The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has introduced several characters transformed by gamma radiation, with Bruce Banner, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, being the most notable. Since the release of The Incredible Hulk in 2008, the franchise has expanded to include various Hulk-like characters, showcasing different power levels. As the MCU continues to grow, particularly with the ongoing Multiverse Saga, fans are eager to understand how these characters rank in terms of strength and ability.
While many of these characters share similarities, their powers vary significantly. Below is a ranking of the Hulk-like characters in the MCU from least to most powerful.
12) Skaar
The character Skaar, Bruce Banner’s son from the comics, has made a brief appearance in the MCU but has yet to demonstrate his full power. Played by Wil Deusner in the series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Skaar was introduced at the end of the season. His potential remains largely unexplored, leaving fans uncertain about his capabilities.
11) Todd Phelps’ HulkKing
Another character with limited screen time is Todd Phelps, who transformed into HulkKing after injecting himself with Jennifer Walters’ blood. Jon Bass portrayed Phelps as a self-entitled antagonist, making his transformation less impactful. His character’s arc concluded with a humorous twist in She-Hulk, resulting in his imprisonment rather than a display of strength.
10) Happy Hogan’s Freak
In the animated series What If…?, Happy Hogan, played by Jon Favreau, becomes the purple Hulk-like creature known as the Freak. This transformation, born from an accidental injection of gamma-irradiated blood, represents a comedic take on the Hulk mythos, although it lacks the control and power exhibited by other characters in the franchise.
9) Emil Blonsky’s Abomination
The character of Emil Blonsky, known as the Abomination, made his first appearance as a formidable opponent to the Hulk. While he possesses significant strength, his lack of control and defeat by characters such as Wong in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings limits his ranking. Despite this, Blonsky has shown growth and adaptability in his appearances.
8) Samuel Sterns’ Leader
Introduced in The Incredible Hulk, Samuel Sterns, played by Tim Blake Nelson, became the Leader after exposure to Bruce Banner’s blood. His intellectual prowess makes him a significant threat, but his physical strength remains a drawback. He returns in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, where his manipulative skills further solidify his role in the MCU.
7) Thaddeus Ross’ Red Hulk
The recent transformation of Thaddeus Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, into the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World marks a notable addition to the roster. This version embodies rage and power, showcasing heat-based abilities alongside combat skills. Ross’ commanding presence in this form elevates him above several previous characters.
6) Jennifer Walters’ She-Hulk
The series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law centers on Jennifer Walters, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, who becomes She-Hulk after receiving a blood transfusion from her cousin. Walters exhibits remarkable control over her powers, even breaking the fourth wall, which enhances her character’s strength and engagement with the audience.
5) Bruce Banner’s Hulk
Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of Bruce Banner’s Hulk remains an iconic element of the MCU. Although his character has evolved, the Hulk has faced formidable foes, including Loki and Thanos. His ability to withstand extreme challenges, such as the energy of the Infinity Stones, secures his position among the strongest characters, though he has been overshadowed by more recent iterations.
4) Asgardian Hulk
The finale of What If…? season 2 introduced a version of the Hulk equipped with Asgardian weaponry and armor. This alternate reality showcased a Hulk with powers that surpass the live-action versions, demonstrating the franchise’s creative potential for limitless character development.
3) Apex & Gamma Beasts
In the premier episode of What If…? season 3, viewers encounter the Apex, a massive gamma-irradiated beast resulting from Bruce Banner’s experiments. This creature, alongside its Gamma Beasts, poses a significant threat, capable of overpowering even the original Avengers, illustrating the dire consequences of tampering with gamma radiation.
2) Mega-Hulk
After the emergence of the Apex, Bruce Banner isolates himself, only to later increase his power by exposing himself to atomic radiation, transforming into the Mega-Hulk. This iteration played a crucial role in defeating the Apex and restoring balance, solidifying his place as one of the most powerful Hulk variants.
1) Infinity Hulk
The most formidable version of the Hulk is the Infinity Hulk, introduced in the episode “What If… Zombies?!” This character absorbs the power of the Infinity Stones, granting him immense strength and abilities. The Infinity Hulk’s ability to combat Wanda Maximoff’s forces while sustaining minimal damage highlights his unparalleled power, making him a standout character in the MCU.
As the MCU continues to evolve, the exploration of these characters and their powers offers exciting possibilities for future storylines. Fans can look forward to seeing how these interpretations of the Hulk mythos will develop in upcoming films and series.
