Editing Eric Bana (section)

==Career==
===1993–1997: Beginnings===
In 1993, Bana made his television debut on [[Steve Vizard]]'s late-night talk show, ''[[Tonight Live with Steve Vizard|Tonight Live]]''.<ref name="BIO"/> His performance gained the attention of producers from the [[sketch-comedy]] series, ''Full Frontal'', who invited him to join the show as a writer and performer. During his four years on the show, Bana wrote much of his own material, and based some of his characters on members of his family. His impressions of [[Columbo (TV series)|Columbo]], [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]], [[Sylvester Stallone]], [[Tom Cruise]], and Australian TV personality [[Ray Martin (television presenter)|Ray Martin]] made Bana popular with the show's audience.<ref name=":26">Devlyn, Darren. "First Impressions" . ''TV Weekly''. 10 February 1993.</ref> This success led him to record the comedy album ''[[Out of Bounds (Eric Bana album)|Out of Bounds]]'' in 1994 and to host his own television special, titled ''Eric'', in 1996. The show, a collection of sketches featuring everyday characters, prompted him to launch a sketch comedy series ''The Eric Bana Show''. The series, written and performed by Bana, featured skits, stand-up, and celebrity guests, but failed to attract a substantial audience and was cancelled after only eight episodes due to low ratings.<ref name="Under">Halfpenny, Kate. "Under the Gun". ''Who Magazine''. 8 August 2000.</ref> Even so, in 1997, he received a [[Logie Award]] for "Most Popular Comedy Personality" for his work on the show.<ref name="management">{{cite web|year=2014|title=Eric Bana|url=http://www.laurenbergman.com.au/eric_bana.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828193841/http://www.laurenbergman.com.au/eric_bana.htm|archive-date=28 August 2007|access-date=10 June 2016|website=Lauren Bergman Management}}</ref>

In that same year, Bana made his film debut in the Australian film ''The Castle'', which tells the story of a Melbourne-based family's struggles to keep their home by Melbourne's airport, as the airport authority force them to move. He was featured in a supporting role as Con Petropoulous, a kickboxing accountant who is the householder's son-in-law. ''The Castle'' was a surprise critical and financial success, earning [[A$]]10,326,428 at the box office in Australia.<ref name="BIO"/>

===1998–2004: Hollywood breakthrough===
In 1997, despite his inexperience with dramatic roles, Bana was approached by director [[Andrew Dominik]] to appear in the film ''[[Chopper (film)|Chopper]]'' (2000), a biographical film based on the life of infamous Australian criminal [[Mark "Chopper" Read|Chopper Read]]. Dominik had been working on the project for five years, but was unable to find an actor to portray Read. Only after Read himself suggested Bana, having seen him perform a skit on television, did Dominik consider him for the part.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Strickland |first=Christopher |title=Director's Cut: Andrew Dominik's "Chopper" |journal=[[If Magazine]] |date=July 2000}}</ref>

For the role, Bana shaved his head, gained {{Convert|30|lb|order=flip}}, and spent two days with Read to perfect his mimicry. During filming, he arrived on set at 4{{nbsp}}am and spent five hours being covered in Read's trademark tattoos.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Chopping & Changing |journal=[[Who (magazine)|Who Weekly]] |date=22 October 2001}}</ref> In spite of the film's limited release outside of Australia, Bana's performance received positive reviews. American film critic [[Roger Ebert]] complimented Bana, stating that "in a comedian named Eric Bana the filmmakers have found, I think, a future star [...] He has a quality no acting school can teach you and few actors can match. You cannot look away from him".<ref name="BIO"/><ref name=":0">{{cite journal|last=Ebert|first=Roger|date=1 June 2001|title=Review of "Chopper"|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20010601/REVIEWS/106010302/1023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104205826/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/chopper-2001|archive-date=4 January 2016|access-date=31 December 2020|website=RogerEbert.com}}</ref> ''Chopper'' was a critical and financial success in Australia, and was nominated for Best Film at the [[Australian Film Institute Awards]] in 2001. Bana's performance won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor.<ref name="management"/>

In 2001, director [[Ridley Scott]] cast Bana as an American soldier in the film ''[[Black Hawk Down (film)|Black Hawk Down]]'' (2001). Scott, with a recommendation from [[Russell Crowe]] and impressed by Bana's performance in ''Chopper'', did not require him to audition.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |last=Woods |first=Stacey |title=First Buzz: The Incredible Hulk |journal=[[Elle (magazine)|Elle]] |date=February 2002}}</ref> In the film, he played [[Sergeant First Class]] Norm "Hoot" Hooten, an elite [[Delta Force]] soldier, who fights his way out of a battle in [[Mogadishu]], Somalia, after a mission to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord goes awry. Bana shed the weight he had gained for ''Chopper'' and began an exercise regimen months before filming began. He also trained with Delta Force operators at [[Fort Bragg, North Carolina|Fort Bragg]], learning to fire weapons and clear rooms.<ref name="Hits">{{cite journal |last=Hopkins |first=Mark |title=Eric Hits Hollywood |journal=GQ Magazine (Australian Edition) |date=April 2002}}</ref> Between 2000 and 2001, Bana played Joe Sabatini in ''[[Something in the Air (TV series)|Something in the Air]]'', an Australian soap opera set in a small town. After two seasons, Bana left the show to focus on his Hollywood career.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Harwood|first=Andrew|date=9 February 2008|title=Something's in the air, again|url=https://televisionau.com/2008/02/somethings-in-the-air-again.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224614/https://televisionau.com/2008/02/somethings-in-the-air-again.html|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=27 December 2020|website=Television.AU|language=en-AU}}</ref>

