Before Scarlett Johansson had Marvel fans fawning over her, it was Jennifer Connelly who had their attention thanks to 2003’s Hulk.

The women of Marvel have famously had entire generations in a chokehold. Scarlett Johansson is the perfect example of this, playing one of the most memorable characters of all time, Black Widow. In her role as Natasha Romanoff, she hypnotized the entire fandom, being gorgeous in every way and badass simultaneously.

Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow | Marvel Studios

While many might think that she was the first to ever grip Marvel fans like this, there was one other actress who had the fandom going crazy. Long before even Robert Downey Jr. walked into the franchise, Jennifer Connelly mesmerized fans with her beauty.

Scarlett Johansson Wasn’t The First To Send Marvel Fans Into a Trance

Over the years, Hollywood has collectively agreed on one thing; Jennifer Connelly is one of the most beautiful people who have ever graced a screen. She has been labeled the childhood crush of anyone who saw even one of her movies, and that is for good reason. She has worked in several iconic works, ranging from Labyrinth, Career Opportunities, and A Beautiful Mind.

Jennifer Connelly in Hulk I Marvel Studios

However, many might not remember that she was a very important part of one of the early Marvel films before the Marvel Cinematic Universe was established. Before Edward Norton starred in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, Connelly starred in 2003’s Hulk, starring Eric Bana. Playing the role of Betty Ross, her performance was timeless in every way.

While the film was quite poorly rated by critics and fans alike, Connelly’s casting as Ross was extremely praised. Not only was the actress breathtakingly beautiful in the movie, but she also played the role excellently.

Jennifer Connelly Has Had the World in a Chokehold

Even before her Marvel role, Jennifer Connelly has been praised for her beauty and her skills as an actress. There is absolutely no denying that the actress is stunning in every way, and nothing shows this better than her 1990 film, The Hot Spot. Even though it has been over 30 years since the film was released, fans cannot help but take in just how beautiful the actress truly is.

Jennifer Connelly in The Hot Spot I Orion Pictures

Recently, Cinesthetic on X made a post highlighting Connelly’s best scenes from the 1990 film. Despite the standards for beauty having changed since the release of the film and audiences drastically shifting their interests, fans could not help but take in just how astonishing she looked in the film.

Many pointed out that they had the biggest crush on her growing up. Others mentioned that she was very high in demand at the time, thanks to just how many loved her. It is safe to say that the love that the film industry has for the actress will forever exist.