Fans were caught off guard when Mark Ruffalo replaced Edward Norton as the Marvel superhero Hulk in the 2012 film The Avengers. The casting decision was also surprising due to the fact that Robert Downey Jr. had a cameo in the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk. Several reasons have been stated as the reason behind Norton not making it into the superhero franchise. While Ruffalo is also credited with giving his best in the role, many still believe that Hulk from the 2008 film continues to be superior to Ruffalo’s MCU character.
Why Edward Norton’s Hulk Was Better Than Mark Ruffalo’s?
Mark Ruffalo has been portraying the incredible character of the Hulk for over a decade. Since his debut, he has convincingly performed a character who is afraid to let out his inner demon, with his performance in The Avengers being considered the best so far. However, over the years, fans have seen a slight decline in his character, noting that one of the most powerful superheroes in the MCU has been underutilized.
Amid all this, fans have also noted that despite the initial box office and critical reception of the 2008 movie, starring Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, had a much better take on the superhero. The following list states the five reasons why the 2008 movie Hulk was much better than Ruffalo’s version in the MCU.
The Incredible Hulk Treats the Character Right
The Edward Norton starrer features him as the classic Hulk, the monstrous persona of Bruce Banner. The film treats the character in the same manner, as the Hulk is not rewarded or praised for taking down the antagonist Emil Blonsky, aka Abomination, and he continues to be on the run. However, the MCU’s Hulk faces a distinctly different scenario, and he does not have to face the consequences of his rampage in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
The Psychological Turmoil of Bruce Banner
The 2008 film starring Edward Norton as the titular character explores the origin story of The Hulk. The movie follows him as Bruce Banner, the mild-mannered scientist who subjects himself to high levels of gamma radiation, leading to his transformation into a huge green creature, the Hulk. It delves into the character’s inner turmoil and his psychological struggles as he battles his newfound identity throughout the movie.
Despite potential shortcomings in Norton’s portrayal of Bruce Banner, the actor effectively conveys the yearning to return to a normal life following his involuntary transformation. Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal, however, often limits the character’s personal struggles and emotional complexities, as in the 2008 movie.
Contrasting Character Development of the Hulk
One of the things fans have stated their issues with has been the character development of The Hulk in the MCU. Unlike Norton’s version of Hulk, who seems conscious of his actions throughout the 2008 movie, learns breathing techniques, and attempts to cure the monster inside him, the MCU’s Banner has a pretty solid grip on his inner monster. However, he seems to have lost control in his return in the 2015 film, where he needs Natasha’s assistance to do the same.
However, the makers’ potentially presenting him as a fun character in the MCU has led many to point out the decline in his character since he was first introduced, making him a cool dabbing Professor Hulk by Avengers: Endgame. While Edward Norton lacked the opportunity for extended character development, fans found his character arc throughout the 2008 film more compelling than the trajectory the Hulk experienced in the MCU.
Hulk’s Dynamic With Other The Incredible Hulk Characters
Edward Norton’s Bruce Banner became the military’s target after Thaddeus Ross, portrayed by William Hurt, dedicated himself to hunting the Hulk in order to dissect him and weaponize the transformation process. While Hurt reprised his character in the MCU as well, the dynamic between Bruce Banner and Ross underwent a noticeable shift, lacking any apparent explanation for the alterations that occurred behind the scenes.
The same follows with Tim Roth’s Abomination, who reprised his role in the Disney+ series She-Hulk. While Ruffalo’s Hulk is seen talking about him and even faces his nemesis in the season finale, it is not the same as Louis Letterier’s 2008 movie.
The Impact of Hulk’s Condition on His Loved Ones
Unlike the MCU, Edward Norton’s 2008 film featured Bruce Banner’s love interest Betty Ross. However, their relationship sees a fall as a result of Banner’s condition. The movie features sequences depicting how he can not have the same relationship with her again. However, the MCU Hulk had no such struggles. While the events of Age of Ultron seemed to make growth in a similar direction, the franchise doesn’t follow up with the same after he is unintentionally transported to Sakaar.
While Mark Ruffalo has done a better job of portraying the character as per the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it seems like Edward Norton was always the better choice for the superhero’s solo feature.
