Why has the role of Bruce Banner been played by different actors in the three films that Hulk has appeared in?
Hulk (2003) Eric Bana Bruce Banner
The Incredible Hulk (2008) Edward Norton Bruce Banner
The Avengers (2012) Mark Ruffalo Bruce Banner
Is there any reason why different actors are used in different versions of the same role?
Best Answer
The Eric Bana version of the Hulk was critically panned, receiving poor reviews from critics and fans alike, thus, Marvel called for a reboot to be tied into their Avengers plan.
From what I understood, Edward Norton quit after the 2008 version due to a lot of internal disputes (more information can be found on this answer to a similar question I asked before)
Thus, with the departure of Edward Norton from the Avengers Universe Hulk, Marvel hired Mark Ruffalo to handle the role, and from <Rumors> rumors I have found, he will continue playing the Hulk in a planned release, due after the Avengers 2 </Rumors>
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Why is Bruce Banner a different actor in the Avengers?
Mark Ruffalo began his role as Banner / Hulk in The Avengers, after Feige said he chose not to bring back Norton. Norton has since asserted that it was his own decision never to play Hulk again because he "wanted more diversity" with his career, and did not want to be associated with only one character.Why is Bruce Banner different in the Incredible Hulk?
Lee gave the Hulk's alter ego the alliterative name "Bruce Banner" because he found he had less difficulty remembering alliterative names.Why did they change actors in the Hulk?
Norton had a dark take on the Hulk, and wanted the film to have the overtones of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight. While it's true that many actors do this, Norton's problem is that he made the vision of him obsessive. He got to the point of despising the work of the writers and wanting to replace them himself.Why Didn't Bruce Banner Turn to Hulk in Avengers: Infinity War ? | Captain B2
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Answer 2
Marvel simply decided they wanted someone else to play him
To quote Kevin Feige, President of Production for Marvel Studios:
We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.
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