Eric Bana’s Hollywood Journey: Life After the Hulk Spotlight

Australian actor Eric Bana shot to fame in the U.S. after taking on the lead in the 2003 film Hulk. While the movie itself drew mixed reactions, critics and fans alike praised Bana’s compelling performance. Many expected him to reprise the role if a sequel ever happened. However, plans for a follow-up fizzled out, and the character was later reimagined with Edward Norton in The Incredible Hulk five years later.

Shifting Gears: From Blockbusters to Diverse Roles

Years after his turn as Bruce Banner, Bana described Hulk as a "one-time film" for him. He soon branched out, splitting his time between Hollywood and the Australian film scene. He took on the role of Hector in Troy alongside Brad Pitt, starred in Steven Spielberg’s Munich, and appeared in Star Trek, The Time Traveler’s Wife, and Funny People. His voice work includes roles in Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers and Memoir of a Snail.

Bana also stepped behind the camera, directing the 2009 documentary Love the Beast, which featured Jay Leno, Jeremy Clarkson, and Phil McGraw. The film, centered on his beloved 1974 Ford XB Falcon Hardtop, was recognized as one of the top automotive documentaries. Bana, a lifelong car enthusiast, once said,

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

.

Why Bana Didn’t Return as Hulk

Fans often wondered why Bana never returned to the Marvel universe. In a 2021 interview, he was asked if he’d ever consider stepping back into the role, especially with the rise of multiverse storylines. His answer was simple:

No

. When pressed further, he added,

Not a lot

, making it clear he had little interest in revisiting the character.

Bana has spoken openly about his dislike for working with green screens, saying,

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 called Bruce Banner a "frustrating character to play." Reflecting on his decision not to return, he 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?

Choosing Projects on His Own Terms

With over three decades in the industry, Bana has become selective about his work. He doesn’t follow a checklist when picking roles. Instead, he chooses the project that excites him most, regardless of its size or location. If nothing grabs his attention, he’s content to wait. As he put it,

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 worked hard to avoid being typecast, which is why his filmography is so varied. He’s also spoken about the lack of Australian representation in film, saying,

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 it "frustrating" and "ridiculous," noting he hadn’t used his Australian accent on screen since Funny People, until The Dry came along.

What’s Next: New Thrillers and Streaming Success

Recently, Bana starred as Kyle Turner in the crime drama Untamed, which follows a federal agent navigating dangerous territory after a woman’s death. The show earned an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has been renewed for a second season, available on Netflix.

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. Netflix picked up the distribution rights, and production kicked off in Sydney earlier this year. The story centers on a grieving woman who seeks solace in the wilderness, only to find herself caught in a deadly game with a serial killer. The film is expected to create hundreds of local jobs and make a significant economic impact in Sydney. 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 many more, with a range of critical responses. His career continues to evolve, driven by passion and a refusal to be boxed in by any single role.