Eric Bana Breaks Down His Career, from 'Hulk' to 'Dirty John' | Vanity Fair

Eric Bana breaks down his renowned career, including his roles in 'Full Frontal,' 'Chopper,' 'Black Hawk Down,' 'Hulk,' 'Troy,' 'Munich,' 'The Time Traveler's Wife,' 'Hanna,' 'Dirty John' and 'The Dry.'
THE DRY is in theaters and On Demand May 21.
00:24 - 'Full Frontal'
01:42 - 'Chopper'
03:55 - 'Black Hawk Down'
06:04 - 'Hulk'
08:06 - 'Troy'
10:37 - 'Munich'
13:31 - 'The Time Traveler's Wife'
14:59 - 'Hanna'
16:46 - 'Dirty John'
19:18 - 'The Dry'
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Eric Bana Breaks Down His Career, from 'Hulk' to 'Dirty John' | Vanity Fair

[@jamo3976]

He really comes off as a guy who somehow ended up a star and never forgot how lucky he was. Cool dude

[@lucapasvolsky1677]

True

[@cornbredx]

Somewhere at some point i read he said that acting is just his hobby. He does it to fund the stuff he really wants to do (which i understand to be cars and racing)

[@NautiusMaximus]

Coz he’s a good old ozzy

[@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261]

@@NautiusMaximus "I'm just a bloody normal bloke"

[@ericbana9509]

Thanks for your comments

[@SamToseski]

I’m gonna say it. Hulk (2003) is one of the most underrated movies ever

[@hotscum6970]

It’s…horrible tho

[@johnnelson7719]

I'm gonna say it you have horrible tastes

[@SamToseski]

@@johnnelson7719 😕🫤

[@protokhaniapetos3158]

@@hotscum6970 no u

[@delonking301]

@@hotscum6970if you didn’t like hulk it’s because you’d rather eat chicken nuggets than a 4 course meal…

[@skol4life297]

For me Eric Bana stole the limelight in Troy he was my absolute favorite actor/character in that movie. Every time I watch the movie I secretly hope that he doesn’t die cause I loved his depiction of Hector.

[@emeraldknight2342]

He was AMAZING as Hector! My favorite character in the movie and it's still one of my favorite movies to this day!

[@CosplayChris]

I worked for an airline and had him on my flight. Instead of sitting in the Chairmans lounge like all the celebs do he sat in the gate lounge with his family and read the paper. Such a lovely and chilled man.

[@thrifty7774]

Thats awesome

[@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261]

Just a bloody normal bloke who enjoys a bit of torture

[@ibeethatoneguy7807]

Love your videos Chris. Hoping one day you'll custom a Return of the Jedi fight scene with Luke and Vader. You can figure it out lol

[@kingbreezy4481]

Ayyy what’s up Chris! Cool story lad!

[@CC-bu1uj]

I also had him on my flight once and we chatted for a while, he was very charming and down to earth!

[@englandsensation]

After Hector dies in Troy, I stopped caring about the film. He was the best character in it.

[@leonardobraynen1524]

Absolute!

[@VictorArtis]

Same! He made Hector my favorite character

[@Magooch86]

Same here, blame Homer

[@sergeymeshkov]

I’m with you

[@BPOOHEAD189]

Agreed! He was the best

[@jacquobangalter2677]

I'll always remember Eric Bana as Bruce Banner/Hulk. He'll always be my original Hulk.

[@Spidey-oi5sn]

Eric Bana, Lou Ferrigno and Edward Norton will always be the best Hulk ever, Mark Rufalo's Hulk is a joke compared to them and he's the worst adaptation of the character.

[@golddlennon7359]

@@Spidey-oi5sn it's called character development

[@Spidey-oi5sn]

@@golddlennon7359 no, it's called *character assassination.*

[@natechenry]

@@Spidey-oi5sn yeah agreed

[@aseem2985]

@@Spidey-oi5sn ayy sameee!

