Early fans of the MCU may remember it was Edward Norton who first starred as the Hulk in the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk.
However, by the time the film franchise really started to find its stride, he was quickly replaced by Mark Ruffalo in the 2012 film The Avengers.
The reasons behind Norton’s departure have been a topic of speculation and controversy for years. And now Ruffalo has expressly stated how this has affected their mutual relationship as two of Hollywood’s top actors.
Why Norton was replaced as the Hulk
Following Norton’s departure from the role, rumors circulated that he was unhappy with how Marvel had treated him and that he had clashed with the studio over creative differences.
Norton has since denied these rumors, but some have speculated that his departure may have been motivated by a desire to maintain creative control over the character.
Ultimately, the Bruce Banner that Ruffalo ended up portraying was very different from the grittier version of the character Norton was clearly aiming for.
Arguably many fans would agree it was all for the best in the end. The MCU ‘s lighter tones and ability to not take itself too seriously is part of what has made it such a success.
Ruffalo’s statement on the recasting
Speaking recently at Emerald City Comic-Con, he was asked directly how the discussion went with Norton about him taking on the role.
Ruffalo initially called it “awkward” but admitted there is no bad blood between them. He went on to clarify that he had reached out to him at the time, and Norton had told him he was fine with it.
Clearly, it remained an uncomfortable time for Ruffalo, who remembers the incident as weird.
Recalling when he was officially announced as the Hulk, he said, “I mean, it was weird. It was even weird when Robert Downey Jr., at Comic-Con [in 2010], when introducing me, said, ‘And now reprising the role of the Hulk, is Mark Ruffalo.’ And they’re like, ‘Yeah– Huh?'”.
Fortunately, things seem to have worked out well for both actors. After leaving the Hulk behind him, Norton went on to star in a number of feature films; including most recently Glass Onion.
Ruffalo has also continued to do well as the Hulk. Appearing in all of the Avengers movies, Thor Ragnarok, and some smaller parts in other MCU films.
Regardless of the reasons behind Norton’s departure, the relationship between the two actors seems to have remained largely positive.
Ruffalo’s final comments about Norton were kind. “… He’s been beautiful. We’re friends. It’s never come up as an issue. I’m blessed”.
