The Origins of Hulk
Bruce Banner's gamma-irradiated alter ego was introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008's The Incredible Hulk, but the titular behemoth is not the franchise's only iteration of Hulk. Like the Marvel Comics universe, the MCU has gradually introduced a variety of Hulk characters, ranging from allies to villains and even alternate Hulks from other realities.
Edward Norton's Hulk looks menacing in The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Among The Hulk's defining traits are his rage and potentially limitless strength, which are intertwined. While Hulk is already powerful to begin with, his strength is potentially limitless, making him easily one of the most powerful characters in the MCU and giving him a distinct advantage over his opponents.
The Hulk screaming while fighting Ultron in Avengers Age of Ultron
The Main Hulks
In the MCU, Bruce Banner's origin is altered from its original incarnation. While Banner was exposed to gamma rays by an experimental explosive in the comics, his MCU counterpart knowingly exposed himself to the rays to test an attempted recreation of the Super Soldier Serum (though Banner believed he was creating a means to protect soldiers against radiation poisoning). Throughout the MCU franchise, several characters have become Hulks, typically through exposure to Bruce Banner's irradiated blood, usually granting them comparable abilities.
Bruce Banner undergoing gamma radiation experiments in The Incredible Hulk
The MCU has introduced several Hulks, each with their own unique traits and abilities. From Bruce Banner, the original and most famous Hulk, to Emil Blonsky, also known as Abomination, and Jennifer Walters, also known as She-Hulk, the roster of Hulks in the MCU is diverse and intriguing.
Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky aiming a rifle in The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Meet the Hulks
Bruce Banner/Hulk: Debuting in 2008's The Incredible Hulk and becoming an original member of The Avengers, Bruce Banner is the original and most famous iteration of The Hulk. Like his comic counterpart, The Hulk is one of the strongest beings in the MCU, but his strength is virtually limitless, as The Hulk's strength increases with his anger.
Smart Hulk with his arms out and smiling in Avengers: Endgame
Emil Blonsky/Abomination: Emil Blonsky became obsessed with defeating The Hulk in The Incredible Hulk, having proven no match for him even when empowered by the Super Soldier Serum. In the film's third act, Blonsky forces Doctor Samuel Sterns to inject him with Bruce Banner's irradiated blood and give him the same dose of gamma rays. This, combined with the Super Soldier Serum, turned Blonsky into a Hulk-like being, fittingly dubbed the Abomination.
Abomination fighting Hulk in Harlem in The Incredible Hulk
Jen Walters/She-Hulk: Jennifer Walters, who stars in the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, gains similar abilities to her cousin, Bruce Banner, following her accidental exposure to his blood. As She-Hulk, Walters maintains her intelligence, memories, and personality in her new form and can transform to and from her human form at will (like her comic counterpart).
Jennifer Walters' She-Hulk dons her white and purple suit in the MCU's Phase 4
