While Bruce Banner’s transformation into the green-skinned behemoth is the most iconic version of the Hulk, the Marvel universe, both cinematic and televised, has introduced several unique Hulks over the years. Each different version of the Hulk brings its own spin on rage, power, and responsibility, from alternate personalities to entirely new characters who’ve inherited Hulk-like abilities. These diverse versions have appeared across live-action and animated adaptations, expanding the mythos far beyond Banner’s inner struggle.

Inspired by Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Bruce Banner’s transformation into a monstrous powerhouse was initially triggered by anger, creating a constant internal war between his intellect and his primal instincts. Over the decades, different personalities and characters took on Hulk-like roles, making the “Hulk” moniker more than just Banner’s alter ego. With the MCU timeline delving deeper into the multiverse and legacy characters, it’s a perfect time to look back at other major Hulk versions that have appeared on-screen.

11

Savage Hulk (AKA Bruce Banner)

The Incredible Hulk (1977) Through To The MCU

Savage Hulk is Bruce Banner’s primary Hulk persona, defined by his immense strength, limited speech, and childlike rage. He represents the most primal version of the character, driven by instinct and emotion rather than intellect. While other Hulk personas have emerged in comics, the savage form remains the most iconic and widely adapted.

Savage Hulk was first adapted in the 1970s The Incredible Hulk TV series starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. He appeared in numerous animated series, including the 1982 Incredible Hulk, the iconic 1996 version, and Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. The MCU version has become one of the most enduring, played first by Edward Norton and then Mark Ruffalo.

10

She-Hulk (AKA Jen Walters)

The Incredible Hulk (1982) Through To She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

Jennifer Walters is Bruce Banner’s cousin who gains Hulk-like powers after receiving a life-saving blood transfusion from him. Unlike Bruce, Jen retains her intelligence and emotional stability in her Hulk form, leading to her role as the confident, fourth-wall-breaking “She-Hulk.” Her character often leans into satire and legal drama, especially in recent portrayals that blend superhero action with social commentary and humor.

She-Hulk made her animated debut in the 1982 Incredible Hulk cartoon and was a major character in the 1996 animated series. Her most prominent live-action appearance is in Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022), where Tatiana Maslany stars as Jen Walters. The Disney+ series directly connects to the MCU and includes appearances by Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner and Charlie Cox’s Daredevil.

9

Red Hulk (AKA Thaddeus Ross)

The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes Through To Captain America: Brave New World

General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a longtime Hulk antagonist and father of Betty Ross, becomes the Red Hulk after gamma experimentation. Ross’s transformation is military-driven, making him a more aggressive, tactical version of the Hulk. Red Hulk is distinct not only in appearance but also in personality. He retains his intelligence but is consumed by rage and a desire for control.

While General Ross has been a steadfast villain in Hulk media for years, Red Hulk wasn’t adapted until 2010’s The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. He became a main character in Hulk and the Agents of SMASH and made brief appearances in Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers ᴀssemble. Red Hulk made his live-action debut in Captain America: Brave New World, after Harrison Ford took over the role of Thaddeus Ross in the MCU.

8

A-Bomb (AKA Rick Jones)

Hulk And The Agents Of SMASH & Ultimate Spider-Man

Rick Jones was introduced as the man Bruce Banner saved from gamma radiation, leading to him becoming the Hulk. Rick’s subsequent transformation into A-Bomb comes after he is exposed to gamma radiation, giving him superhuman strength and durability. Unlike the Savage Hulk, A-Bomb maintains a more upbeat, joking personality and serves as both comic relief and a formidable fighter.

A-Bomb appears most prominently in the animated series Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (2013–2015), voiced by Seth Green. In this series, Rick is a central character and serves as the team’s tech-savvy and comedic member. He also has a non-speaking cameo in Ultimate Spider-Man. However, a pre-gamma Rick has appeared in numerous animated Hulk series.

7

Grey Hulk (AKA Joe Fixit)

The Incredible Hulk (1996) Through To Iron Man: Armored Adventures

The Grey Hulk, also known as Joe Fixit, is one of Bruce Banner’s alternate personalities created by his fractured psyche. Unlike the green Savage Hulk, Joe Fixit is a street-smart enforcer with a more cunning, sarcastic demeanor and less raw power. Often depicted working in Las Vegas as a mob bodyguard, Grey Hulk has a distinct personality that’s morally ambiguous and manipulative.

