Considering the uncertainty surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mark Ruffalo, known for his role as the Hulk, recently shared his insights with GQ and expressed doubts about the MCU’s ability to recapture its former glory.
During the conversation, Ruffalo pinpointed the rapid expansion into streaming as a double-edged sword. He said:
“I think the expansion into streaming was really exciting, but the thing about Marvel movies is you had to wait three years, and that created a mystique. These corrections could be really positive things. Will it be what it was? I don’t know.”
This mystique, according to Ruffalo, played a crucial role in building anticipation and engagement among fans.
Will Ruffalo Appear in a Hulk Movie?
In the interview, Ruffalo also touched upon the financial and technical hurdles of bringing a standalone Hulk movie to fruition. Despite his personal interest in exploring such a project, Ruffalo acknowledged the cost of CGI as a significant barrier:
“I’d love to do a standalone ‘Hulk;’ I just don’t think that’s ever going to happen. It’s very expensive if you did a whole movie, which is why they use the Hulk so sparingly. I priced myself out!”
In another interview, Ruffalo claimed that the MCU said no to his idea for a standalone ‘Hulk’ movie.
Why is Marvel at Stakes Now?
Since the departure of cornerstone characters Iron Man and Captain America, played by Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, Marvel introduced a new lineup of heroes. Yet, the studio has struggled to create a narrative that resonates with its audience to the same extent.
The recent release, ‘The Marvels,’ marked a low point, becoming the studio’s worst-performing film ever. Moreover, Marvel’s foray into streaming with Disney+ has not consistently secured the viewership numbers expected despite an ambitious slate of shows.
Looking ahead, the MCU has scaled back its output for 2024, with ‘Deadpool & Wolverine‘ being the sole film slated for release. This strategic pullback raises questions about the studio’s future direction and its ability to rekindle the magic that it once had.
