Mark Ruffalo has portrayed the dual role of Bruce Banner and Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for over a decade now. Yet despite being one of the most popular Avengers characters, issues around film rights have prevented Ruffalo’s version of the Hulk from getting his own solo movie. Recently while promoting his new film, Ruffalo provided an update on the possibility of a standalone Hulk movie.
What Did Mark Ruffalo Say About a Solo Hulk Movie?
Mark Ruffalo revealed that Marvel has asked him not to comment publicly about any plans. However, the actor remains hopeful that:
“One day they’ll work it out.”
When asked by ComicBook.com whether the expiration of Marvel’s contract with Universal could open the door for more Hulk projects, Ruffalo responded:
“Not that I know of. I’ve been asked not to comment on it, that specifically. Hopefully one day though they’ll work it out. I think it could be really cool and I’ve been putting a lot into what it could be to be cool, but I don’t know yet.”
So while Ruffalo couldn’t share any details, his answer suggests there may be ongoing discussions happening out of the public eye.
Why Has There Never Been an MCU Hulk Movie?
When Edward Norton starred as the Hulk in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, distribution rights for any Hulk solo films belonged to Universal Pictures. And that deal has made it challenging for Marvel to revisit a standalone Hulk movie, even with Ruffalo now in the lead role.
Universal maintains the rights to distribute any future Hulk movies, which would require Marvel to reach an agreement to produce a film that another studio distributes.
While the initial 15-year Universal deal expired last year, the distribution rights have continued complicating plans for more Hulk content. But Ruffalo remains eager to see what kind of cool Hulk story could still be told.
Is Another Hulk Movie Actually Possible?
There’s clearly still interest from fans as well as Ruffalo himself to give the character another shot at a solo outing.
While Marvel has so far been prevented from making an MCU Hulk movie under the current Universal deal, maybe the two studios can eventually reach an understanding.
And the huge success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe means a Hulk movie distributed by Universal could still draw big box office numbers. So hopes aren’t completely dashed yet.
For now, Mark Ruffalo can only continue waiting for the day when Marvel gives him the green light to smash onto the big screen alone once more. But the actor promises that if it ever does happen, he’s got plenty of good ideas ready to make it a film well worth the years-long wait.
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Frequently asked questions
Why hasn’t Marvel made a standalone Hulk movie with Mark Ruffalo?
The main obstacle is distribution rights: Universal Pictures has held the rights to distribute solo Hulk films since 2008’s ‘The Incredible Hulk.’ The article notes the original 15-year Universal deal has since expired, but the distribution rights continue to complicate Marvel’s ability to release a solo Hulk film through Disney like its other MCU movies.
What did Mark Ruffalo say about a solo Hulk film?
While promoting a new film, Ruffalo said he had been asked not to discuss the project but remained hopeful, saying ‘Hopefully one day though they’ll work it out. I think it could be really cool,’ and adding that he has been ‘putting a lot into what it could be.’
How long has Mark Ruffalo played the Hulk in the MCU?
Ruffalo took over the role of Bruce Banner / the Hulk from Edward Norton, first appearing in 2012’s ‘The Avengers,’ and has portrayed the character across the MCU for more than a decade since.