Though never adapted in live-action, Joe Fixit has appeared in The Incredible Hulk (1996), where he briefly takes over Hulk’s persona and subsequently battles Savage Hulk for control of Bruce’s mind during transformations. He also had a memorable appearance in Ultimate Spider-Man and Iron Man: Armored Adventures. He is yet to appear in live-action, but it would be a great way to revitalize Hulk’s MCU story.

6

Skaar, Hulk’s Son

Hulk And The Agents Of SMASH, Ultimate Spider-Man, & She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

Skaar is the son of the Hulk and Caiera the Oldstrong, born during Hulk’s time on the alien planet Sakaar. Inheriting powers from both parents, Skaar possesses immense strength, healing abilities, and a savage warrior instinct. Though raised in a war-torn world, Skaar’s arrival in Earth’s storyline introduces a volatile father-son dynamic.

Skaar made his live-action debut in the MCU during the final episode of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022), shocking audiences with his sudden appearance. Though only shown briefly, his introduction opens the door for more Hulk-themed stories in the MCU, though they are yet to materialize. Skaar is also a central character in Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., where he is portrayed as a less intelligent but fiercely loyal teammate.

5

Red She-Hulk (AKA Betty Ross)

Hulk And The Agents Of SMASH

Betty Ross, originally known as Bruce Banner’s love interest and daughter of General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, becomes Red She-Hulk after undergoing a gamma-based transformation. Unlike Jennifer Walters’ She-Hulk, Betty’s version is more aggressive and conflicted, often manipulated by outside forces. She retains much of her intelligence but is more volatile and driven by deep emotional wounds.

A variation of Red She-Hulk appeared in Hulk and the Agents of SMASH, in a post-apocalyptic future where Red Hulk has a child named Betts. Non-gamma Betty has appeared in the majority of Hulk media, portrayed by Jennifer Connelly (Hulk, 2003) and Liv Tyler in the MCU. She also had memorable appearances in the 1996 The Incredible Hulk.

4

Professor Hulk (AKA Bruce Banner)

Avengers: Endgame & She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

Professor Hulk is a fusion of Bruce Banner’s intellect with the strength and physicality of the Savage Hulk. Representing a balance between brains and brawn, this version is more stable, articulate, and emotionally mature than previous incarnations. He’s able to think tactically in battle and maintain relationships while still being incredibly powerful. In the comics, this personality emerges after years of psychological therapy and inner conflict between Banner’s idenтιтies.

Professor Hulk appears prominently in the MCU’s Avengers: Endgame (2019), portrayed by Mark Ruffalo. After the five-year time jump, Bruce reveals he put the brains and the brawn together, resulting in a version that retains Banner’s intelligence and Hulk’s body. This version also appeared in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.

3

Maestro (AKA Future Evil Hulk)

Hulk And The Agents Of SMASH

Maestro is a future version of the Hulk from an alternate dystopian timeline where nuclear war has wiped out most of humanity. Unlike his heroic past self, Maestro retains Bruce Banner’s intelligence but is corrupted by power, trauma, and time. A tyrant ruling over the ruins of Earth, Maestro is both brilliant and cruel, driven by a belief that only his brutal leadership can maintain order.

Maestro is one of the most dangerous Hulks ever created. He has yet to make a live-action appearance, but he has featured in animated form in Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., appearing as a future threat or alternate reality villain. His striking design – complete with white beard – has made him a fan-favorite candidate for future multiverse storylines in the MCU.

2

Dark Hulk (AKA Bruce Banner)

The Incredible Hulk (1996)

Dark Hulk is another alternate persona of Bruce Banner, often viewed as an even more destructive version of the Hulk. In some interpretations, he’s a corrupted, mind-controlled Hulk pushed beyond his natural limits, frequently used as a weapon by villains or under magical influence. This version is driven less by Bruce’s trauma and more by external manipulation or supernatural corruption.

While Dark Hulk hasn’t been specifically named in screen adaptations, elements of this persona appeared in The Incredible Hulk (1996) in the iconic episode “Mind Over Anti-Matter,” where Hulk bonds with a dark enтιтy, and She-Hulk and Doctor Strange team up to free him. A full version of Dark Hulk has not yet been explored in the MCU, but future multiversal stories could easily bring him into focus.