The Hulk, a cornerstone of the Marvel universe, has captivated audiences for decades, embodying both the ferocious green giant and his tormented human side, Dr. Bruce Banner. This character’s portrayal has evolved quite a bit throughout cinema and television history, featuring notable performances from actors such as Eric Bana, Edward Norton, and most famously, Mark Ruffalo within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, casting the quintessential Hulk has been a challenging endeavor fraught with numerous candidate shifts and behind-the-scenes changes, revealing a complex journey to find the right fit for this iconic role.
Since Hulk’s debut in comics back in 1962, the character has experienced myriad transformations, each reflecting societal changes and viewer expectations. From the classic renditions of Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno in the 1970s television series to today’s CGI spectacles, each actor has offered a unique interpretation, balancing the psychological complexity of Banner with the physicality demanded of the Hulk persona. The delicate nature of casting for this role requires an actor who can capture Banner’s internal struggles while effectively bringing the raw power of his green counterpart to life.
8 Mark Ruffalo Was The Original First Choice For The Hulk
The Incredible Hulk
Although Edward Norton ultimately portrayed Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk (2008), Mark Ruffalo was originally the director Louis Leterrier’s top pick. In an interview with The Huffington Post, Leterrier noted that while he was excited to work with Norton, he had always preferred Ruffalo for the role. Unfortunately, at that time, Marvel chose to invest in Norton, prioritizing his box-office appeal over Ruffalo’s emerging talent.
It is interesting to note that after Norton’s exit from the franchise due to creative disputes, Ruffalo was finally cast as Banner in The Avengers (2012), solidifying his legacy as the definitive Hulk of his generation. This scenario reflects the ebb and flow of Hollywood casting decisions and highlights how the film industry can sometimes come full circle.
7 Matthew McConaughey Was Told “No Thank You”
The Incredible Hulk
Matthew McConaughey once expressed interest in taking on the role of the Hulk but was met with a firm rejection from Marvel during the casting phase for The Incredible Hulk. On the podcast *The Happy Sad Confused*, McConaughey recounted his eagerness to join the superhero ranks, only to have Marvel respond with a blunt, “No, thank you”as referenced in an article by Business Insider.
At that period, McConaughey was primarily recognized for his roles in romantic comedies and had yet to undergo what is now famously known as the “McConaissance,” marking his acclaimed transformation in the industry with roles in *Dallas Buyers Club* and *True Detective*. The filmmakers may have felt that his affable demeanor did not align with the brooding nature of Bruce Banner’s character, but one can’t help but envision how McConaughey’s unique charm could have colored the Hulk’s narrative.
6 David Duchovny Auditioned To Play The Hulk
The Incredible Hulk
Before Edward Norton secured the role of Bruce Banner, David Duchovny was briefly considered as a candidate for The Incredible Hulk. Known for his captivating performances in *The X-Files* and *Californication*, Duchovny brought a brooding, intellectual quality that Marvel initially sought. A 2006 article from Variety suggested Duchovny was favored for the role, although details regarding his progress in the audition process remain unclear.
Duchovny’s poignant acting style might have provided a more nuanced portrayal of Banner, one that leaned heavily into his psychological conflicts. Even though he ultimately never portrayed the Hulk, his audition underscores Marvel’s early vision for a deeper, more introspective interpretation of the character. Moreover, there are unconfirmed rumors suggesting Duchovny was also considered for the role in Ang Lee’s *Hulk*, further hinting at the character’s complex casting history.
5 Arnold Schwarzenegger Was Deemed Too Short
The Incredible Hulk (1977)
An early contender for the role of Hulk in the 1970s television series, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was ultimately passed over by producers. Despite his impressive physique and rising fame as a bodybuilder, it was determined that he didn’t meet the height requirements necessary to convincingly portray the imposing, monstrous figure of the Hulk, as noted by American Comic Book Chronicles and reported by Looper.
