Key Takeaways:
– Hulk, one of the strongest Avengers in the MCU, has taken different forms over the years.
– The Hulk character played by Eric Bana in 2003's “Hulk” is considered the strongest.
– Some fans believe that Hulk's character has been downplayed in terms of strength and temper in recent years.
When you think of the Hulk, your mind might conjure up images of Mark Ruffalo's portrayal in the more recent MCU films. However, the original Hulk of early 2000s, played by Eric Bana, was a beast of a different nature.
The Immensity of Bana's Hulk
An unforgettable character in the MCU's history, Hulk embodies pure power and wrath. Traditionally depicted as the ‘Strongest Avenger' in the cinematic universe, Hulk ranks among the most powerful characters in the realm of superheroes. Bruce Banner's gamma-radiated version in the comics exudes the same ferocious energy. But when it comes to raw strength, none matches up to Bana's depiction of this ancient superhero.
Different Hulks, Different Impressions
While the character has evolved over the years with advancements in technology and storytelling, the ferocious side of Hulk was best captured by Bana in the 2003 film “Hulk.” Portrayals by Edward Norton and Mark Ruffalo may have their unique touches, but when it comes to pure strength, they don't hold a candle to Bana's depiction.
Under the banner of Universal Pictures, the version brought to life by Bana has been widely recognized for his sheer strength. This is evident in scenes where the green giant effortlessly rips massive boulders off cliffs, a display of power unmatched by later iterations.
Comparisons and Critiques
Edward Norton's Hulk was formidable and terrifying, his features outlining his rage immaculately, making him one of the most unforgettable iterations. Mark Ruffalo brought a new dimension to the character, a smarter version finding peace with his human counterpart. Yet, in terms of raw power, they both fall short of Bana's Hulk.
Behind the Downgrading
Fans have not shied away from airing their disappointments about the evolution of Hulk over the years. They argue that the character was once a petrifying creature with unyielding strength, but has been reduced to one grappling with anger management.
Many fans took to Instagram to express their thoughts. @doonnee_foor pointed out how the MCU downgraded Hulk by emphasizing anger management, stripping him of his essential strong personality trait.
Debate Over Strength
As much as fans are left disappointed with Hulk's transformation, there is no denying that the Hulk of 2003, as portrayed by Bana, stands unmatched in terms of sheer strength. The debates only highlight fans' deep love and investment in the character, indicating that the green giant isn't going anywhere soon.
Looking Ahead
With the upcoming Secret Wars, the fans and creators alike have a chance to revisit the character. The challenge lies in combining Banner's wit and genius with the formidable strength of the Hulk without losing any of the character's core identities.
In conclusion, while the Hulk has undergone significant changes over the years, Eric Bana's 2003 iteration remains the benchmark of strength. Fans long for the return of that raw power and hope that future films can effectively balance Hulk's strength with Banner's brilliance.
