Marvel: All 4 Hulk actors ranked from worst to best
By Cody Schultz
Several actors have taken on the role of the Hulk over the years but who was the best in the role? Let’s take a look back at every Hulk actor and rank them.
The Hulk is one of the most recognizable superheroes in the Marvel Universe, known for his incredible strength, invincibility, and uncontrollable rage. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1962, the character made his first appearance in The Incredible Hulk #1 and has since become a fan favorite both in comics and on screen.
The Hulk’s history in TV and movies dates back to 1977, when a live-action TV series starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno as Bruce Banner and the Hulk respectively, aired on CBS. The series ran for five seasons and was followed by several TV movies, including The Incredible Hulk Returns and The Trial of the Incredible Hulk.
In 2003, Ang Lee directed a feature film adaptation of the character, starring Eric Bana as Bruce Banner and the Hulk. However, the movie was met with mixed reviews and a lukewarm response from audiences.
The Hulk’s next big-screen appearance came in 2008 when Edward Norton took on the role in the Marvel Studios film. However, the character’s biggest success came in 2012 when he was a major part of the superhero ensemble film, The Avengers. Mark Ruffalo took over the role of Bruce Banner, and the character’s popularity soared as a result. He’s since appeared in several more MCU films, including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.
The Hulk’s enduring popularity is due to his relatable nature as a character struggling with his own inner demons and his incredible power, which makes him a formidable force in battle. Whether in comics, TV, or movies, the Hulk has cemented his place as one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes, and his story continues to captivate audiences around the world.
There have been four actors to play the Hulk in live-action adaptations over the years, but not every performance has been as memorable as those that came before it or after.