Bana's next project was 2002's low-budget Australian film ''[[The Nugget]]''. A comedy, the film portrays the effect of instant wealth on three working-class men, and was released with moderate success in Australia. Bana read the script after filming ''Chopper'' in 2000, and was drawn to it because it reminded him of his childhood, and because he found its characters amusing and likeable.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=Partridge|first=Des|url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/EricArchives/Articles/2002/Article-2002-10-17-whatsOn_03-Mona.jpg|title=The Incredible Rise of Eric Bana|work=What's On Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114033255/http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/EricArchives/Articles/2002/Article-2002-10-17-whatsOn_03-Mona.jpg|archive-date=14 November 2012|publication-date=17 October 2002}}</ref> While filming ''The Nugget'', Bana was offered the lead role of Bruce Banner in the film adaptation of the popular [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] comic book series ''[[Hulk|The Incredible Hulk]]''. Only after learning of director [[Ang Lee]]'s involvement in the project did he consider the role.<ref name="Hits"/> Bana admired Lee for his work on the film ''[[The Ice Storm (film)|The Ice Storm]]'' and agreed to work on the film before the final script was complete.<ref name="TNT">{{cite journal |last=Mootram |first=James |title=Making it Big |journal=TNT Magazine |date=14 July 2003}}</ref> He said he was drawn to the film because "the character of Bruce Banner had dramatic potential", and was "a fairly non-traditional superhero".<ref name="TNT"/> Although ''[[Hulk (film)|Hulk]]'' (2003) received mixed reviews and was a moderate success at the box office, Bana's performance was highly praised: Jack Matthews of ''[[New York Daily News]]'' felt that Bana played the role of Bruce Banner "with great conviction".<ref name=":3">{{cite news |last=Mathews |first=Jack |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/beast-eyes-ang-lee-hulk-doesn-engage-heart-article-1.294374 |title=Beast for the Eyes |newspaper=New York Daily News |date=20 June 2003 |access-date=22 November 2014}}</ref>

In 2003, he voiced [[hammerhead shark]] [[Finding Nemo (franchise)|Anchor]] in the critically and commercially acclaimed animated [[Pixar]] film ''[[Finding Nemo]]''.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Pierce|first=Nev|date=5 October 2003|title=BBC - Films - review - Finding Nemo|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/07/22/finding_nemo_2003_review.shtml|access-date=31 December 2020|website=BBC}}</ref> In 2004, Bana co-starred with [[Brad Pitt]] and [[Orlando Bloom]] in the war epic ''[[Troy (film)|Troy]]''. He portrayed [[Hector|Prince Hector]], leader of the [[Troy|Trojan]] forces battling against the [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] warrior [[Achilles]]. When he read the script, he was drawn to Hector because, "I really felt a lot for him. I felt he was just a wonderful character [...] Orlando I love to death, and we've worked together before and when he was cast as my younger brother, it was just a great feel and I hope that shows in the film."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Clint|first=Caffeinated|date=5 May 2004|title=Interview : Eric Bana|url=https://moviehole.net/interview-eric-bana-2/|access-date=31 December 2020|website=Moviehole|language=en-US}}</ref> Bana also had prepared for the role by taking lessons in sword training and learning to ride [[Equestrianism|horseback]]. Although ''Troy''{{'}}s critical reaction was mixed,<ref name=":5">{{Citation|title=Troy - Movie Reviews|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/troy/reviews|work=Rotten Tomatoes|language=en|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref> the film was a financial success, grossing US$497 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=troy.htm |title=Troy |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=2 June 2006}}</ref> Bana's portrayal was well received; Stella Papamichael of the [[BBC]] thought he was "magnetic",<ref>{{Cite web|last=Papamichael|first=Stella|date=20 May 2004|title=BBC - Films - Troy|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2004/05/13/troy_2004_review.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224508/http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2004/05/13/troy_2004_review.shtml|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=21 December 2020|website=BBC}}</ref> and ''[[The Washington Post]]''{{'}}s [[Desson Thomson]] believed his "touching" performance.<ref name=":29">{{Cite news|last=Thomson|first=Desson|date=14 May 2004|title='Troy:' Brad to the Bone (washingtonpost.com)|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22724-2004May12.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305144934/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22724-2004May12.html|archive-date=5 March 2016|access-date=21 December 2020|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>

