The Avengers The "I Believe In Mark Ruffalo!" Support Thread

[Herolee10]

Same banner, different actor. I'm sure they'll find a way to tie TIH with avengers.

I hope so. I was just worried that with all of this talks on Mark wanting this banner to be more different than recent portrayals that it was a sign of them possibly rectonning the events of TIH.

I for one think that it's important to make sure that they transition Banner's experiences from TIH to the Avengers since I feel it adds weight to the character, just as the experiences as each avenger would have had in their own single film prior to this film

 

[kedrell]

Agreed, but that doesn't mean he can't portray him a little differently. Like I said, I'd like them to go more comic Banner and less Bixby.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

While I don't have a problem with Mark Ruffalo at all, it was still a mistake to replace Norton as for me personally Norton IS Banner. He looked like him, sounded like him, and portrayed a similar type of attitude when it came to his existence and the Hulk.

However, with that said, I am willing to give Ruffalo a chance. He's an underrated actor and I believe he'll do the role justice.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Hmmm...

Anyone else get a "I'm a little ashamed to be doing this...but RDJ talked me into it" vibe from him? That "my generation's Hamlet" sounded like has was looking down his nose at the character.

 

[thewhyteman]

While I don't have a problem with Mark Ruffalo at all, it was still a mistake to replace Norton as for me personally Norton IS Banner. He looked like him, sounded like him, and portrayed a similar type of attitude when it came to his existence and the Hulk.

However, with that said, I am willing to give Ruffalo a chance. He's an underrated actor and I believe he'll do the role justice.

I'm just as bent out of shape today as when they announced it. Its still a bummer.

 

[Doc Samson]

While I don't have a problem with Mark Ruffalo at all, it was still a mistake to replace Norton as for me personally Norton IS Banner. He looked like him, sounded like him, and portrayed a similar type of attitude when it came to his existence and the Hulk.

However, with that said, I am willing to give Ruffalo a chance. He's an underrated actor and I believe he'll do the role justice.

I'm pretty much in the same boat. I'm a continuity nut to begin with, but I just feel like if every film has a different Banner, you start to lose respect for the character himself, a respect the general audience barely has to begin with. They're just ready for him to transform and break stuff.

More importantly though, I think the events of TIH, combined with the prospect of Hulk-as-villain in the beginning of the movie could open the door for the Gray Hulk, or at the very least a more intelligent Green Hulk.

The antidote not only seemed to let Banner control the Hulk at the end, but also appeared to make him weaker initially in the fight with the Abomination. Not only did it take him longer to change during freefall, there were a few instances (especially after the helicopter crashed) where the Hulk simply looked like he didn't want to fight. He also learned to speak a bit better during this final sequence. I think it's an opportune time to introduce a Hulk who, while maybe a bit weaker, is more intelligent and conniving. Not the cannibalistic psycho-rapist of the Ultimates, but a creature more sinister in the beginning who becomes a good guy again by the end.

 

[Whiskey Tango]

I'm just as bent out of shape today as when they announced it. Its still a bummer.

This.

 

[Dark Raven]

If Bill Bixby were alive today and still at his peak, and The Incredible Hulk TV series weren't made 30 years ago but only 5-10 years ago, I would want Bixby as Banner up against RDJ, Evans and Hemsworth. He would be the ideal choice in my eyes and a truly charismatic performer. None of the other actors who have played Banner have been as mesmerising or have even made you feel Banner's utter pathos and anguish at his condition. In fact, not just them, but I don't think there are many other actors in any other series or movies who have made you feel their pain and utter despair as much as Bixby. He was a rare talent and truly inspired, lightning-in-a-bottle casting.

Can you imagine Bixby playing a scene against those other actors? I think he would be able to give RDJ a run for his money.

 

[Gamma Goliath]

I hope Ruffalo can give that type of a performance as banner in avengers and hopefully in some TIH sequels.