While standing at a hefty 6’2″, his stature was considered insufficient to evoke the towering presence that was expected for the role. This casting choice paved the way for Lou Ferrigno, a perfect fit in terms of both stature and physicality, allowing him to become one of the most memorable portrayals of the Hulk. Ironically, shortly after, Schwarzenegger would leap to stardom in action franchises like *Conan* and *The Terminator*, diverging down a path that made him an icon in his own right.
4 Richard Kiel Began Filming As The Hulk
The Incredible Hulk (1977)
Following Arnold Schwarzenegger’s dismissal, Richard Kiel, famed for his role as Jaws in the James Bond films, was selected to assume the mantle of the Hulk. At an impressive 7’2″, Kiel towered above most actors, presenting a physical presence ideal for the role. However, his receipt of negative feedback from a young fan during filming—who claimed he needed to be more muscular—led producers to rethink their decision, as documented in an interview by The Guardian.
Despite his incredible height, Kiel’s physique was deemed too slender for the character, resulting in his casting being reconsidered. This ultimately led to Lou Ferrigno being brought for a screen test, emphasizing the perfect blend of density and primal energy that Ferrigno later brought to the character. Interestingly, some footage of Kiel’s brief embodiment of the Hulk remains, showcasing the character’s evolution throughout television history.
3 Jeff Goldblum Auditioned For The Hulk
Hulk
Jeff Goldblum, known for his eccentric yet captivating performances, once tested for the role of Bruce Banner in Ang Lee’s *Hulk* (2003). As detailed in *The Cinema of Ang Lee: The Other Side of the Screen* by Whitney Crothers Dilley, Goldblum’s audition captured the essence of Banner’s complexity, although the role ultimately went to Eric Bana, as noted by Uproxx.
Years later, Goldblum joined the Marvel franchise, taking on the role of the potent Grandmaster in *Thor: Ragnarok* (2017). He even humorously alluded to his previous audition during his scenes, suggesting a whimsical connection with the Hulk. The poetic irony leaves fans to wonder how Goldblum’s unique, off-kilter style would have shaped Banner had he been chosen for the role.
2 Ed Norton Nearly Starred In Ang Lee’s Hulk
Hulk
Edward Norton was a contender for Bruce Banner in Ang Lee’s *Hulk* (2003) before eventually taking on the role in *The Incredible Hulk* (2008). Screenwriter Zak Penn confirmed that Norton was a front-runner for the part early in development, as reported by Super Hero Hype. However, Norton initially hesitated, later remarking to *Total Film* (as mentioned by CBR):
“When the phone rings and someone says, ‘Hey, would you be interested in the big green guy?’ there’s that part of all of us that doesn’t want to look like an idiot… There’s the wince factor or the defensive part of you that recoils at what the bad version of what that would be. And I did that, basically. I said ‘no’ to it a couple of times.
Norton’s intellectual and intense acting style aligned well with Lee’s vision for the character. Interestingly, he finally embraced the role in 2008, only to exit the MCU after just one film due to creative differences with the studio. Had Norton accepted the role with Lee, it may have resulted in a portrayal more akin to his later performance, showcasing the complexity and depth that defined the character.
1 Tom Cruise Turned Down The Hulk
Hulk
Tom Cruise was approached to embody Bruce Banner in Ang Lee’s *Hulk* (2003) but ultimately declined the opportunity. The appeal of Cruise, recognized for his star power and compelling screen presence, did not align with Lee’s vision for the film. At that moment, Cruise was deeply entrenched in major action projects like *Minority Report* and *The Last Samurai*, making the darker, psychological elements of *Hulk* potentially mismatched with his established action-hero persona.
This intriguing piece of casting history invigorates discussions among fans, as Cruise is frequently fan-cast as an Iron Man alternative, marking him as a near-miss candidate for two significant Marvel characters. His decision to step away from the role remains a pivotal moment reflecting the frequently shifting tides of Hollywood casting.
Sources: The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Variety, Looper, The Guardian, Uproxx, Super Hero Hype, CBR