[@danieldevito6380]

I feel like Eric Bana doesn't get NEARLY the praise he deserves as a great, charismatic actor.

[@seancorrigan7448]

'Munich' is an underrated masterpiece. He was so great in the film. What an icon!

[@MrBrentles]

Absolutely one of my favourite movies.

[@asamshah]

“I didn’t want to play Paris, put it this way” - lol

[@rahjeel]

It's actually pretty cool that Orlando Bloom took the role which is historically hated just to play against his established image of "handsome badass warrior".

[@michaelotis223]

the shade lol

[@dreamsteddybearsmaster]

#SAVAGE

[@brijeshgokhale]

It is a crime that they didn't mentioned him in Star Trek. He disappeared in that character.

[@hollandscottthomas]

So much so that I forgot about it until you mentioned it!

[@fredyllanos8972]

“Fire EVERYTHING!!!” He sold that trailer with that line. 🔥🔥🔥

[@geronimovallejos7232]

I love Nero, such a cool character

[@leonardobraynen1524]

@@fredyllanos8972 with alotta spit too!

[@robd1329]

He was in star trek??

[@Zero8880]

I fell in love with Eric Bana as Hector in Troy. It was one of those moments where I know how the story is going to play out, but I'm praying for a script change, kind of like the Red Viper vs The Mountain in GoTs.

[@xaviergutierrez8786]

Interesting he mentioned Hector. Reading the Iliad, come to discover that Hector is the true hero of the Iliad. His character was the most honorable, the ideal man in the culture of the ancient Greeks.

[@denachtconducteur7070]

I respected Hector more than Achilles in the movie

[@OhMayi1]

In Troy movie, Achilles was a douchebag

[@johnp7928]

Skipping The Castle is culturally offensive to every Australian.

[@Dan_d00d]

Agreed.

[@TheMick9966]

100%

[@ardernz]

And Kiwi, TBH.

[@johnp7928]

@@ardernz didn't know it was popular there!

[@Oliver-zm2ho]

Please tell me theres a second video where its just the castle

[@archerseo]

He has aged super well! Seems like a very down to earth guy. Hope he keeps working

[@leesydneyharry7958]

Watch out for the Dry sequel in production.

[@lukewilliam3601]

Those Hulk actions scenes were incredible. And he was easily the best part of Troy. Dude killed it.

[@RaytheGrayt]

He played Hector so great. Embodied everything Hector was told to be. To this day one of my favorite movies, and he played my favorite character

[@TheCarlScharnberg]

I always thought he had a kind eyes, it makes him sympathetic. I really like him as an actor.

[@birch8109]

Oh so that’s why

[@einahsirro1488]

He generally has kind eyes, but he could turn them really cold in The Other Boleyn Girl.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

@@einahsirro1488Yes..he did have cold eyes in that role,

[@junayedalam6383]

Eric Bana is an Invisible Actor, he comes and goes.

[@robd1329]

I havent seen him since Troy

[@dreamsteddybearsmaster]

@@robd1329 See The Dry!

[@ComedyBros5]

Absolutely. Very talented actor. Much like Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day Lewis, I wish he'd take more roles. Very enjoyable to watch on screen!

[@ericbana9509]

@@dreamsteddybearsmaster thanks Do you have other means of communication?

[@Ad-Ac]

sure is

[@kazuhirala]

Man I hope I look like him when I’m older, this man is aging like the best of fine wine

[@thespiralwithaC]

Gotta be an Aussie thing.

[@jaswin5994]

@@thespiralwithaC Croatian background

[@thespiralwithaC]

@@jaswin5994 oh. That's why.

[@doomguydemonkiller]

Eric Bana will always be my favourite Bruce Banner/Hulk

[@mensahcarrelle]

one of the best actors working today.He's incredibly underrated, though. THE DRY is an amazing film.Highly recommend it.

