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The legend of the Hulk spans way further than Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Being one of the most ridiculously overpowered characters from the comics, there are several reasons why fans adore him as much as they do. Be it his fighting style, his comedic timing, his tantrums, or the way he completely destroys his enemies, to say that the green radiation-filled monster is an icon would be an understatement.

While the classic version of the character is loved for many reasons, there are several others that are yet to make their debut. Ranging from Worldbreaker Hulk and Gray Hulk to Cosmic Hulk and Weapon H, all versions of the character are deadly in some brutal way or another.
While the comics do an excellent job of showcasing this aspect of the character, the MCU has been falling behind.

The MCU’s Hulk is a victim of brawn over brains
The MCU has introduced three variants of the maleHulk; Classic, Professor Hulk, and the upcoming Red Hulk. Although two out of these have been treasured characters, one has been heavily criticized by fans for years. Ever since his introduction inAvengers: Endgame, fans have been very wary of Professor Hulk, also known as Smart Hulk.
Although the character can be resourceful at times, he does not embody most of the traits that make the Hulk such a beloved character. Picking peace and calm over violence and aggression, many fans were quite disappointed when the character was introduced; even more so when he stuck around.

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However, a new version of the character, Red Hulk, is finally making his way into the MCU in the upcomingCaptain America: Brave New World.Not only is he one of the most powerful versions of the character, he is also one of the most beloved.
Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk Does Not Stand a Chance
Recently, at theD23 expo(viaX), Marvel released another, scarier look atHarrison Ford’sRed Hulk, and fans could not be happier. The clip showcased the character giving a very public speech when he ends up turning red and growling in the classic Hulk manner. Although this version is completely different fromMark Ruffalo’sHulk, fans cannot help but compare the two, and unfortunately for thePoor Thingsactor, he is not winning.
The moment the images of Ford as Red Hulk began to spread, fans were quick to bring Ruffalo’s version and Professor Hulk into the equation. Most wondered who would win a fight between the two characters, and fans could not help but laugh at the odds. While audiences have loved Ruffalo’s portrayal of the character for years, they were very disappointed when they were introduced to Smart Hulk.

I’m sorry but Smart Hulk doesn’t look like he has a chance if they fought 😭#D23pic.twitter.com/vFRaQFVmYk
— Zero (@zerowontmiss)August 06, 2025

Red Hulk destroying him
— ℜ𝔬𝔪𝔞𝔫 (@romandontmiss)August 07, 2025
I’m pretty sure the way Red Hulk works in the comics is that he has a baseline strength that’s significantly stronger than the Hulk. The problem is Red Hulk cannot make himself stronger by becoming angrier like the normal Hulk. Can any experts confirm?
— Jadon Kaiser (@MintTripod)June 21, 2025
Will we ever see this hulk again?pic.twitter.com/yoqmnhkBvk
— Kuro_Neko (@aj_fraser16)June 08, 2025
Im kinda theorizing that when they get into a fight Bruce is getting his ass kicked and gives all control to hulk as we can get the og hulk back when absolutely necessary. Not sure if this is acc possible tho…
— AK (@AyaanKhan2403)August 17, 2025
Smart Hulk might be the single worst decision the MCU has made
— still still still still (@stillverygnarly)July 12, 2025
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It was not the change in character, but just how different he was from everything Hulk stands for. Rather than using brute force, he uses his brain, which is the specialty of Bruce Banner, not Hulk. Considering this, and the fact that Red Hulk’s powers work differently, fans are sure that Banner would find it difficult to come out of this fight.
Ananya Godboley
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2219
Ananya Godboley is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows, with over 2,000 articles published. She has been an entertainment journalist for the past two years. Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology from K.R. Mangalam University, Ananya also likes to fangirl as a full-time job. She covers news and analyses on anything from Rick and Morty to Hannibal and even Arcane. In between these lines, she also enjoys superheroes and Taylor Swift.A philosophy enthusiast, Ananya enjoys digging deeper into the media she consumes, trying to understand the root of her favorite characters' behavior.