 

[Doc Samson]

If Bill Bixby were alive today and still at his peak, and The Incredible Hulk TV series weren't made 30 years ago but only 5-10 years ago, I would want Bixby as Banner up against RDJ, Evans and Hemsworth. He would be the ideal choice in my eyes and a truly charismatic performer. None of the other actors who have played Banner have been as mesmerising or have even made you feel Banner's utter pathos and anguish at his condition. In fact, not just them, but I don't think there are many other actors in any other series or movies who have made you feel their pain and utter despair as much as Bixby. He was a rare talent and truly inspired, lightning-in-a-bottle casting.

Can you imagine Bixby playing a scene against those other actors? I think he would be able to give RDJ a run for his money.

Agreed. I used to always say, despite what I personally felt of the tv show, Bixby was not only the saving grace but one of the greatest actors the genre has ever seen.

For me, it always went back to his eyes. There's an intensity to Bill that was very much real. He was said to be a very stern and direct person naturally, and I feel as though he channeled a lot of that with his performance. He was very charming, extremely believable as a scientist, and somebody you could relate to. But there was still a look in his eyes that something was bubbling underneath. Not just a rage, but sadness too. In the pilot episode, when he first awakens from his nightmare, in bed alone, and fights back tears, it pretty much exemplifies everything he brought to the role. Something not even the great Ed Norton did...which is pain...

 

[Herolee10]

I'm pretty much in the same boat. I'm a continuity nut to begin with, but I just feel like if every film has a different Banner, you start to lose respect for the character himself, a respect the general audience barely has to begin with. They're just ready for him to transform and break stuff.

More importantly though, I think the events of TIH, combined with the prospect of Hulk-as-villain in the beginning of the movie could open the door for the Gray Hulk, or at the very least a more intelligent Green Hulk.

The antidote not only seemed to let Banner control the Hulk at the end, but also appeared to make him weaker initially in the fight with the Abomination. Not only did it take him longer to change during freefall, there were a few instances (especially after the helicopter crashed) where the Hulk simply looked like he didn't want to fight. He also learned to speak a bit better during this final sequence. I think it's an opportune time to introduce a Hulk who, while maybe a bit weaker, is more intelligent and conniving. Not the cannibalistic psycho-rapist of the Ultimates, but a creature more sinister in the beginning who becomes a good guy again by the end.

Just for clarification, has it been confirmed though that the Hulk will be the villain alongside with Loki in this film?

Or will he start out as a obstacle for the Avengers and later become a member when Bruce is brought back to normal and aids them against in what i would hope to be a bigger threat than even the hulk.

And yeah, I'm a continuity nut as well, and while Norton's portrayal may not have been the best for everyone, I personally enjoyed his performance and it's hard to see anyone else in the current film universe play the character that was established in TIH.

So I'm just hoping that they make callbacks to the events of TIH to show that while Banner's character may be a bit different in personality, and obviously in appearance, that he still did technically and canonically experience the events established in TIH.

 

[Dark Raven]

I personally wish that Ed Norton's Banner hadn't learnt to control the raging beast within him at the end of TIH. I would've liked him to still be in despair, alone and on the run, hitchhiking on another highway. I would've preferred that, instead of him jumping out of the helicopter (which was mostly done for the visual effect), the Abomination attacked the helicopter while Banner was being transported, and that Banner inadvertently turned into the Hulk and saved the day, proving his heroic side.

That way, when Banner (who is obviously now played by Ruffalo) enters the picture in The Avengers, he would still be in despair and wondering how he can ever do anything useful or worthwhile with his life, and whether he will always be treated as a monster. Then, when he encounters the Avengers, it would be the first time that he is able to use the curse for good and feel like he has something positive to contribute to society. He might be on the run, possibly even suicidal when he is used by Loki (who is preying on that fact) and at the end of his tether. But when he finds acceptance and purpose, he begins the road to his own redemption and maybe realises for the first time that he can be a hero.

I don't think Norton showed enough of Banner's despair. It really needed to be played out until the end, with his sense of hopelessness reflected in yet another hitchhike. I hope Ruffalo brings some despair to the table. It will make his incorporation into the Avengers feel like a new shot at life. This is why, if Bixby had been alive and young enough, he would've been perfect. We've all felt his pain in the series, and this could be his chance at finding inner peace while learning to live with the beast.