[@kebeawa4442]

Why all the time People say he or she is "incredibly underrated" of an actor ?! I dont see why they would be underrated ,this is an extremely hard to keep working in this industry nobody evere said he wasnt talented ,and there are a lot of talent everywhere ,it is not because we dont hear more about an actor that is considered "underrated "

[@mensahcarrelle]

@@kebeawa4442 Feeling better now ? LOL

[@ibrahimkharal9027]

Oh heck yes! Seeing Eric Bana back in mainstream media is such a joyful feeling.

[@Peterplayingguitar]

The Other Boleyn Girl was brilliant and that fight scene in Troy was monumental.

[@Masada1911]

I loved him in Munich. And Troy, and Black Hawk Down

[@jeshkam]

Yeah. Especially "Munich". One of my all-time favorites.

[@leonardobraynen1524]

Munich and Troy are timeless. Never knew he was in *BLACK HAWK DOWN*

[@LordDirus007]

He plays a Delta Force Operator in Black Hawk Down. He was the highlight of the Movie. Remember Ewan McGregor was also in the Film

[@tradengaming2023]

He was my favourite character in Troy and Black Hawk Down... Hehehe

[@ovi515]

yes Black Hawk down awesome movie

[@aseem2985]

Hold the phone he's Australian? I just learned this. That accent really caught me off guard.

[@lamelwinston5638]

Dude fr! Like wtf?

[@MissMartianDCAU]

His American accent is literally flawless. I thought he was American for the longest time.

[@EchoBravo370]

yah, he was a comedian FOR YEARS here in Australia before he did an American movie. We love you, Eric!!

[@BuzzLightyear9999]

He’s SOOOOOOOOO Australian........

[@starmancrusader]

Just found that out too

[@Magooch86]

I love Eric's attitude toward taking roles, he pretty much just does whatever he wants. Respect.

[@AndrewCARNBORN]

Hulk 2003 is CRIMINALLY underrated

[@steveconn]

His "Hi Christopher I'm Nero" in ST was the most epic line delivery ever.

[@jamo3976]

Hahaha I can hear it now. Was so weird and casual

[@sarahhowsbyyou]

As someone who just graduated with a degree in Classical Studies, I can confirm that Hector is the real hero of the Iliad.

[@dreamsteddybearsmaster]

Congratulations on graduating!

[@complimentary_voucher]

Totally. Achilles was such a sulky loser so it probably makes sense that he gets all the love these days.

[@farhanrahman7119]

Totally

[@farhanrahman2119]

Thank you

[@Zero8880]

Eric Bana: "I'm not shy about dying on camera. Give me as much death on cinema as humanly possible" Ahhhh, I see Sean Bean rubbed off on Eric quite a bit during the filming of "Troy". Ironically Sean Bean survives in that one lol.

[@MrZdixo1]

If he wants as much death on the screen, he should talk to the guys who book Sean Bean

[@JonasRosenven]

Michelle Rodríguez is up there too.

[@michaelray5023]

Jonas Rosenven Nah, ROBERT RODRIGUEZ will kill him a lot 😎

[@mariacelestehey6025]

I love watching interviews because actors speak in their native accent. I have a soft spot for Aussie actors - love Eric Bana, Sam Worthington, Joel Edgerton.

[@karieclair2830]

I was hoping he would talk about "The Other Boleyn Girl".

[@danielmattar2518]

Or "funny people"

[@HamishDownie]

It’s an absolute crime that they skipped “The Castle”.

[@gerardbutlergerard5634]

Hello

[@Nebuchadnezzar31]

That comment's going straight to the pool room.

[@wizzfizz4912]

Glad someone said it

[@daviddarko5837]

I heard a lot of people disliked it but I loved the movie "Troy". I thought it was awesome. Also "The Time Travelers Wife" was pretty awesome as well.

[@VanAnon51]

Troy is one of my top favorite films of all time.