===2005–2010: Historical films and ''Star Trek''===
[[File:Eric Bana by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|Bana at the premiere of ''[[Lucky You (film)|Lucky You]]'' in May 2007]]
After the varied reception of ''Hulk'' and ''Troy'', film critics questioned Bana's bankability in big-budget films. He responded in ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'': "It's not like it [''Hulk''] was a flop. When you're on a long shoot, it is a long personal investment. If I wasn't happy with the end result, I'd be bloody upset, but in every case so far, I've been happy. ''Troy'' could take $50 and I wouldn't regret it."<ref>{{cite journal |last=Eimer |first=David |title=Heroes of Troy: Eric Bana |journal=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=June 2004}}</ref>

The following year, 2005, Bana co-starred with [[Daniel Craig]] and [[Geoffrey Rush]] in [[Steven Spielberg]]'s controversial thriller ''[[Munich (2005 film)|Munich]]''. Bana played Avner, a [[Mossad]] agent, who is ordered to track down and kill the [[Black September (group)|Black September]] terrorists thought to be responsible for the [[Munich massacre|massacre]] of [[Israel]]i athletes at the [[1972 Summer Olympics]].<ref name="Republic">{{Cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-24826299.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924191407/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-24826299.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 September 2015 |title=Bana Republic |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |date=20 January 2006 |access-date=1 July 2006}}</ref> The film garnered praise from critics,<ref>{{Citation|title=Munich (2005)|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/munich|work=Rotten Tomatoes|language=en|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> and grossed $131 million worldwide. It was nominated for five [[Academy Awards]] in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The 78th Academy Awards {{!}} 2006|url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2006|access-date=1 January 2021|website=Oscars.org {{!}} Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|language=en|archive-date=1 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001074434/https://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/78th-winners.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that Bana as Avner "projects a combination of sensitivity and ruthlessness and [...] knows how to present a face for which worry is a new experience."<ref name=":6">{{cite news |last=Turan |first=Kenneth |authorlink=Kenneth Turan |date=23 December 2005 |title=Movie Review: 'Munich' |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/turan/cl-et-munich23dec23,0,4815169.story |url-status=dead |access-date=9 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202012838/http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/turan/cl-et-munich23dec23%2C0%2C4815169.story |archive-date=2 February 2010}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' was equally impressed with Bana's emotional and "sublimely convincing" portrayal.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Zadie|date=29 January 2006|title=Spielberg lets us think with our blood|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3649746/Spielberg-lets-us-think-with-our-blood.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3649746/Spielberg-lets-us-think-with-our-blood.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=1 January 2021|website=The Telegraph|language=en-GB}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2006, Bana was invited to join the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2006/06.07.01a.html |title=Academy Invites 120 to Membership |website=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] |date=5 July 2006 |access-date=22 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060706181947/http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2006/06.07.01a.html |archive-date=6 July 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Lucky You (film)|Lucky You]]'', a romantic comedy on which Bana worked before filming ''Munich'', was released in early 2007. In the film, he played Huck Cheever, a professional poker player who must overcome his personal problems to win a high-stakes tournament in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]]. ''Lucky You'' was negatively received;<ref>{{Citation|title=Lucky You (2007)|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lucky_you|work=Rotten Tomatoes|language=en|access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> one critic opined that Bana's performance "simply isn't appealing enough to make us care if he succeeds or fails."<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Neil|date=22 June 2007|title=BBC - Movies - review - Lucky You|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2007/06/18/lucky_you_2007_review.shtml|access-date=31 December 2020|website=BBC}}</ref> His next film was the Australian drama ''[[Romulus, My Father (film)|Romulus, My Father]]'' (2007). The film, based on [[Raimond Gaita]]'s [[Romulus, My Father|memoir of the same title]], portrays a couple and their struggle in the face of adversity to raise their son. Upon release, the film was a critical success, and Bana's performance earned him a second Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor.<ref name=":8">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/06/2112084.htm |title=Romulus, My Father sweeps AFIs |website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |date=7 December 2007 |access-date=15 March 2008 |archive-date=14 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814232006/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/06/2112084.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Bana's next project was the historical drama ''[[The Other Boleyn Girl (2008 film)|The Other Boleyn Girl]]'' (2008). In this feature, he played [[Henry VIII of England]] opposite [[Scarlett Johansson]] and [[Natalie Portman]]. Bana was surprised to be offered the role and admitted that he "probably would have just passed it on without even opening it" if it had been presented to him under a different title.<ref name=":9">{{cite journal |last=Fischer |first=Paul |url=http://www.filmmonthly.com/paul_fischer_exclusive/bana_takes_on_kings_and_icons.html |title=Bana Takes on Kings and Icons |website=FilmMonthly.com |date=17 February 2008 |access-date=17 June 2009 |archive-date=29 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729105439/http://www.asahi.com/obituaries/update/0417/TKY201204170544.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The following year, he co-starred with [[Chris Pine]] and [[Zachary Quinto]] in the [[science fiction film]] ''[[Star Trek (2009 film)|Star Trek]]''. In the film, Bana played [[Captain Nero|Nero]], a [[Romulan]] mining ship captain who attempts to exact revenge on [[Spock]], whom he blames for the destruction of his homeworld and its inhabitants. To prepare for the role, Bana shaved his head, and donned face tattoos; director [[J. J. Abrams]] was impressed with his villainous appearance.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mitchell|first=Peter|date=6 March 2009|title=Bana dons face tattoos for new role|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/entertainment/764546/bana-dons-face-tattoos-for-new-role|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614121318/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/entertainment/764546/bana-dons-face-tattoos-for-new-role|archive-date=14 June 2009|access-date=24 December 2020|website=Nine MSN}}</ref> The film was positively received,<ref name=":10">{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_trek_11/ |title=Star Trek (2009) |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=17 June 2009 |archive-date=30 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130041636/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_trek_11/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and grossed over US$380 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=startrek11.htm |title=Star Trek (2009) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=5 September 2009 |archive-date=13 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213132641/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=startrek11.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Bana later recalled, "It was an unbelievable experience, and it's such a great group of actors", but he did not reprise his role in the [[Star Trek Into Darkness|2013 sequel]], saying "It was just a one-time for me."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Castro|first=Adam-Troy|date=14 December 2012|title=Eric Bana says no to any more Star Trek|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/eric_bana_says_no_to_any|access-date=1 January 2021|website=Syfy Wire|language=en|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128063704/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/eric_bana_says_no_to_any|url-status=dead}}</ref>[[File:StarTrekSydneyOperaHousePremiereApr09.jpg|thumb|left|''Star Trek'' premiere at [[Sydney Opera House]], 2009|199x199px]]In 2009, he also appeared in the science fiction ''[[The Time Traveler's Wife (film)|The Time Traveller's Wife]],''<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Flemming |first1=Michael |first2=Dave |last2=McNary |url=https://variety.com/2007/film/features/new-line-finds-its-cast-on-time-2-1117963263/ |title=New Line finds its cast on 'Time' |journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=17 April 2007 |access-date=21 February 2008}}</ref> based on [[Audrey Niffenegger]]'s [[The Time Traveler's Wife|2003 novel of the same title]]. Directed by [[Robert Schwentke]], the film stars [[Rachel McAdams]] and [[Ron Livingston]]. The story follows Henry DeTamble (Bana), a Chicago librarian with a paranormal genetic disorder that causes him to randomly [[time travel]] as he tries to build a romantic relationship with Clare Abshire (McAdams), who would become his wife. While the film garnered mostly negative reviews,<ref name=":11">{{Citation|title=The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/time_travelers_wife|work=Rotten Tomatoes|language=en|access-date=23 December 2020}}</ref> the critic from ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' complimented the chemistry between Bana and McAdams: "Together they achieve an intimacy which does its best to distract you from the flaws in the script".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Sandra |author-link=Sandra Hall (writer)| date=5 November 2009|title=The Time Traveler's Wife|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/the-time-travelers-wife-20091105-gdtsg4.html|access-date=23 December 2020|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Eric Bana and fan at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival (cropped).jpg|thumb|Bana at the 2009 [[Tribeca Film Festival]]|262x262px]]