 

[Spider-Man '92]

I know I'm not the only one who fears the idea of TIH being retconned, but showcasing the campus news footage at the end of IM2 brings hopes up even more.

 

[Doc Samson]

Just for clarification, has it been confirmed though that the Hulk will be the villain alongside with Loki in this film?

Or will he start out as a obstacle for the Avengers and later become a member when Bruce is brought back to normal and aids them against in what i would hope to be a bigger threat than even the hulk.

And yeah, I'm a continuity nut as well, and while Norton's portrayal may not have been the best for everyone, I personally enjoyed his performance and it's hard to see anyone else in the current film universe play the character that was established in TIH.

So I'm just hoping that they make callbacks to the events of TIH to show that while Banner's character may be a bit different in personality, and obviously in appearance, that he still did technically and canonically experience the events established in TIH.

There wasn't direct clarification but the ending was meant to be ambiguous so that they could go either way with it. I'm basing my opinion of Hulk-as-villain off the history of the Avengers in almost every iteration. They're first real threat was the Hulk (with help from Loki as you mentioned), even in the Ultimates, he was their initial adversary and later became part of the team. Just the nature of Banner's condition always brings him into conflict within the squad, so I would think it's safe to assume at some point, they'll have to deal with a Banner "temper tantrum"

 

[Gunga Diner]

While I don't have a problem with Mark Ruffalo at all, it was still a mistake to replace Norton as for me personally Norton IS Banner. He looked like him, sounded like him, and portrayed a similar type of attitude when it came to his existence and the Hulk.

However, with that said, I am willing to give Ruffalo a chance. He's an underrated actor and I believe he'll do the role justice.

Forgive me, I'm not terribly used to being able to hear comic books.

 

[Denny67]

I just got around to watching my copy of IM2 on Blu Ray for the first time the other day. I was checking out the special features and came across the case files of the other heroes. They have images of Norton as Bruce Banner in the Hulk file. Only one word came to mind… awkwarrrrrd

In the end, as long as the guy doing it is good, I can't complain. Point in case, James Rhodes was recast in IM and the world did not end.

From there, I figure, if I were replaced in my job I doubt there are many actors who would give a *&%$. So why should I? Just entertain me and do the source material justice.

 

[Sarg92]

I don't think Norton showed enough of Banner's despair. It really needed to be played out until the end, with his sense of hopelessness reflected in yet another hitchhike.

I thought the scene after the bottling plant transformation showed Banner's despair. Banner struggling to walk and sleeping in the streets showed despair and pain, in my opinion. Also in the deleted scenes, some despair was shown; Banner crying around Betty & Samson, regretting and being angry about the experiment that made him the Hulk and when he delivers a pizza to a group of college students, he works out some equation in a matter of seconds- the look on Norton's face made it seem as if Banner really misses his science work. I'm sure these scenes are on YouTube.

 

[Obi-Ron]

I still say they should make a "Norton cut" and put all that characterization stuff back in.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

Forgive me, I'm not terribly used to being able to hear comic books.

What I meant was Norton sounded how I always envisioned Banner to sound.

He looked exactly like him, acted exactly like him, and in my head I always heard Norton's voice whenever I read the comics or even watched a lot of the animated series. I watched The Incredible Hulk film and actually rewatched a lot of those old Hulk cartoons.

Needless to say I stand by my position that Edward Norton is, and will always be Bruce Banner for me personally.

But I will give Ruffalo a chance.

 

[ArtTeacher]

I just feel like if every film has a different Banner, you start to lose respect for the character himself, a respect the general audience barely has to begin with.

AMEN!!! 100% right on target, here!

If Bill Bixby were alive today and still at his peak, and The Incredible Hulk TV series weren't made 30 years ago but only 5-10 years ago, I would want Bixby as Banner up against RDJ, Evans and Hemsworth. He would be the ideal choice in my eyes and a truly charismatic performer. None of the other actors who have played Banner have been as mesmerising or have even made you feel Banner's utter pathos and anguish at his condition. In fact, not just them, but I don't think there are many other actors in any other series or movies who have made you feel their pain and utter despair as much as Bixby. He was a rare talent and truly inspired, lightning-in-a-bottle casting.

