How Robert Downey Jr. Persuaded Mark Ruffalo to Become the Hulk in the MCU

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13 years following Mark Ruffalo’s introduction as the Hulk in “The Avengers” within the MCU, it’s remarkable to learn about Robert Downey Jr.’s efforts in persuading him to accept the role. I find it hard to believe that this tale was previously unknown to me. Both Iron Man and the Hulk hold significant places in Marvel Comics lore, and their MCU counterparts have also etched their names as iconic figures. The casting of these roles was crucial, with Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo embodying key characters in the Infinity Saga’s epic tale within the MCU.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a surge of anticipation about the potential role of Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk in “Avengers: Doomsday.” Given that most of the original MCU Avengers are either deceased or have hung up their capes, with Iron Man himself included, the significance of Hulk’s presence in the narrative has never been more pronounced.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Ruffalo’s journey as the Hulk has been shrouded in uncertainty. The actor himself has shared his initial reservations about taking on the role for the very first Avengers movie. This intriguing ambiguity surrounding Ruffalo’s commitment to the character only adds to the excitement and relevance of discussing his potential involvement in the upcoming film.

Mark Ruffalo Almost Wasn’t The MCU’s Hulk

The Actor Wasn’t Initially Sure About Playing The Hulk

As a devoted moviegoer, it’s hard to imagine anyone else portraying the Hulk other than Mark Ruffalo after over a decade of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) adventures. From his debut as Bruce Banner in “The Avengers” to the numerous installments since then, he’s been an integral part of the franchise’s evolution. However, before his debut, it wasn’t a given that Ruffalo would step into those massive green shoes. In a 2020 interview on The Late Show With Jimmy Fallon, Ruffalo himself admitted that it wasn’t all set in stone back then.

Initially, I felt quite apprehensive. I wondered if there was anything new I could bring to a project that seemed so brilliantly executed before my time… and up until then, I had only been involved in independent films. So, I found myself questioning whether I was the appropriate choice for this task.

Given the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Hulk’s character development within it, Edward Norton’s portrayal of Hulk in 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk” has paved a path for the franchise. This means that the upcoming MCU Hulk role might be similar, making it challenging to step into those shoes because both performances would inevitably be compared due to their proximity in time, and because certain aspects of the character were already established.

2008’s The Incredible Hulk portrayed a much grimmer version of the Hulk compared to his appearance in The Avengers and later in the MCU. Given that the future was uncertain and there was a previous film hinting at a significantly different interpretation of the Hulk, it’s not surprising that Ruffalo had doubts and questions when considering taking on the role during this stage of development.

Robert Downey Jr Helped Convince Mark Ruffalo To Be The MCU’s Hulk According To The Actor

The Iron Man Actor Helped The MCU Hulk Casting Become Reality

During a time filled with doubt, Mark Ruffalo shared that Robert Downey Jr., who had previously taken on the Iron Man role for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, contacted him. The call was about discussing the possibility of Mark becoming the Hulk within the franchise. As per Mark Ruffalo, this conversation provided substantial persuasion, helping him make up his mind to accept the role during a period where he was indecisive and contemplating his decision.

It seemed clear to him that I was hesitating, and he responded with a firm ‘Ruffalo, let’s get moving. We’ve got this,’ in classic Iron Man style. Following his words, I found myself realizing, I suppose I have no choice but to proceed.

It’s understandable that Downey Jr.’s popularity within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) at an early stage would make this choice logical, considering his previous success in the superhero movie genre and specifically with the MCU. His endorsement could have been a significant advantage even before the franchise truly took off with the blockbuster success of The Avengers. Similarly, having another prominent MCU actor backing Ruffalo as the suitable choice for the character might have alleviated any apprehensions about the casting decision.

It’s clear that Ruffalo’s decision about taking on the Hulk role wasn’t fully made at that point. He mentioned that reading parts of the Avengers script gave him insight into the unique version of the Hulk that the MCU was creating, and helped him understand how he could bring the character to life. However, his comments suggest that a conversation with Downey Jr. was a significant moment in his thought process, prompting him to delve deeper into the role.

How Mark Ruffalo & Robert Downey Jr’s Marvel Roles Changed The MCU

The Hulk & Iron Man’s Significance In The MCU Is Colossal

Reflecting on it now, it’s difficult to visualize any other actors playing the roles of the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films they feature in. Not only did these two deliver performances that have become synonymous with their heroic characters, but the interactions between Bruce Banner and Tony Stark also allowed viewers to witness the development of their friendship, adding depth to both iconic Marvel figures. This on-screen camaraderie also paved the way for storylines such as the origin of Ultron in the MCU.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Hulk hasn’t had a smooth or straightforward journey – he’s been limited on-screen and crucial events like his transformation into the Smart Hulk have been left to our imagination. Nevertheless, Mark Ruffalo’s knack for portraying a character who can be both comical and deeply sorrowful keeps the Hulk popular in the franchise. Fans are eagerly anticipating more of this green titan and his story within the MCU.

Looking back over a decade, it’s captivating now more than ever to observe the parallels between these two characters and their portraying actors, and how Robert Downey Jr.’s real-life support for Mark Ruffalo might have contributed to the prolonged screen presence of Iron Man and Hulk together in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Downey Jr. reprising his role as Doctor Doom, and Ruffalo’s Hulk narrative set to persist, it seems that the influence of both actors within the franchise is only poised to expand as it progresses further.

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2025-05-28 23:11