Marvel Cinematic Universe: Ranking the 20 greatest superheroes

6. Hulk

For those just getting started in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, two “versions” of the Hulk exist. Kind of. There was 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, which starred Edward Norton as Bruce Banner. It was a one-off appearance, however, due to problems behind the scenes. Mark Ruffalo replaced Norton in The Avengers, which has stuck ever since.

Until November’s Thor: Ragnarok, Hulk only showed up for the Avengers movies. He was an original member in the 2012 film and played part in Age of Ultron, before flying off in a Quinjet and not being seen for two-and-a-half years.

Banner developed an emotional connection with Black Widow, mostly while he was in Hulk form. It seemed these two were on the brink of a relationship, until the events of Age of Ultron, when Bruce departed to not put Natasha Romanoff in danger.

Another layer was added to Banner’s character in Ragnarok, when he fought through the stress of being the Hulk and calmed down. It took a recording of Natasha’s voice to do this, so could there be a link between these two in Avengers: Infinity War?

When Banner returned to the Hulk form in Ragnarok, it appeared to be a permanent transformation, as the doctor himself said in the movie. However, the Infinity War trailer showed viewers the human form of Banner, so what’s the deal?

Either way, the Hulk is one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most powerful heroes, something everyone probably knew already. However, the emotional aspect of this character gives it an extra layer, which helps him connect to the moviegoers.