[@emeraldknight2342]

@@VanAnon51 same! 🤝🏼

[@chiefgee]

One of my favourite guilty pleasures is "The time traveller's wife"

[@sorenmiltich394]

You should never feel guilty about your pleasures.

[@ComedyBros5]

I've tried so hard to like that movie. It's just too....empty.

[@nmularoni1]

@@ComedyBros5 like my soul

[@kandacesayadi1134]

He’s an amazing actor he should of won an Oscar for chopper. Wish he was in more films 😍

[@hayleytownsend9758]

He's simply one of the greats and Time Traveler's Wife will always hold a special place in my heart. If he did it in his Aussie accent I would die... like I'm Aussie and could listen to him talk all day

[@isokeno1365]

I will never forget his role as Hector, he was great in that role.

[@ericbana2327]

Thanks is for the love

[@emeraldknight2342]

For sure! He embodied that role so well! Hector is my favorite character in the movie and in the Trojan War because of Eric Bana.

[@RaytheGrayt]

​@@emeraldknight2342 Same exact thing here. He was the true star of Troy, and played Hector as what he was told to be; A true warrior, a family man, and a loyal son and brother.

[@BluesBoyJonny]

Wow! He’s so humble. I can’t believe he started as a comedian!

[@leonardobraynen1524]

Learn something new everyday, huh?

[@theoutlaw486]

I would love to see him host SNL one day.

[@complimentary_voucher]

I personally dont understand why actors get so blown up in the head about themselves; it's quite a prosaic and not particularly important job 🤷‍♀️ Also, you cant really get away with being too much of a wanker in public in the southern hemisphere. Someone will laugh at you or spit in your coffee lol.

[@Hugatree1]

Someone mentioned his role in Star Trek, I was absolutely mesmerized by that character but couldn't put my finger on who exactly it was. He completely transformed himself into the sexiest most menacing villain in the Star Trek franchise. He is also gorgeous charming humble beautiful voice and a family man on top of all that. And yes he was also the best part of Troy

[@quietdemon8138]

Am I the only one who thought that his interpretation of Bruce Banner was awesome? I mean yeah the Hulk in the movie is weird but his tortured and lonely performance I thought was great and I hope he returns in some form

[@akdollface007]

I LOVE Eric’s accent. I, too, wish more people could/would use their natural accent in films. 🤩

[@bellajezz1]

Yasss! Eric is one of Australia’s most underrated actors....not to mention just a top bloody bloke too! 🇦🇺👍 My only complaint is that his old movie ‘The Nugget’ wasn’t mentioned.....perfect example of early Bana/Aussie humour.

[@hollandscottthomas]

And The Castle! Even though he's only in it a bit, it's an Aussie staple.

[@masterwindu1234]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@bellajezz1]

@@masterwindu1234 I’m glad we could entertain you and brighten your day!?

[@IMunchCheddar]

Bogan

[@jessk7962]

How can this video exist without mentioning him in The Castle. Best Aussie movie of all time

[@EchoBravo370]

you're dreaming

[@Oliver-zm2ho]

its a classic

[@Nebuchadnezzar31]

That comment's going straight to the pool room.

[@technogeekshoaib]

He will forever be The Hulk in my mind...

[@steveskrobot9496]

There are so many more movie roles that he featured in. I guess they couldnt squeeze them all into this segment. What a guy. Eric is a true gentleman.

[@TheAliAzhar]

I grew up watching Eric Bana Hulk and it had a huge impact on me and I was like always watch it over and over again and his role in Troy was amazing too.

[@abdeldorado]

Absolutely amazing in Troy, such a great actor!

[@ss-wc2oi]

His face is both handsome and cute

[@thewatchmanstudios6257]

I quite like the fact that he appreciates many facets of film making. Including the editing (very underrated component) Cool dude indeed

[@skraegorn7317]

Eric, I'm not sure if you read these comments but I want you to know that your depiction of Hulk/Banner was the most relatable depiction of Banner and the most accurate depiction of Dr. Banner and his trauma. The movie itself wasn't great but your performance meant a lot to me.

