruce returned in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), his dynamic with Natasha was noticeably downplayed, and her death in Avengers: 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.

6

Hulk Is No Longer On The Run

The Avengers

When Bruce Banner first appeared in The 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.

By The 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 in Thor: 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 ᴀssisting others as seen in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022).

She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, Captain America: Brave New World

In The 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 in Captain 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 in The Incredible Hulk and has since returned in a more controlled version of his monstrous form. She-Hulk also 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.

The Avengers

During The 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 time The Avengers introduced him, Bruce had accepted Hulk as a part of himself, focusing more on managing his condition than eliminating it.

This change was cemented in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and Thor: Ragnarok, where Hulk took on a larger role and Banner showed no desire to remove him. The most significant shift came in Avengers: Endgame (2019), where Bruce willingly merged his idenтιтies, becoming Smart Hulk. Rather than seeking a cure, he now embraces his dual nature, using it to help others.

The Avengers

In The 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 in The Incredible Hulk Bruce had learned to control his transformation. This is definitively confirmed by The 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 in Age of Ultron when he rampaged in Johannesburg – leading to the iconic Hulkbuster scene. By the time Banner has merged his personalities into Smart Hulk in Endgame, the transformations became irrelevant. Subsequently, Banner has invented a suppressor that reverted him, albeit temporarily, back to his human form.

The Avengers

When Bruce Banner debuted in The 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 with The 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.

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 in Age of Ultron. Later, Bruce developed friendships with Thor in Ragnarok and Jennifer Walters in She-Hulk. No longer an isolated fugitive, Bruce has formed meaningful relationships that have helped him grow as both a scientist and a superhero.

1

Hulk Has Faced Foes Stronger Than Him

Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War

In The 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 Avengers saw him take on Loki and the Chitauri, but his true test came in Thor: Ragnarok, where he battled Thor in an arena match. While evenly matched, Thor nearly won before outside interference.

The most devastating loss came in Avengers: 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 in Endgame. While he was once seen as the strongest Avenger, his battles have proven that even Hulk has limits, forcing him to evolve beyond brute strength.

Hulk

Created by: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
First Film: The Incredible Hulk Returns
Latest Film: Avengers: Endgame
First TV Show: The Incredible Hulk
Latest TV Show: She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Cast: Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Mark Ruffalo

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