Bana co-starred with [[Adam Sandler]] and [[Seth Rogen]] in [[Judd Apatow]]'s 2009 feature about a famous comedian, ''[[Funny People]]'', marking Bana's first appearance in an American mainstream comedy.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://variety.com/2008/film/markets-festivals/trio-joins-judd-apatow-film-1117987337/ |title=Trio joins Judd Apatow film |journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |last=Fleming |first=Michael |date=11 June 2008 |access-date=13 June 2008 |archive-date=9 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709034441/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117987337.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rogen had cast Bana because he was a fan of his early television work, and impressed by his performance in ''Munich.''<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 March 2009|title=Eric Bana teaches AFL to Seth Rogan|url=http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=556045|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090811052716/http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=556045|archive-date=11 August 2009|access-date=23 December 2020|website=The West Australian}}</ref> [[Peter Travers]] of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine gave the film 3½ out of 4 stars, and opined that Bana's performance showed "real comic flair".<ref name=":14">{{Cite magazine|last=Travers|first=Peter|date=30 July 2009|title=Funny People|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/funny-people-255861/|access-date=23 December 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref> Also in 2009 Bana directed and starred in the documentary ''[[Love the Beast]]''. It details his personal relationship with his first car, a Ford GT [[Ford Falcon (XB)|Falcon Coupe]], and follows his progression as a car lover.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|date=13 November 2009|title=Love The Beast|url=http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=136599|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020231743/http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=136599|archive-date=20 October 2012|access-date=31 December 2020|website=Empire}}</ref> Along the way, he seeks guidance and wisdom from his three lifelong friends, as well as celebrities [[Jay Leno]], [[Jeremy Clarkson]] and [[Phil McGraw|Dr. Phil]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lamont|first1=Tom|title=Eric Bana: Me and my car|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/15/eric-bana-car|website=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=7 November 2017|date=15 November 2009|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224646/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/15/eric-bana-car|url-status=live}}</ref> Lastly, Bana provided the voice of Damien, a Greek Australian, in the animation ''[[Mary and Max]]'' (2009).<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|last=Robey|first=Tim|date=21 October 2010|title=Mary and Max, review|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/8078477/Mary-and-Max-review.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/8078477/Mary-and-Max-review.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=31 December 2020|website=The Telegraph|language=en-GB}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== 2011–present: Career progression ===
In 2011, Bana played ex-[[CIA]] operative Erik Heller in the action thriller ''[[Hanna (film)|Hanna]]'', starring alongside [[Saoirse Ronan]] and [[Cate Blanchett]].<ref name=":15">{{cite web|last1=Dargis|first1=Manohla|authorlink=Manohla Dargis|title=Daddy's Lethal Girl Ventures into the Big, Bad World|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/08/movies/hanna-with-eric-bana-and-saoirse-ronan-review.html|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=7 November 2017|date=7 April 2011}}</ref> The film became a success for Bana as it opened at number two at the United States box office.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kilday|first1=Gregg|title='Hanna' Edges Out 'Arthur' for No. 2 Box Office Spot|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hanna-edges-arthur-no-2-176956|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=7 November 2017|date=11 April 2011}}</ref> Several media outlets praised Bana's performance, with one critic describing it as having "a note of haunted soulfulness".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sandhu|first=Sukhdev|date=5 May 2011|title=Hanna, review|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/8495734/Hanna-review.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/8495734/Hanna-review.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=1 January 2021|website=The Telegraph|language=en-GB}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Turan|first=Kenneth|date=8 April 2011|title=Movie review: 'Hanna'|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2011-apr-08-la-et-hanna-20110408-story.html|access-date=1 January 2021|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref> A year later, Bana starred in the ''[[Deadfall (2012 film)|Deadfall]]'', a crime drama that follows two siblings who decide to fend for themselves after a failed casino heist. According to [[Metacritic]], the film gained "mixed or average reviews,<ref>{{Citation|title=Deadfall|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/deadfall|work=Metacritic|access-date=2020-12-24|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224552/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/deadfall|url-status=live}}</ref> but Andrew O'Hehir of ''[[Salon (website)|Salon]]'' magazine enjoyed Bana's "charismatic stone-cold killer character".<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|last=O'Hehir|first=Andrew|date=7 December 2012|title=Pick of the week: "Deadfall" is a sexy, snowbound rural noir|url=https://www.salon.com/2012/12/07/pick_of_the_week_deadfall_is_a_sexy_snowbound_rural_noir/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224645/https://www.salon.com/2012/12/07/pick_of_the_week_deadfall_is_a_sexy_snowbound_rural_noir/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=24 December 2020|website=Salon|language=en}}</ref>