[@juggalochef2399]

Mind blown: Eric started as a stand up comedian!!!! WOWZERS!

[@Webhead731]

Best Hulk movie hands down to me. He did so wonderfully.

[@sydneylee8612]

“You Americans” great actor and great person. A good actor is one who is acting the bad guy and a genuinely nice guy in real life.

[@SexistAlexistv]

He starts talking about Hulk at 6:05

[@oopartsw911]

The Other Boleyn Girl was a masterpiece that pulls on your emotions and Bana knocked it out of the park

[@andyhandy7841]

one of most underrated actor.. his best performance in chopper.. the body transformation is awesome 😍

[@aidanrogers4438]

I think Troy is such an underrated film, IMO, more people need to watch it. We need more historical epics like that or Kingdom of Heaven again.

[@emilyrowbottom9821]

Definitely! KoH and Troy were my favourites for ages!

[@TheMarizanebogdan]

Munich is such a good movie, so underrated in Spielberg filmography.

[@dryherbvoter]

I saw Eric Bana playing Bruce Banner, Hulk in theaters. I own it on dvd and vhs. Eric is an great actor. I could see him be in DC or Marvel films as a villian or a hero. Such an interesting person. USA loves Australia.

[@GoonaTVhi]

Hanna is a seriously underrated film, love it.

[@jeshkam]

"Munich" is an absolute masterpiece for me.

[@ohsinboi2721]

The ferocity he brought to Nero in Star Trek was phenomenal. Was hoping to hear him talk about that

[@gingeta5961]

He was intimidating as Nero, I wish he'd talk about that movie

[@sunnyside100]

Eric Bana, ages like a fine wine...

[@whatthedilemma]

Any other Aussie devastated they skilled The Castle . Outraged!!

[@FionaEm]

Totally!

[@elisefincher4478]

I first saw him in black hawk down and have been a fan ever since. In that movie that was stacked with big names he easily stood out and was phenomenal in his role.

[@super_aesthetic_athlete6847]

"And the code is simple. Honor the God's, love your woman, and defend your country!" My wife laughs every time I say that to her but awesome speech none the less 💪💪🤘🤙 #Troy

[@BRUM5]

Eric is such a talented actor so proud of our Australian 🇦🇺

[@jackwitcombe765]

Such an underrated actor

[@kebeawa4442]

Why "underrated "?nobody said he was considered that way ,all time we read comments like this about actors

[@elizabethmcleod246]

Not by me…I’ve always enjoyed his acting.

[@jussy1287]

hulk 2003 is the best movie ever! the first transformation still gives me goosebumps, eric did a great job! ..i never understood why this movie is so underrated

[@wurble]

Judging by the comments I'd say his role in Chopper is either extremely underrated or there's a lot of people that haven't seen the film. That movie is easily in my all time top 10. Watch it if you haven't seen it. You will not be disappointed.

[@mattd687]

Interesting that he refers to his part in Black Hawk Down as a "small" role. He was definitely one of the main leads and he has second billing in the movie.

[@ANtr431]

Black Hawk Down! He seems so proud to be part of that movie and I understand that fully.

[@skykingusa]

Great video. I just love Aussie accents. I was a fan of Eric Bana before I knew his name because he was in many good films I saw over the years. However, it wasn't until Dirty John that I knew and remembered his name and started looking for more things he did. I didn't like the character, but the actor did an excellent job. Great to see and hear more about his cool career.

[@lynseanewman190]

Yes exactly. Me too. And he's just so beautiful in every way. ❤

[@Sithari66]

Seems like a real down to earth bloke. Always like Eric.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

He was brilliant as the Greek kickboxing accountant, Con, in The Castle. That movie is part of the package for people who become Australian citizens.