Can you imagine Bixby playing a scene against those other actors? I think he would be able to give RDJ a run for his money.

Beautifully put.

Bixby was not only the saving grace but one of the greatest actors the genre has ever seen.

For me, it always went back to his eyes. There's an intensity to Bill that was very much real. He was said to be a very stern and direct person naturally, and I feel as though he channeled a lot of that with his performance. He was very charming, extremely believable as a scientist, and somebody you could relate to. But there was still a look in his eyes that something was bubbling underneath. Not just a rage, but sadness too. In the pilot episode, when he first awakens from his nightmare, in bed alone, and fights back tears, it pretty much exemplifies everything he brought to the role. Something not even the great Ed Norton did...which is pain...

Dang! Another spot-on bulls eye! Nice post!

I personally wish that Ed Norton's Banner hadn't learnt to control the raging beast within him at the end of TIH.

Well, keep in mind, we don't know *what* happened at the end of TIH. All we saw was a smile. That doesn't necessarily mean Banner has control. It's the one scene in TIH that I truly hate, though. Banner NEVER likes being the Hulk, period.

I would've liked him to still be in despair, alone and on the run, hitchhiking on another highway. I would've preferred that, instead of him jumping out of the helicopter (which was mostly done for the visual effect), the Abomination attacked the helicopter while Banner was being transported, and that Banner inadvertently turned into the Hulk and saved the day, proving his heroic side.

That way, when Banner (who is obviously now played by Ruffalo) enters the picture in The Avengers, he would still be in despair and wondering how he can ever do anything useful or worthwhile with his life, and whether he will always be treated as a monster. Then, when he encounters the Avengers, it would be the first time that he is able to use the curse for good and feel like he has something positive to contribute to society. He might be on the run, possibly even suicidal when he is used by Loki (who is preying on that fact) and at the end of his tether. But when he finds acceptance and purpose, he begins the road to his own redemption and maybe realises for the first time that he can be a hero.

Yeah, agreed here, too.

 

[shockprowl]

Hi all.

I think Norton was an excellent Banner, but I also like Bana in the role too. It is a shame Norton didn't want to do it, and I'm not too familiar with Ruffalo's work. But I do think he looks the part.

 

[Doc Samson]

Hi all.

I think Norton was an excellent Banner, but I also like Bana in the role too. It is a shame Norton didn't want to do it, and I'm not too familiar with Ruffalo's work. But I do think he looks the part.

Welcome!!

I was nervous about Eric Bana initially because I only saw him in Chopper, and he was just way too big for me to imagine him as Dr. Banner. And while I still think he was a tad too large, he quickly turned me around. I thought he was as good as Norton, just different. I only prefer Norton form a pure physical standpoint, as I think he looks like he walked right out the comics

 

[Herolee10]

For those who are very familiar with the Avengers comics, just out of curiosity, is the Hulk considered a official member of the Avengers team? Or is he somewhat like an unofficial ally for the team at times while being a menace whenever he's unable to control himself?

 

[Axl Van Sixx]

Wow, this is pretty ridiculous. But I guess it's a good thing Ruffalo is taking it in stride; they wouldn't want to make him ANGRY.

Actor Mark Ruffalo Put On Terror Watch List For Anti-Fracking Activism

Actor Mark Ruffalo has been placed on a terror advisory list by U.S. officials after organizing screenings for a new documentary about natural gas drilling.
The "Zodiac" actor arranged showings for "GasLand" earlier this year and voiced his concerns about the practice in relation to the national water supplies.
But his efforts to raise awareness and demand a stop to natural gas drilling reportedly attracted the attention of officials from Pennsylvania's Office of Homeland Security - and he recently discovered it had landed him on a terror alert watchlist.
But Ruffalo is taking it all in his stride and has laughed off the idea he could be a threat to security.
He tells GQ magazine, "(It's) pretty f**kin' funny."






http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/actor-mark-ruffalo-put-terror-watch-l
​

 

[Aesop Rocks]

I think they just leaked The Avengers villains.

Airport security.