The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a staple in the world of superhero films for more than a decade now. Yet with the recent move towards streaming platforms, fans as well as actors are beginning to doubt whether the magic of the original MCU experience will still be there.
With appearances in numerous franchise-spanning projects, Mark Ruffalo’s version of Bruce Banner/Hulk has endured as a mainstay of the MCU. In a recent interview with GQ, the actor stated that, considering the character’s reliance on computer graphics, a solo Hulk flick might simply be too costly to make. He also discussed his thoughts on the expansion of the streaming service.
Although he acknowledged that the move was exciting, he also mentioned that there was one aspect of it that he particularly disliked: the need for more waiting.
Mark Ruffalo On MCU: Streaming Expansion Created A ‘Mystique’
With the conclusion of The Infinity Saga, the excitement surrounding Marvel films has somewhat subsided. Since then, the superhero genre has experienced a severe case of superhero fatigue, and the recent releases have been box-office busters. Sure, Deadpool & Wolverine are getting a lot of attention, but that is because they are teaming up for a movie that fans have been waiting for a very long time. Needless to say, there will be a lot of fuss!
Nevertheless, Marvel has been struggling, and Mark Ruffalo was questioned about the studio’s diminishing returns in a recent interview with GQ. He clarified that, in his opinion, Marvel will never be able to revert to its former state and that the streaming expansion was a bad idea. He shared:
“I think the expansion into streaming was really exciting, but the thing about Marvel movies is you had to wait three years and that created a mystique. These corrections could be really positive things. Will it be what it was? I don’t know.”
It is unclear what Ruffalo’s future holds in the MCU as Bruce Banner/Hulk. Following a Q&A with the actor, Variety has clarified that he will not be reprising the role in Marvel’s upcoming film Captain America: Brave New World. And, according to him, a solo Hulk flick would probably not be in his Marvel future because it would be “very expensive”.
He made the following statement to GQ:
“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!”
The news that the Zodiac star would be reprising Bruce Banner/Hulk again in the MCU film was first made public in February 2024. Variety immediately revealed that Ruffalo had erred in his speech and would not be appearing in the film.
Mark Ruffalo Also Addressed Criticisms About Joining The MCU
Mark Ruffalo, 56, was subjected to criticism over his initial decision to join the MCU. According to what he has “heard a lot from my peers”, it is not always the hip thing for an actor to devote years of their career to Marvel. He informed GQ:
“Sometimes I think it’s jealousy, a little bit. Because then I see them run off and do it.”
He related a story about an actor who was considering a Marvel contract; they met so that Ruffalo could answer some questions. Asking the former, that actor said:
“You know, man, aren’t you worried no big directors are going to want to work with you?”
Ruffalo expressed his pride in his career, which has included roles in multiple Marvel films and Oscar-nominated productions like Poor Things. He continued:
“I’ve sat in movie theaters with the movies I’ve done with big directors. I’ve also experienced these Marvel movies with an audience and the amount of community and expression… it touched every single emotion. That means something to me. I don’t look down on it.”
So, while Marvel’s expansion into streaming may result in many positive changes and opportunities, it is also important to consider the potential drawbacks. As fans eagerly await the next phase of the MCU, it will be interesting to see how the studio handles these challenges and whether they can keep up the same excitement and ‘mystique’ that made the original MCU so beloved.
