MCU: 10 Actors Who Redefined Their Characters
7. Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/The Hulk)
Whoever was going to play Bruce Banner in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was going to have big shoes to fill. Before these films, most people associated the character with Bill Bixby's portrayal of "David" Banner on the '70s Incredible Hulk series. That show made the Hulk one of Marvel's most recognizable and iconic figures.
At first, Marvel thought they had their guy with Edward Norton, but his performance in 2008's Incredible Hulk didn't really set the world on fire, and he wasn't brought back for the Hulk's next appearance in The Avengers. Instead, the role was given to Mark Ruffalo, a dramatic actor known for his roles in romantic comedies. As it turns out, it was exactly what was needed to transform Bruce Banner's character. Ruffalo perfectly balances geeky amiability with hidden rage in a way that makes him both lovable, but low-key frightening at the same time. He's the goofball, the straight man, the voice of reason, and the unstable renegade all at the same time.
It might depend on generation, but if you ask anyone who didn't grow up with the Bill Bixby series, they'll tell you the true Hulk is Mark Ruffalo.