5 Movie Characters Who Improved After Recasting (And 5 Who Didn't)

2008's The Incredible Hulk was only the second movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the second crack at making a successful Hulk movie (See Ang Lee's Hulk from 2003). Golden Globe winner Edward Norton's performance as Bruce Banner was very reminiscent of Bill Bixby's Banner from the Incredible Hulk TV show. As is typically the case, Norton treated the role seriously. His take on Banner was refreshingly watchable.

Norton lost interest in the direction Marvel was going with the character and opted out. Hulk fans, who were excited by the possibilities of more Norton, were once again fan casting his replacement.

Luckily, Mark Ruffalo picked up the big, green gamma ball and ran with it. Where Ed Norton may have been a better choice for a serious, standalone Hulk movie, Ruffalo's portrayal just works better in an ensemble.

Ruffalo's Banner seems uncomfortable in his own skin and afraid of his own power. He brings an endearing pathos that makes him stand out among his Avengers cohorts. As Jeremy Renner did with Hawkeye, Mark Ruffalo made his character enough of a fan favorite that he is returning to the role in a Disney Plus series. Ruffalo is appearing as Banner/Hulk alongside Tatiana Maslany in the upcoming She Hulk.