Hulk Smash: Every Hulk Introduced in the MCU

Hulk in Avengers: Age of Ultron
Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://marvel.com | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

Hulk in Avengers: Age of Ultron
Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://marvel.com | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

With the Red Hulk set to make his big-screen debut in the next Captain America movie, let’s look at the versions of the smashing hero previously introduced in the MCU.

Bruce Banner Versions

Savage Hulk

Hulk in The Avengers
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Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://youtu.be/EcLfyxzV4lI | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

After Banner injects himself with a gamma radiation-based version of the Super Soldier Serum, he transforms into a hulking green-skinned creature incapable of control and judgment. In time, he develops more command over the Hulk, even responding to a “lullaby” to calm the big guy down.

Gladiator Hulk

Hulk in Thor: Ragnarok
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Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://youtu.be/ue80QwXMRHg | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

Running away after the battle of Sokovia, the Hulk crashes in Sakaar, where he becomes a champion gladiator under the Grandmaster’s employ. No longer living in someone else’s shadow, the Hulk suppresses Banner’s consciousness for two years until Thor arrives to enlist his help.

Smart Hulk

Hulk in Avengers: Endgame
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Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://youtu.be/MC9fR49AyD4 | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

After their massive defeat at the hands of the Mad Titan, Banner worked with Tony Stark to merge his brain with Hulk’s brawn. In hindsight, this feat prepared him for the physical and mental requirement of harnessing the power of the Infinity Stones to bring back the victims of the Snap.

Other Characters

Abomination

Abomination in Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings
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Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://youtu.be/OQzFlxq857g | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

In his desire to defeat the Hulk, Emil Blonsky asked to be injected with the Super Soldier Serum and Banner’s blood, turning him into the Abomination. Like Banner, he eventually learned how to control his second self and turned over a new leaf, writing haikus and hosting healing sessions at his retreat.

She-Hulk

She-Hulk
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Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://youtu.be/u7JsKhI2An0 | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

Following a car accident, some of Banner’s blood enters Jennifer Walters’ bloodstream, transforming her into a powerful but intelligent Hulk. She returns to her lawyer duties as She-Hulk, embracing her new role while battling injustice and misogyny in the workplace and the superhero industry.

HulkKing

HulkKing in She-Hulk
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Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://youtu.be/yiv5JxM7lQA | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

Todd Phelps took a sample of She-Hulk's blood to create a serum that would transform him into the HulkKing. Fortunately, Walters has this idea retconned.

Skaar

Skaar in She-Hulk
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Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://youtu.be/gEgeuWohozs | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

At the end of She-Hulk, it was revealed that Hulk fathered a child on planet Sakaar during his stay. He brought Skaar home to introduce himself to his family.

What If…? Versions

The Freak

The Freak in What If... Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?
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Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

In What If… Happy Hogan Saved Christmas? Hogan transforms into a strong purple creature after accidentally receiving Banner’s blood. He retains his self-awareness and intelligence despite this.

Asgardian Hulk

Hulk in What If... Strange Supreme Intervened?
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Credit: Marvel Studios | Source: https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com | License: Fair Use for Promotional, Commentary and News Purposes

In What If… Strange Supreme Intervened?, a version of the Hulk, is briefly seen giving Captain Carter and Kahhori his Asgardian weapons.

Captain America: Brave New World arrives in cinemas in February 2025.