Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, more famously known as Bruce Banner or his alter ego, The Hulk, is a central character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Originally portrayed by Edward Norton and later by Mark Ruffalo, Banner is a genius physicist whose life changes forever after a catastrophic experiment involving gamma radiation. The experiment, which aimed to replicate a supersoldier program, goes horribly wrong, and Banner is transformed into a massive, muscular creature with green skin whenever his heart rate spikes above 200 beats per minute or when he’s in mortal danger.
As the Hulk, Banner gains incredible strength and near-impervious durability, becoming an unstoppable force. Over time, he learns to better control his monstrous transformation and eventually becomes a founding member of the Avengers, using his immense power to protect the world. However, after the devastating conflict with Ultron, Banner’s life takes another turn—he’s accidentally transported to Sakaar, a distant planet where he remains as the Hulk for several years.
When he finally returns to Earth during the battle against Thanos, Banner is forever changed. After the Blip, he manages to merge his brilliant mind with the Hulk’s power, achieving a harmonious balance between the two identities. Using the Nano Gauntlet, Banner plays a crucial role in the Avengers’ daring mission to undo the destruction caused by Thanos, restoring trillions of lives across the universe.
Following his victory, Banner’s life takes another twist when his cousin Jennifer Walters becomes imbued with his blood and transforms into She-Hulk. Banner trains her to control her powers before leaving Earth once more, this time to return to Sakaar. But his story doesn’t end there—he returns months later, now accompanied by his son, Skaar.
Banner’s journey unfolds across nine MCU films and the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. He first appeared in The Incredible Hulk (2008), played by Edward Norton, before Mark Ruffalo took over the role. While the character has generally been praised by both critics and audiences, some have noted inconsistencies in his portrayal over the years. Additionally, Ruffalo has voiced various alternate versions of Banner in the animated series What If…?.
The Origin Story
Bruce Banner, a brilliant scientist and medical doctor with seven PhDs, began his journey at Culver University in Virginia. There, he crossed paths with General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, the father of Banner’s girlfriend Betty Ross. Ross was working on a top-secret experiment designed to make humans immune to gamma radiation—an area of expertise for Banner. The experiment, an attempt to recreate the World War II-era supersoldier program, disastrously failed. The exposure to gamma radiation triggered the first transformation into the Hulk, sending him into a destructive rampage that destroyed the lab, caused several deaths, and left Banner on the run from the U.S. military.
Now a fugitive, Banner’s life would never be the same, especially with General Ross hunting him down, determined to weaponize the Hulk for his own military purposes.