[@sharpysharps726]

I worked with Eric twice , the Chopper film and the series “ Something in the Air “ when he first started out ,hard to believe it’s been over twenty years since then .

[@64kdawg]

"This is my safety." Best line ever.

[@MusicConfusion99]

Am I the only one that feels Eric Bana is very underrated?

[@airetulin]

Troy, The Time Traveler’s Wife and Hanna 💜

[@fetishonfoot]

i think he did a spectacular job as the lee angs hulk , i was so thrilled when i was a kid watching that film , thank you for everything mister bana

[@conspiracykill]

after troy I was on the streets of LA looking for a fight with Brad Pitt. you OWNED Hector. when he kills Hector it made me watch intensely for the moment Achilles gets his due. and it just didn't seem enough. Such a great roll. Well Done

[@anishabajracharya9283]

I watched "Munich" and I was blown by the masterpiece. I loved Eric on the movie and until today I thought he was very good at serious and romantic stories ( time travellers wife😁). Never ever in my wildest dream I thought he was a comedian and Aussie Aussie Aussie!!🤯🤯 Eric Bana, I was in awe with you, now I love you☺☺☺😁 !! You are simply amaazzzinnnng!!

[@ManikiMPACT]

Hulk 2003 is severely underrated

[@Dyferent]

I loved him in Time travelers wife. Brought the book character to life

[@dracopticon7788]

This is one of the ten best actors in the world according to my taste. Eric Bana always impresses.

[@abates3747]

Eric is amazing, he deserves more fantastical roles

[@FrugalFunMum]

Grew Up watching him her in Oz in Full Frontal as 'Poiter' just so funny & LOVED him in 'The Other Boleyn Girl' I wish he talked about that in this interview!

[@Ihatedayslikethis1]

I discovered some of his Full Frontal stuff years ago. I think I injured my jaw laughing with Alex Topolino and hos impersonations.

[@adeelshahid2001]

Bruce Banner... Eric Bana it was destiny for him to play the Hulk

[@danasaeed9018]

I Have Only Seen Eric Bana In: Black Hawk Down Hulk. Troy. Deadfall. I Loved It All.

[@jayltee]

Eric Bana is a fantastic actor and a top bloke. Brilliant in Chopper, such an incredible transformation. In Black Hawk Down, he’s the lynchpin. Such a great performance.

[@VorticieFilms]

I wish he was the MCU Hulk. Change my mind.

[@TheFijianInquisitor]

I cannot and I don't think anyone can, he would've been perfect as MCU Hulk... until Marvel screwed up the character that is

[@MrPeteybelljr]

I love Ruffalo as an actor, but I really struggle to buy him as a genius scientist. Eric would have been able to sell that aspect easily.

[@ComedyBros5]

@@MrPeteybelljr See, I thought Ruffalo did great in the very first Avengers film, but it escalated very quickly downhill after that. The ruint his character! Would have much rather enjoyed seeing Bana in the role!

[@nathanchang7713]

@@MrPeteybelljr Ruffalo is a parody

[@J_THAM3NACE2]

I love mark and all but marvel made the hulk a gigantic baby especially in Thor ragnarock and he sounded like a bloody robot

[@Neojhun]

Oh look it's Poida on a fancy highfalutin magazine.

[@ColdestDay]

Swoit

[@LostArkLover]

I loved him in "Munich", an Amazing Actor!!!

[@truepotential206]

Still more handsome than me in my 20s

[@Brian_Boru]

Huge fan because I chanced upon seeing Chopper when it was first released. An unforgettable performance by Bana. Been a fan ever since. Such a great actor.

[@qashshah107]

A great actor,love all his movies and roles,the real Hulk🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@eaqua56]

He’s an underrated actor. Munich’s one of my fav films

[@fdwal76]

Um dos maiores atores da história do cinema mundial !!!!!!!!!!