Entertainment Gossip and News: The MCU’s Hulk Explosion
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seen an explosion of gamma-irradiated, super-powered characters, despite the lack of a live-action Hulk movie since 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. The release of Captain America: Brave New World has introduced not one, but two brand-new Hulks to the franchise. With so many Hulks now in the MCU, it’s easy to get confused. Let’s break down all the Hulks we’ve encountered so far and explore their unique journeys in the ever-expanding universe.
1. Bruce Banner, the Incredible Hulk
Bruce Banner, played by Mark Ruffalo, is the original Hulk and the heart of the franchise. Since Edward Norton’s portrayal in The Incredible Hulk, Banner has undergone significant character development. From the savage, nearly wordless version in The Avengers to the gladiator Hulk in Thor: Ragnarok and finally to theProfessor Hulk in Avengers: Endgame, Banner has evolved immensely. Now, with the perfect blend of the Hulk’s brawn and Banner’s brains, fans are left wondering what’s next for this iconic character. Will the OG Hulk evolve into something entirely new? Only time will tell.
2. Emil Blonsky, aka The Abomination
Tim Roth’s Emil Blonsky is another familiar face in the MCU. Once a rogue soldier obsessed with gaining superhuman strength, Blonsky transformed into The Abomination after injecting himself with Bruce Banner’s blood. His monstrous transformation made him a formidable villain. However, as revealed in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Blonsky has undergone a dramatic change. He’s traded in his murderous tendencies for a life as a self-help guru, showcasing a surprising evolution from villain to… well, still insufferable, but at least less murderous.
3. Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk
Enter Jennifer Walters, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, Bruce Banner’s cousin and the MCU’s newest Hulk. Her journey begins in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, where she gains her powers after accidentally mixing her blood with Bruce’s during a car accident. Unlike her cousin, Jennifer embraces her Hulk form but struggles with the pressure to live up to superhero expectations. As a lawyer by day and a reluctant superhero by… well, also day, Jennifer’s story explores themes of identity, feminism, and balancing a normal life with extraordinary abilities.
4. Skaar
The final episode of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law introduced Skaar, the son of Bruce Banner. For those unfamiliar, Skaar is the product of Banner’s time on Sakaar, a planet where he was forced into gladiatorial combat. While the MCU hasn’t revealed much about Skaar yet, comic book fans know him as a fierce and hot-tempered character, even more volatile than his father. With his introduction, the MCU is setting the stage for a potentially explosive family dynamic between Bruce, Jennifer, and Skaar.
5. Samuel Sterns, aka The Leader
Samuel Sterns, played by Tim Blake Nelson, is a character fans of Marvel Comics have been waiting to see evolve. In The Incredible Hulk, Sterns’ transformation into The Leader was hinted at, but it wasn’t until Captain America: Brave New World that he finally made his debut as the iconic villain. In the comics, The Leader is a super-intelligent being with psychic powers, including telekinesis and mind control. However, the MCU version is a bit more grounded, focusing on his genius-level intellect. Still, his arrival opens the door to more complex storylines involving gamma radiation and its consequences.
6. Thaddeus Ross, aka Red Hulk
The MCU has always portrayed Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford, as a morally ambiguous character with a personal vendetta against the Hulk. In Captain America: Brave New World, Ross’ corruption reaches new heights. After years of using Samuel Sterns to keep himself alive, Ross discovers that Sterns has been poisoning him with gamma radiation-laced pills. This ultimately transforms Ross into the Red Hulk, a comedic yet terrifying version of himself. The Red Hulk’s introduction adds another layer to the MCU’s gamma-infused chaos and raises questions about Ross’ future in the franchise.
Conclusion
The MCU’s Hulk population is growing faster than ever, with each character bringing their own unique twist to the franchise. From the original Bruce Banner to the newly introduced Red Hulk, these gamma-irradiated characters are shaping the future of Marvel’s stories. With She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Captain America: Brave New World expanding the universe, fans are left eager for more. One thing is certain: the MCU’s Hulk saga is far from over, and the possibilities are endless. Stay tuned for more green giant-filled adventures!