Bana portrayed [[Lieutenant commander (United States)|Lieutenant Commander]] [[Erik S. Kristensen]] in ''[[Lone Survivor]]'' (2013).<ref name=":17">{{cite web|last1=Ismay|first1=John|title=Seeing My Friend Depicted in 'Lone Survivor'|url=http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/24/seeing-my-friend-depicted-in-lone-survivor/|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=24 June 2016|date=24 January 2014|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224550/https://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/24/seeing-my-friend-depicted-in-lone-survivor/|url-status=live}}</ref> He said, "[[Peter Berg|Pete Berg]] [the director] and I nearly worked together many, many years ago before anyone knew who I was and we stayed in contact [...] he called me and told me he was making the film and would like me to play the mission commander Kristensen, I just jumped at the chance. I love the story. I thought it could potentially make a compelling movie and I knew that Pete was the right person for the job".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Douglas|first=Edward|date=7 January 2014|title=Interview: Lone Survivor Stars Taylor Kitsch and Eric Bana|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/112809-interview-lone-survivor-stars-taylor-kitsch-and-eric-bana|access-date=23 December 2020|website=ComingSoon.net }}</ref> Upon release, ''Lone Survivor'' grossed US$154.8 million at the worldwide box office.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lone Survivor|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1516340737/|access-date=23 December 2020|website=Box Office Mojo|archive-date=1 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101005700/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=lonesurvivor.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' magazine thought that Bana was well cast,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chang|first=Justin|date=12 November 2013|title=Film Review: 'Lone Survivor'|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/lone-survivor-review-1200820276/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203055306/http://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/lone-survivor-review-1200820276/|archive-date=3 December 2013|access-date=1 January 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> and critic [[Mick LaSalle|Mick LaSelle]] praised the actors for being "convincing in their humanity, agony and ferocity".<ref>{{Cite web|last=LaSelle|first=Mick|date=9 January 2014|title='Lone Survivor' review: War film's title tells us too much|url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Lone-Survivor-review-War-film-s-title-tells-us-5127983.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213080943/http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Lone-Survivor-review-War-film-s-title-tells-us-5127983.php|archive-date=13 February 2014|access-date=1 January 2021|website=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> Bana then appeared in the thriller ''[[Closed Circuit (2013 film)|Closed Circuit]]'' (2013), alongside [[Rebecca Hall]], as a lawyer, defending a Turkish man accused of planning a terrorist attack in London. Upon release, the ''[[Chicago Reader]]'' critic thought Bana and Hall lacked chemistry.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sachs|first=Ben|date=29 August 2013|title=Closed Circuit|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/closed-circuit/Film?oid=10569278|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224651/https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/closed-circuit/Film?oid=10569278|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=31 December 2020|website=Chicago Reader|language=en}}</ref> 

The following year, Bana starred as [[Ralph Sarchie]], a police sergeant who investigates paranormal cases, in the supernatural horror ''[[Deliver Us from Evil (2014 film)|Deliver Us from Evil]]''.<ref name=":19">{{cite web|last1=Pringle|first1=Gill|date=18 August 2014|title=My role from hell: Eric Bana on starring in cop drama 'Deliver us From Evil'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/my-role-from-hell-eric-bana-on-starring-in-cop-drama-deliver-us-from-evil-9677151.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224702/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/my-role-hell-eric-bana-starring-cop-drama-deliver-us-evil-9677151.html|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=24 June 2016|website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> The film was released on 2 July 2014 and grossed US$87.9 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|title=Deliver Us From Evil (2014|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bewarethenight.htm|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=24 June 2016}}</ref> Several critics disliked the film, including Donald Clarke of ''[[The Irish Times]]'' who thought Bana was miscast.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Clarke|first=Donald|title=Deliver Us from Evil review: Just what possessed them?