Mark Ruffalo has always possessed an intrinsic relatability that has made viewers invest wholly in the characters he plays. Even while taking on Marvel’s Bruce Banner aka The Hulk in the MCU, the Oscar-nominated star brought humanity, vulnerability, and wit to the role while also sharing irrepressible chemistry with his ‘science bro’ Tony Stark aka Iron Man played by Robert Downey Jr.
Wih fans fully embracing Ruffalo’s version of The Hulk, the possibility of the Poor Things star getting a standalone film based on the towering Avenger was something that would have been welcomed by Marvel buffs with open arms. But the celebrity squashed all hopes recently when he said that this may never see the light of day owing to the huge monetary commitment required to make a film based on The Hulk.
Mark Ruffalo On Why The Hulk May Never Get A Standalone Movie
Among the many actors who have portrayed Marvel’s mighty hero The Hulk, Mark Ruffalo’s relatable and down-to-earth interpretation of the popular Avenger in the MCU has made him one of the most popular choices for the role among fans. Together with Robert Downey Jr. and the glittering Avengers cast, Ruffalo formed a seamless chemistry that was a defining factor in the films’ success.
With most of the cast including Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and Chris Hemsworth getting their own films to develop their characters, Marvel fans were also eager to see Ruffalo’s The Hulk shine in a standalone film. With the popular World War Hulk comics as foundation, the general opinion was that the Spotlight actor would have a great reference point to add further nuance to the character.
But Ruffalo recently dashed all hopes when he revealed that this may not be a possibility at all. In an exclusive interview with GQ, the Marvel alum spoke of the financial challenges involved in creating the CGI technology to develop the various aspects of the character in a film.
“I’d love to do a standalone Hulk, I just don’t think that’s ever going to happen. It’s very expensive if you did a whole movie, which is why they use the Hulk so sparingly. I priced myself out!”
While this is sad news for Marvel and Ruffalo fans, it also does not bode well for the franchise, which is currently going through a patchy phase following the failure of its recent films and series. Time will tell if Marvel can bounce back strongly after the departure of its mainstays like Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo.
Mark Ruffalo On Competing For An Oscar with Robert Downey Jr.
Apart from becoming a blockbuster franchise, the Avengers film series gave audiences an endearing friendship on and off-screen though Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. Bruce Banner and Tony Stark were not just ‘science bros’, but also became an integral partnership that influenced the narratives over 4 films. Ruffalo and Downey Jr.’s chemistry on screen was matched by their close bond behind the camera as well.
The two actors whose friendship goes back 30 years have been a shining example to everyone in Hollywood in the manner in which they have supported each other through their journeys over the decades. Oscars 2024 will see both pals compete in the Best Supporting Actor category, with Ruffalo nominated for his vile antagonist in Poor Things and Downey Jr. for his commanding presence in Oppenheimer. Speaking to GQ about going head to head with his friend, Ruffalo was all grace when he said,
“I really want Robert to win an Oscar. I mean, I’d like to win one too, but I would celebrate him.”
Through his selfless confession, the Avengers star proved that he is a thorough gentleman who values personal relationships as much as professional glory.
