Eric Bana Hulk vs. Mark Ruffalo Hulk

Attribute	Eric Bana Hulk	Mark Ruffalo Hulk
Actor	Eric Bana	Mark Ruffalo
Movie	Hulk (2003)	The Avengers (2012)
Character portrayal	More serious and dramatic	More comedic and relatable
Physical appearance	More muscular and green	Leaner and more human-like
Reception	Mixed reviews	Positive reviews

Origin Story

Eric Bana's portrayal of the Hulk in the 2003 film directed by Ang Lee focused on the character's origin story, delving into Bruce Banner's childhood trauma and the scientific experiment gone wrong that turned him into the Hulk. The film explored the psychological aspects of the character, showing the inner turmoil and struggle that Bruce Banner faced. On the other hand, Mark Ruffalo's Hulk, introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was already established as the Hulk when audiences first met him in "The Avengers" (2012). Ruffalo's portrayal focused more on the Hulk as a member of the superhero team, showcasing his strength and abilities in battle.

Physical Appearance

Eric Bana's Hulk had a more exaggerated and stylized appearance, with a larger physique and a more comic book-like design. The CGI used to create the character in the 2003 film gave him a distinct look that set him apart from other on-screen versions of the Hulk. In contrast, Mark Ruffalo's Hulk had a more realistic and grounded appearance, with a design that was more in line with the other characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ruffalo's Hulk was also more expressive, with facial features that conveyed a wider range of emotions.

Characterization

Eric Bana's portrayal of Bruce Banner focused on the character's internal struggle and the psychological impact of his transformation into the Hulk. Bana's Banner was portrayed as a tortured soul, haunted by his past and struggling to control the monster within. In contrast, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner was more laid-back and humorous, with a self-deprecating sense of humor that endeared him to audiences. Ruffalo's Banner embraced his dual nature, finding a balance between his human and Hulk personas.

Relationship with Other Characters

In the 2003 film, Eric Bana's Hulk was more of a solitary figure, isolated from the world and struggling to find his place. The character's relationships with other characters were limited, with the focus primarily on his internal struggle. On the other hand, Mark Ruffalo's Hulk was a key member of the Avengers team, forming close bonds with characters like Iron Man and Black Widow. Ruffalo's Hulk was shown to be a valuable ally in battle, using his strength and abilities to help his teammates.

Reception

Eric Bana's portrayal of the Hulk in the 2003 film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While some praised the film's exploration of the character's psychological depth, others criticized the pacing and visual effects. In contrast, Mark Ruffalo's Hulk was widely praised by fans and critics alike for his portrayal of the character. Ruffalo's performance brought a new level of depth and humanity to the character, earning him a dedicated fan following.