|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/deliver-us-from-evil-review-just-what-possessed-them-1.1902901|access-date=24 December 2020|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224648/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/deliver-us-from-evil-review-just-what-possessed-them-1.1902901|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=McCahill|first=Mike|date=21 August 2014|title=Deliver Us From Evil review – supernatural cop drama overrun by forces of cliche|url=http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/21/deliver-us-from-evil-review|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224553/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/21/deliver-us-from-evil-review|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=24 December 2020|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> In 2016, he played Frank Bonneville, a struggling radio journalist in [[Ricky Gervais]]'s ''[[Special Correspondents]]''.<ref name=":20">{{cite journal |url=https://www.variety.com/2014/film/news/ricky-gervais-special-correspondents-remake-1201341524/ |title=Eric Bana and Ricky Gervais to Star in Remake of French Comedy 'Special Correspondents' |journal=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |first=Justin |last=Kroll |date=31 October 2014 |access-date=20 April 2020 |archive-date=1 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224634/https://variety.com/wp-content/themes/pmc-variety-2020/assets/app/icons/favicon.png |url-status=live }}</ref> It premiered at the [[Tribeca Film Festival]], and [[Netflix]] bought the rights to stream the film on its platform.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McNary|first=Dave|date=6 April 2015|title=Netflix to Release Ricky Gervais' 'Special Correspondents' in 2016|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/netflix-releasing-ricky-gervais-satire-special-correspondents-1201466798/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015414/https://variety.com/2015/film/news/netflix-releasing-ricky-gervais-satire-special-correspondents-1201466798/|archive-date=25 January 2018|access-date=24 December 2020|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> Although reviews were largely negative,<ref>{{Citation|title=Special Correspondents (2016)|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/special_correspondents|work=Rotten Tomatoes|language=en|access-date=24 December 2020|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224656/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/special_correspondents|url-status=live}}</ref> one reviewer thought Bana "upstaged" Gervais and gave a watchable performance.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Vishnevetsky|first=Ignatiy|date=28 April 2016|title=Ricky Gervais' media satire Special Correspondents is all snark, no bite|url=https://www.avclub.com/ricky-gervais-media-satire-special-correspondents-is-a-1798187555|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224652/https://film.avclub.com/ricky-gervais-media-satire-special-correspondents-is-a-1798187555|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=24 December 2020|website=AV Club|language=en-us}}</ref> Bana also had a role in [[Walt Disney Pictures|Disney]]'s ''[[The Finest Hours (2016 film)|The Finest Hours]]'' (2016), playing Coast Guard warrant officer David Cluff.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=2 October 2014|title=Eric Bana Cast In 'The Finest Hours', Disney's Sea-Rescue Pic|url=https://deadline.com/2014/10/eric-bana-finest-hours-casting-disney-movie-844874/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224754/https://deadline.com/2014/10/eric-bana-finest-hours-casting-disney-movie-844874/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=31 December 2020|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}</ref> In that same year, Bana played doctor Stephen Grene in ''[[The Secret Scripture (film)|The Secret Scripture]]'', based on the novel of the [[The Secret Scripture|same title]] by [[Sebastian Barry]]. Although the film was poorly received,<ref>{{Citation|title=The Secret Scripture (2017)|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_secret_scripture|work=Rotten Tomatoes|language=en|access-date=31 December 2020|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224707/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_secret_scripture|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sandra Hall (writer)|Sandra Hall]] from ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' thought Bana's character showed "quiet intensity".<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Sandra |author-link=Sandra Hall (writer)| date=5 December 2017|title=The Secret Scripture review: Eric Bana and Rooney Mara shine in adaptation|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/the-secret-scripture-review-eric-bana-and-rooney-mara-shine-in-adaptation-20171204-gzycfi.html|access-date=31 December 2020|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224523/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/the-secret-scripture-review-eric-bana-and-rooney-mara-shine-in-adaptation-20171204-gzycfi.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, Bana took the role of [[Uther Pendragon]], king of Britain and father of future [[King Arthur]], in [[Guy Ritchie]]'s ''[[King Arthur: Legend of the Sword]]'' (2017).