The Multiverse of Hulk: Variants and Canon in the MCU

When discussing the character of Bruce Banner/Hulk in Marvel's Cinematic Universe (MCU), questions often arise about the multiverse and the existence of different variants. This article explores the concept of Hulk variants in different MCU timelines, and clarifies the differences between canon and multiverse theory.

Understanding the Hulk's Timeline in MCU

In 2008, Marvel produced the film The Incredible Hulk starring Edward Norton in the title role. This movie marked the first time audiences saw Bruce Banner/Hulk in live-action. In 2012, the character reappeared in Marvel's The Avengers, played by Mark Ruffalo. Many fans and critics have wondered if these two interpretations of the character should be considered distinctly different variants within the MCU’s multiverse.

While it is true that 2008 Hulk and 2012 Hulk are the same character, given further developments such as Secret Invasion and other plot points, considering the 2003 version of the character (The Incredible Hulk with Eric Bana) as a variant within the MCU is not far-fetched. The beauty of the multiverse concept is that it introduces infinite possibilities.

Multiverse Theory: Infinite Possibilities

The multiverse theory suggests an infinite number of alternate realities, each with its own unique perspectives and events. In this context, there are countless versions of Bruce Banner/Hulk across different universes. For instance, there could be a universe where Bruce Banner is played by Tom Hanks, another where he transforms into a bumblebee, and yet another where he is portrayed by Eric Bana.

Marvel Studios has the potential to create a mind-bending film that combines these different versions of Hulk, similar to the No Way Home format, featuring actors from different portrayals of the character: Lou Ferrigno, Edward Norton, Mark Ruffalo, and even Eric Bana.

Canonical Decisions and Marvel’s Approach

It's important to understand the concept of canonical decisions within the context of the MCU. Not all elements of the shared universe are necessarily canon to each other. For example, events from the 616 universe (main comics universe) are not necessarily canon to the Earth-12091 universe featured in the Space Punisher mini-series. The events and characters from one universe do not automatically transfer to another unless specifically connected.

Regarding canon within the MCU, all characters owned and copyrighted by Marvel fall under the umbrella of being canon to the company. However, not all aspects of the MCU movies and comics are interconnected canonically. For instance, certain events in the comics, such as Hulk destroying Nightcrawler’s universe, are not part of the MCU’s primary timeline.

The What-If series, while using MCU characters, represents scenarios that are not part of the main timeline. For example, the inflation and explosion of Hulk or Ultron killing the Watcher in What If... are not considered canonical in the primary MCU storyline.

Conclusion

The presence of different versions of Bruce Banner/Hulk within the MCU, including 2003 Eric Bana’s version, can be considered part of the multiverse. However, these versions should only be perceived as separate variants if they are explicitly connected to the MCU through further storytelling.

Until there is clear evidence or evidence of crossover, the 2003 Hulk should be seen as a variant within the broader multiverse, and not necessarily a distinct variant within the MCU. Marvel Studios reserves the right to incorporate these different versions if they choose to do so in future projects.

Therefore, while the 2008 and 2012 versions of the character are considered the same infallibly in the leaked MCU canon, the 2003 version remains a speculative variant within the multiverse until further notice.