Mark Ruffalo as The Incredible Hulk in The Avengers

Edward Norton portrayed Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk (2008), but Marvel replaced him before The Avengers (2012).

The Fight Club actor was reportedly not asked to reprise the role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) due to creative differences with the studio.

Marvel boss Kevin Feige explained the change: “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…”

Mark Ruffalo has since portrayed The Hulk in the MCU, with his most recent outing coming in the 2023 Disney+ show She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.