Bruce Banner (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Bruce Banner
Marvel Cinematic Universe character
Bruce Banner / Hulk as portrayed by Edward Norton (left) in The Incredible Hulk and portrayed by Mark Ruffalo (right) in The Avengers (2012)
First appearance	The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Based on	Hulk by Stan Lee Jack Kirby
Adapted by	Zak Penn
Portrayed by	Edward Norton (2008) Mark Ruffalo (2012–present)
Voiced by	Mark Ruffalo (What If...?)
In-universe information
Alias	Hulk Mr. Green Smart Hulk Smug Hulk
Title	Champion of Sakaar
Occupation	Avenger Gladiator Biochemist Nuclear physicist Professor Consultant for S.H.I.E.L.D.
Affiliation	Avengers Culver University Revengers S.H.I.E.L.D.
Family	Jennifer Walters (cousin) Elaine Walters (aunt) Morris Walters (uncle)
Significant other	Betty Ross[a] Natasha Romanoff[b] Unnamed woman (mother of Skaar)[c]
Children	Skaar[c]
Nationality	American

Bruce Banner is a fictional character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise originally portrayed by Edward Norton and subsequently by Mark Ruffalo—based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name—known commonly by his alter ego, the Hulk. Banner is depicted as a genius physicist who after a failed experiment to replicate a super soldier program using gamma radiation, transforms into a large, muscular creature with green skin whenever his heart rate goes above 200 beats per minute or when facing mortal danger. As the Hulk, he possesses superhuman abilities, including increased strength and durability.

Over time, Banner demonstrates an increasing ability to control the transformation, and he becomes a founding member of the Avengers. Following the conflict with Ultron, Banner is unintentionally transported to Sakaar, where he remains the Hulk for a number of years until eventually returning to earth during the conflict against Thanos. In the years following the Blip, Banner learns to retain the Hulk form with his mind still intact, and he is instrumental in the Avengers' mission using time travel to obtain the Infinity Stones from the past to undo Thanos' actions. Banner himself restores trillions of lives across the universe, using the Stones in a specially made gauntlet. Banner then participates in the final and victorious battle against Thanos. After his cousin Jennifer Walters is accidentally imbued with his blood, Banner trains her to handle her newfound "She-Hulk" transformation, before departing again to Sakaar. He returns months later with his son, Skaar.

Banner is a central MCU character, having appeared in nine MCU films as of 2023, as well as the Disney+ streaming series, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. The character was introduced in the titular film The Incredible Hulk (2008), portrayed in that film by Edward Norton before being recast to Mark Ruffalo. The character has been generally well-received by critics and audiences alike, but his inconsistent characterization has received some criticism. Additionally, Ruffalo voices several alternate versions of Banner in the animated series What If...?.
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