Robert Downey Jr. Convinced Mark Ruffalo To Play The Hulk

Before 'The Avengers' came out in 2012, the Hulk had not had a great run in cinema. He had a popular TV show in the 70s starring Lou Ferrigno, and there was even a 90s cartoon show starring the Hulk. However, bringing the Hulk to the big screen proved more challenging. With two Hulk movies that brought poor to mediocre reviews, it was not going to be easy to incorporate this character into 'The Avengers,' the first big superhero team-up in cinema.

Mark Ruffalo Is the Third Cinematic Hulk

The Hulk has been on the big screen twice before. Once in 2003 starring Eric Bana and directed by Ang Lee, and the second time in 2008 starring Edward Norton and directed by Louis Leterrier. The 2003 movie was met with decidedly poor reviews, citing a dull storyline, bland acting, weak execution, and minimal action. Viewers hardly ever saw far more of Bruce Banner and very little of the Hulk himself.

Edward Norton's 2008 movie was a bit of an improvement. The storyline was still underwhelming, but there was more action, and Norton himself received praise for his performance as Bruce Banner/the Hulk. However, rumors indicated that tension between Norton and producer Kevin Feige ultimately was the deciding factor in recasting the Hulk.

Ruffalo Had Doubts

Trying to find a new Hulk was going to be a task. And there could be no 'Avengers' movie without the Hulk, one of the leading members of the team. Mark Ruffalo was offered the part, having read for the role at the behest of Joss Whedon. However, Ruffalo was still hesitant to accept fearing he wasn't right for the part, no to mention there wasn't an official script at that point.“I made a promise to myself that I would never sign on to a movie that didn’t have a script,” Ruffalo said.

Robert Downey Jr. Was Ruffalo's Deciding Factor

According to Ruffalo, it was Robert Downey Jr. who convinced him to take the part of the Hulk. Although Ruffalo was doubtful, Joss Whedon was convinced he was a match for the role. Whedon was encouraging, but it was Robert Downey Jr who's persuasion cemented Ruffalo's decision to take the part.

“I got a call from Robert Downey who’s, you know, my hero. He said ‘Come on, Ruffalo. We got this.’ And that was it, I was in," said Ruffalo.

Fans Loved Ruffalo

And Ruffalo's casting and performance were ultimately a hit with fans. Apparently the third time really is the charm, at least when it comes to Hulk castings. Fans were delighted to finally have a big-screen Hulk they could love. While Robert Downey Jr.'s time as Iron Man seems to have ended as of 'Endgame,' there's still a chance that we might see more of the Hulk. Ruffalo is definitely open to continue playing the role and has even pitched for a Hulk vs. Wolverine movie event.