Mark Ruffalo, who is best known for playing Bruce Banner/Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is 55 today, on November 22. Here are some of the Oscar-nominated actor’s most memorable MCU roles.
Mark Ruffalo, who has received three Oscar nominations, may always be best known for his long-running MCU role as Bruce Banner, the Hulk, alongside the original six Avengers: Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, Chris Evans as Captain America/Steve Rogers, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Scarlett Johansson (who shares Mark Ruffalo’s birthday!) as Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff, and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye/C
After Edward Norton’s portrayal of the iconic Marvel character in The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo quickly developed a relationship with both Bruce Banner and the Hulk in 2012’s The Avengers. Mark has undoubtedly earned a lot of hearts as the brilliant scientist turned green monster from back then to a decade later in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Today, November 22, marks Mark Ruffalo’s 55th birthday. Let’s take a look at The Adam Project star’s MCU journey thus far.
In Thor: Ragnarok
Many MCU fans would concur that Mark Ruffalo’s performance as Bruce Banner and the Hulk was at its best in Thor: Ragnarok. Ruffalo got to really showcase his comedic skills in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, whether it was the delectable camaraderie with Thor (Chris Hemsworth) as the two frequently quarrelled over brawn and brains or witnessing the push and pull between Bruce and Hulk. The two actors were both left out of Captain America: Civil War. One of the funniest moments in MCU history is the “He’s a friend from work” scene between Hulk and Thor.
Infinity War
The Avengers serves as Mark Ruffalo’s flawless MCU debut, as the actor had large shoes to fill after Edward Norton’s exit from the character. Ruffalo’s first explosive scene, in which he faces off against Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff, kickstarts Bruce Banner’s parallel journey with his raving green alter ego. MCU viewers were treated to unforgettable sequences like “When Banner lets his rage take over and Hulk comes out to play,” in which Mark skillfully performs motion capture as the Marvel superhero “My secret is that, Captain. “Hulk Smash!” and “I’m constantly mad!”
She-Hulk is a lawyer.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Mark Ruffalo’s most recent MCU appearance, introduced Jennifer Walters as Bruce Banner’s cousin and She-Hulk. Despite having a tiny part, Ruffalo has a blast in a comedy environment because of his newfound friendship with Maslany, which won over viewers right away. My particular favourite was their epic Hulk vs. She-Hulk fight, which was huge, nasty, and funny. In addition, the suggestion that a World War Hulk movie is in production has us all eager to see Hulk in a more significant role. Please release that single film!
Infinity War: Age of Ultron
After the Hulk’s scene-stealing performance in The Avengers, the psychological struggle between Bruce Banner and Hulk is given more attention in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Here, we learn about Bruce and Natasha Romanoff’s romance, which may or may not have split MCU fans. Nevertheless, it was heartwarming to witness Nat bring back Banner in his Hulk form. We also get to see the enjoyable camaraderie the beloved Original Six Avengers (OG 6) share when they’re not out rescuing the planet, as well as the familial ties they established in the second Avengers movie, which comes full circle in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
3 Iron Man
Despite all the momentum the character had previously earned in Thor: Ragnarok, for many, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame placed the Hulk’s story on hold. This is why our fifth choice is his humorous post-credits scene appearance in Iron Man 3, since it revealed a real side to the well-known Science Bros’ camaraderie (Bruce Banner and Tony Stark/Iron Man [Robert Downey Jr.]). In the clever response scene, Tony engages Bruce in a therapy session as he recounts the events of Iron Man 3 and discusses dealing with PTSD while Banner sleeps through the most of the narrative. Anyone will laugh out loud when Banner quips that he doesn’t have the “temperament” to be a therapist but still keeps Stark company, and you’ll be grinning knowing Tony has gotten a family out of the Avengers, especially Bruce!
Cheers to Mark Ruffalo’s birthday!
Which of Mark Ruffalo’s MCU appearances as Bruce Banner/the Hulk is your favourite? In the comments area below, please include your own favourites as well as your favourite Mark Ruffalo MCU moment.
After playing Ryan Reynolds’ father in The Adam Project to absolute perfection, Mark Ruffalo has a plethora of intriguing projects to look forward to. In the science fiction movie Mickey7, directed by Bong Joon Ho and starring Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Holliday Grainger, Ruffalo will play Hieronymous Marshall. Alongside Emma Stone, Willem Defoe, Ramy Youssef, Margaret Qualley, Jerrod Carmichael, Christopher Abbott, and Kathryn Hunter, Mark will also feature in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, which is based on Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel of the same name. Ruffalo will portray Daniel LeBlanc opposite Aria Mia Loberti and Hugh Laurie in Shawn Levy’s All the Light We Cannot See, a drama limited series based on Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name.