<ref name=":23">{{cite web|last1=White|first1=James|title=Eric Bana Will Be Uther in Knights of the Round Table: King Arthur|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/eric-bana-will-uther-knights-round-table-king-arthur/|website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|access-date=7 November 2017|date=9 October 2015|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224731/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/eric-bana-will-uther-knights-round-table-king-arthur/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, Bana starred in a British drama, ''[[The Forgiven (2017 film)|The Forgiven]]'', playing the murderer Piet Blomfield.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web|last=Sachs|first=Ben|title=The Forgiven|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-forgiven/Film?oid=42871244|access-date=31 December 2020|website=Chicago Reader|date=10 March 2018|language=en|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224557/https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-forgiven/Film?oid=42871244|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Forgiven'' gained a mixed reception;<ref>{{Citation|title=The Forgiven (2018)|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_forgiven_2018|work=Rotten Tomatoes|language=en|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224541/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_forgiven_2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Village Voice]]'' critic praised the acting but opined that the film was unfocused.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lindsey|first=Craig D.|date=6 March 2018|title="The Forgiven" Turns Archbishop Desmond Tutu Into Columbo {{!}} The Village Voice|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2018/03/06/the-forgiven-turns-archbishop-desmond-tutu-into-columbo/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224610/https://www.villagevoice.com/2018/03/06/the-forgiven-turns-archbishop-desmond-tutu-into-columbo/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=1 January 2021|website=The Village Voice}}</ref> In 2018, Bana played John in the [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo]] miniseries ''[[Dirty John (TV series)|Dirty John]]'', based on the true crime [[Dirty John|podcast of the same name]] by [[Christopher Goffard]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Villarreal|first=Yvonne|date=8 August 2018|title=You liked the stories and podcast. Here's what to expect from 'Dirty John' as a Bravo scripted series - Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-dirty-john-bravo-tca-20180808-story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224745/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-dirty-john-bravo-tca-20180808-story.html|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=15 February 2019|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> Creator [[Alexandra Cunningham]] said that Bana was her first choice for the lead role; Bana is very selective about picking the "right" characters. He said, "It doesn't matter what. Every film I've done, that's always been the guiding decision-making thing, for sure."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Liz Shannon|date=26 November 2018|title=Eric Bana Has Had an Insane Career, Because He Doesn't Want to Be 'The Guy'|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2018/11/eric-bana-dirty-john-chopper-interview-1202023301/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224654/https://www.indiewire.com/2018/11/eric-bana-dirty-john-chopper-interview-1202023301/|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=31 December 2020|website=IndieWire|language=en}}</ref> David Sexton of the ''[[Evening Standard]]'' thought he was perfect: "Bana is terrific as Dirty John, so sexy and appealing yet creepy too."<ref name=":27">{{Cite web|last=Sexton|first=David|date=14 February 2019|title=Settling into your Valentine's meal? Put on Dirty John!|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/dirty-john-settling-into-your-valentine-s-meal-look-out-for-the-johns-and-debras-on-nearby-tables-a4067281.html|access-date=27 December 2020|website=www.standard.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101224711/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/dirty-john-settling-into-your-valentine-s-meal-look-out-for-the-johns-and-debras-on-nearby-tables-a4067281.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, Bana starred in a mystery drama, [[The Dry (film)|''The Dry'']], based on the [[The Dry (novel)|book of the same name]] by [[Jane Harper]].<ref>{{Cite web|title="The Dry (2021) - The Screen Guide - Screen Australia"|url=https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/the-dry-2021/36394/|access-date=23 March 2021|website=Screen Australia}}</ref> In that same year, Bana provided the voice of zookeeper Chaz in the animation ''[[Back to the Outback]]''.<ref name="Sydney2022 Outback">{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Sandra |author-link=Sandra Hall (writer)| date=10 December 2021|title=Back to the Outback for Tim Minchin and Eric Bana in cutesy comedy|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/movies/tim-minchin-and-eric-bana-head-back-to-the-outback-in-cutesy-comedy-20211209-p59g6r.html|access-date=11 February 2022|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref> In 2022, he voiced Monterey Jack in the animation ''[[Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (film)|Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers]]'', and appeared in the drama ''[[Blueback (film)|Blueback]]''; it premiered at the [[Toronto International Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keast |first=Jackie |date=29 July 2022 |title=Robert Connolly's 'Blueback' selected for Toronto |url=https://if.com.au/robert-connollys-blueback-selected-for-toronto/ |access-date=5 November 2022 |website=IF Magazine |language=en-AU}}</ref>