The age-old debate that’s divided comic book fans for decades just got a definitive answer—at least according to Mark Ruffalo. The actor who’s brought Bruce Banner/Hulk to life in the MCU has declared without hesitation: The Hulk would demolish Superman in a fight. Bold? Absolutely. Controversial? You bet.
Table of Contents
Mark Ruffalo’s Bold Showdown Stats
Category | Details |
---|---|
Statement Made By | Mark Ruffalo (MCU’s Hulk) |
Platform | We’re Not Kidding with Mehdi Hasan |
Main Claim | Hulk beats Superman |
Additional Claim | Hulk also beats Red Hulk |
Quote | “No one beats the Hulk. Not even the Red Hulk.” |
Context | Promoting Captain America: Brave New World |
The Million-Dollar Question Answered
During his appearance on We’re Not Kidding with Mehdi Hasan, Mark Ruffalo faced the question that’s haunted comic conventions and online forums for generations: Who would win—Superman or The Hulk?
Without missing a beat, Ruffalo delivered his verdict: “Hulk.”
But he didn’t stop there. When asked about Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk character appearing in Captain America: Brave New World, Ruffalo doubled down with absolute confidence: The Hulk would win that matchup too.
His exact words? “No one beats the Hulk. Not even the Red Hulk.”
That’s some serious green giant loyalty right there.
Why This Debate Matters to Fans
The Hulk vs Superman matchup represents the ultimate Marvel vs DC showdown. Both characters embody raw power, but their strengths manifest differently:
Superman’s Advantages:
- Flight capability
- Heat vision and freeze breath
- Super speed approaching light speed
- Invulnerability to most attacks
- Solar-powered regeneration
Hulk’s Advantages:
- Unlimited strength that grows with anger
- Near-indestructible durability
- Healing factor
- Berserker rage that makes him unpredictable
- “The madder Hulk gets, the stronger Hulk gets”
For deep dives into superhero power rankings, check out our Marvel vs DC comparisons section.
The Reality Check
While Ruffalo’s loyalty to his character is admirable (and frankly, what else would he say?), comic book historians and fans might disagree. Superman’s versatility—particularly his flight, speed, and range attacks—gives him tactical advantages the Hulk can’t match.
In various comic crossovers, the matchup has gone both ways depending on the writer and circumstances. Superman’s vulnerability to magic and certain forms of energy could give Hulk an opening, but the Man of Steel’s raw power portfolio is incredibly diverse.
That said, never count out the Green Goliath. His ability to grow exponentially stronger as he gets angrier means there’s theoretically no upper limit to his power. In prolonged battles, this could prove decisive.
The Red Hulk Factor
Ruffalo’s dismissal of Red Hulk’s threat is particularly interesting given Harrison Ford’s upcoming debut as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross’s transformed alter ego. Red Hulk absorbs energy and grows hotter with rage, making him a different beast entirely from Bruce Banner’s version.
The confidence with which Ruffalo claims victory suggests either deep knowledge of Hulk’s capabilities or simple character pride. Either way, it’s exactly the kind of hype MCU fans love.
Curious about Red Hulk’s powers? Explore our MCU character breakdown for detailed analyses.
What the Experts Say
While Ruffalo showed admiration for Harrison Ford’s work and praised the upcoming film, his stance remains firm: conventional wisdom suggests Superman’s advantages might edge out the Hulk, but the Green Goliath’s unlimited potential keeps the debate alive.
The beauty of this matchup? There’s no definitive answer—which is precisely why fans have argued about it for decades.
The Bigger Picture
These superhero debates transcend simple power-scaling. They represent fan investment in characters who’ve shaped pop culture for generations. Whether you’re Team Hulk or Team Superman, the passion behind these discussions reflects how deeply these heroes resonate with audiences worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Has Hulk ever fought Superman in official comics?
A: Yes, in crossover events like “DC vs. Marvel” (1996), the two have clashed. The outcome has varied depending on the storyline, with Superman winning most canonical encounters due to his versatility and speed advantage, though Hulk’s unlimited strength potential keeps debates alive.
Q: Why does Mark Ruffalo think Hulk would win?
A: Ruffalo’s confidence likely stems from Hulk’s signature trait: unlimited strength that increases with anger. Unlike Superman who has defined power levels, Hulk theoretically has no upper limit—the angrier he gets, the stronger he becomes, which could eventually overpower any opponent in a prolonged fight.