Did Bruce Banner in the MCU Have the Same Horrible Relationship with His Father as in the Comics?

Most fans who delve into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are well aware of Bruce Banner's tumultuous life, marked by his transformation into the Everlasting Hulk. The notorious acid trips, PTSD, and internal turmoil are staples of his character.

What is less frequently discussed, however, is Bruce Banner's relationship with his father, Brian Banner. In the entirety of the MCU, his father has only been mentioned twice. The first instance was in a tie-in motion comic for The Incredible Hulk, and the second was a deleted scene in Thor: Ragnarok.

The Estranged Relationship

From online discussions and fan theories, it is often mentioned that in the MCU, Bruce and his father had an estranged relationship. According to these theories, Bruce felt he could never impress his father. However, no definitive on-screen evidence supports this unless one considers uncleside material like a motion comic or a deleted scene.

While this estrangement is well-established in the comic books, the MCU has yet to fully explore this aspect of Banner's life. The technical limitations of relying on tie-in material and deleted scenes prevent a deep dive into the father-son dynamic in the main narrative.

Ang Lee's Hulk (2003)

An interesting point of discussion arises when considering Ang Lee’s Hulk in 2003. In this film, Bruce's father is named David Banner. This opens up a new interpretation of the relationship between Bruce and his father in the broader Marvel universe.

Technicalities and Possibilities

Technically, due to the design philosophy of films featuring the Hulk, an origin story exists but was depicted in a film that

will never be recognized as part of the MCU. This raises the question: can we definitively say that Bruce's father is Brian? The evidence is sketchy, particularly if one considers the tie-in material not as an integral part of the MCU continuity.

However, if one is willing to include the uncanon material and superside it with in-canon sources, it’s possible to argue that the relationship between Bruce and his father was indeed one of estrangement. In the MCU proper, the relationship is not explicitly defined. Therefore, until a definitive statement is made in an in-canon film or series, the relationship remains a point of speculation.

A Speculative Analysis

Speculation about the father-son relationship could be drawn from a few theories that tie into Bruce's character. High expectations from his father could have led to a feeling of inadequacy in Bruce, which could have contributed to his self-destructive behavior and eventual transformation into the Hulk. Similarly, his feelings of not living up to his father's standards could lead to a sense of alienation from the man who was supposed to be his role model and guiding figure.

The lack of any in-depth portrayal of this relationship in the MCU proper allows fans to project their own interpretations. This could be a fertile ground for fan theories and discussions, but it also means that until the relationship is explored in a definitive in-canon way (either in a new film or a series), it will remain an intriguing but unresolved aspect of Bruce Banner’s backstory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the relationship between Bruce Banner and his father in the MCU, if it can be said to exist based on the MCU proper, could indeed be one of estrangement. However, this is predicated on the inclusion of tie-in material and deleted scenes. Until there is a definitive statement in an in-canon source, it remains a point of speculation. The uncanon material does offer a chance to explore this relationship, making it a fascinating area for exploration and discussion.