Eric Bana’s Post-Hulk Journey: From Blockbusters to Bold Choices

Australian performer Eric Bana shot to international prominence after portraying the lead in the 2003 adaptation of Hulk. While the film itself divided critics, Bana’s portrayal was widely praised, leading many to expect his return in any future instalments. However, a sequel never came to fruition, and the role was later recast, with Edward Norton stepping in for The Incredible Hulk in 2008. Reflecting on his time as Bruce Banner, Bana later described Hulk as a “one-time film” for him, and since then, he has carved out a varied path, balancing work between Hollywood and the Australian film scene.

Expanding Horizons Beyond the Green Giant

Following Hulk, Bana took on the role of Hector in the epic Troy, sharing the screen with Brad Pitt. He went on to appear in Steven Spielberg’s Munich, Star Trek, The Time Traveller’s Wife, and Funny People, among others. His voice has featured in animated projects such as Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers and Memoir of a Snail. Not content with acting alone, Bana also directed the documentary Love the Beast, which explores his passion for cars and was recognised as one of the top automotive documentaries. A lifelong motor enthusiast, Bana once remarked, “If I hadn’t become an actor, I’m pretty sure I would have become a race car driver or at least tried to make it.”

More recently, he starred as Kyle Turner in the crime drama Untamed, which follows a federal agent into dangerous territory after a woman’s death. The series has been well received, earning an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes and securing a second season. Viewers can find it on Netflix.

Why Bana Didn’t Return as Hulk

Many fans hoped Bana would reprise his role as Hulk, but circumstances led elsewhere. In a 2021 interview, when asked about the possibility of returning to the superhero genre or revisiting Bruce Banner in a multiverse scenario, Bana simply responded, “No.” Pressed further, he added, “Not a lot.”

Bana has spoken candidly about his aversion to green screen-heavy productions, explaining,

There’s this other movie going on with green screen that I have nothing to do with, because that’s the Hulk. It’s the other actors that are playing in that space. So in some ways it felt like a tiny movie because the reality for me was every day was interior, studio, one room, very few big scenes. Lots of dialogue. I don’t like working indoors.

He also described Bruce Banner as a “frustrating character to play.” On turning down The Incredible Hulk, Bana recalled advice from a friend:

‘What’s the best possible thing that can come out of this if you say yes? And if the answer is you’re going to keep getting offered things that you don’t want to do, what’s the point?’

With the ever-expanding multiverse, it appears unlikely he’ll return to the role.

Choosing Roles: Passion Over Profile

With over three decades in the industry, Bana has become selective about his projects. He doesn’t follow a strict checklist, instead opting for whatever script excites him most, regardless of scale or location. He’s said he will only take on roles he’s “fallen in love with.” If nothing suitable comes along, he’s content to wait, stating,

I just choose the best thing that’s on my pile. It’s really that simple. Regardless of size, regardless of location, I just say yes to the thing that I’ve fallen in love with. If there’s nothing there, I’m happy to wait. In some ways my CV is leaner as a result, but I just enjoy obsessing about the jobs I do. I have to feel passionate.

Bana has deliberately avoided being pigeonholed, resulting in a filmography that spans a wide range of genres and characters. He’s also commented on the lack of Australian representation on screen, noting, “I’m always having to not be me. I’m not allowed to be from Australia. I’m always from somewhere else. Australian actors never get to play ourselves. We’re forced to be chameleons.“ He called this “frustrating” and “ridiculous,” and welcomed the chance to use his natural accent in The Dry after a long gap.

What’s Next for Eric Bana?

Bana is currently filming Apex, an action thriller directed by Baltasar Kormákur and written by Jeremy Robbins. The cast includes Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton, with Netflix acquiring distribution rights. Production began in Sydney, and the film is expected to generate hundreds of local jobs and a significant economic boost. The story centres on a grieving woman who seeks solace in the wilderness, only to become entangled in a deadly game with a serial killer. A release date has yet to be announced.

For those interested in exploring Bana’s work since Hulk, his filmography includes Troy, Munich, Star Trek, The Dry, and more, with critical ratings ranging from modest to outstanding. Which one will you be watching next?