Marvel: No, Mark Ruffalo is not MCU’s first Hulk

If the role of the Hulk has been associated with Mark Ruffalo for 10 years, it was not he who interpreted the character in the first and only solo film dedicated to a scientist under the influence of gamma rays in Marvel’s cinematic world.

Indeed, before the MCU was in its infancy, it was Edward Norton who chose Eric Bana as Bruce Banner’s translator for Eng Lee Lee Hulk, who came out in 2003 and was not included in the sequel. Marvel. Directed by Frenchman Louis Letterier (now in charge of Fast X), The Incredible Hulk came out a few months after Iron Man and is considered the second episode of MCU.

In this feature film, where the protagonist desperately seeks the antidote to gamma radiation created by the Hulk, while General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hart, whom we will later see at the MCU) and his right-hand man Blonsky (Tim Roth) dream of using. For military purposes, Bruce Banner has the face of Edward Norton, known for starring in several memorable films such as American History X, Fight Club or The 25th Hour.

Thanks only after one movie

However, the collaboration between the actor and Marvel on The Incredible Hulk was so tumultuous that the studio chose to part ways with him and replace the Avengers for the film, which was released in 2012.

In a press release, producer Kevin Page explained: “Our decision is not really based on financial considerations, but on the need for an actor who embodies creativity and a spirit of collaboration with our talented actors. The Avengers are looking for comedians who enjoy working (…).“

That’s the role of Mark Ruffalo, who has played him many times since, but not in any solo film! And if the new Avengers movie has not been announced yet, the actor will still play the role of the Hulk for the Disney + She-Hulk series dedicated to his cousin.

While you wait for its release, (re) discover The Incredible Hulk Disney +.