Key Takeaways:
– Eric Bana began his career in comedy, gaining significant recognition in the Australian crime drama Chopper.
– Bana's breakthrough in Hollywood was in the 2003 movie Hulk, directed by Ang Lee.
– Despite the fame, Bana didn't feel like a leading man while playing Hulk.
– Post-Hulk, Bana worked on critically acclaimed projects like Black Hawk Down and Munich.
– Bana has no intentions to reprise his role as Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The Career Evolution of Eric Bana
For Eric Bana, the journey from being a comedian to a verified Hollywood star has been an intriguing tale of twists and turns. The Australian actor first charmed audiences on the comedy show Full Frontal, before making a name for himself in his home country through the crime drama Chopper. His intense portrayal of criminal Mark “Chopper” Read earned rave reviews, but his substantial international big break arose from becoming Hulk in the 2003 film helmed by celebrated director, Ang Lee.
Why Bana didn't feel like a Hulk Hero
Despite the commercial opportunity that Hulk presented, Bana harbored reservations. He revealed in an interview about this imposter syndrome of not perceiving himself as the leading man, even when he was the face of the movie. He also lamented that his character was often overshadowed by the Hulk persona and the hype around visionary director Ang Lee.
Movies Post-Hulk
Even after the Hulk, Bana didn't lose his footing. Directors like Ridley Scott and Steven Spielberg vied to cast him in critically acclaimed projects like Black Hawk Down and the epic historical drama Munich. The actor was wise to pick roles that suited his taste, seeing every film as a tattoo that permanently marked his career. Bana was part of unique films like Special Correspondents with Ricky Gervais and Lone Survivor. He even revitalized a loved franchise by being part of Star Trek with J.J. Abrams.
Bana's Stand on Reprieving His Hulk Role
Despite the larger-than-life character of Hulk catapulting him to stardom, Bana has no interest in resuming the role. During a stint on the podcast Fifi, Few & Nick for Breakfast when asked about the possibility of reprising his role, Bana's answer was a simple, unequivocal ‘No'. This means fans of the MCU will continue to see Mark Ruffalo, who replaced Edward Norton, as the new Hulk.
No plans to Join Marvel?
This might dishearten fans eagerly awaiting a multiverse spectacle featuring a possible trio of Hulks – Bana, Norton, and Ruffalo, mirroring the amalgamation we saw with Spider-Mans. However, Bana's reluctance could stem from multiple factors, including the mixed initial reception of the Hulk movie and its extensive reliance on CGI.
In a nutshell, Eric Bana's journey has taken him from comedy to big-ticket Hollywood movies, and ultimately making a mark in the MCU as the memorable Hulk. Regardless of his likelihood to return to the MCU, Bana's career trajectory has undoubtedly been astounding. Fans can continue to enjoy his Hulk performance by renting the films on platforms like Apple TV. His impressive selection of diverse roles will undeniably continue to entertain and inspire.
