“They didn’t cast people like us”: Mark Ruffalo Thanks Robert Downey Jr. For His MCU Career With a Heartfelt Message

As Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo sat together for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Ruffalo thanks Downey Jr. for one specific reason

The MCU is replete with memorable moments featuring Bruce Banner and Tony Stark. From their first meeting in The Avengers to the iconic “Science Bros” moments, they were fan favorites. The dynamic between Tony Stark and Bruce Banner was a key element in the MCU’s narrative. Stark’s genius and flamboyance contrasted perfectly with Banner’s reserved and intellectual nature.

Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo in Avengers: Age of Ultron
They both first met 28 years ago, and since then, the duo captivated audiences all around the globe with their performances. As they sit for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, they share their journeys to this date.

Mark Ruffalo is Thankful to Robert Downey Jr. for This

Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr.‘s portrayals of Bruce Banner and Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are nothing short of iconic. Their on-screen chemistry, individual performances, and the emotional depth they brought to their characters played a crucial role in the success of the MCU.

As they sat together for the one-on-one interview with Variety, they spoke about their respective Marvel runs.
“We had this whole decade-and-a-half Marvel run where we were just looking at each other like, ‘God, we’re really lucky. What are we doing? Who’s a wizard? Who’s coming from outer space?’” Robert Downey Jr. recalled.
Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk in Avengers: Endgame (2019).

“It was such a different world. They didn’t really cast people like us. I’ll never forget, I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m right for this.’ And you’re like, ‘Come on, Ruffalo, we got this,’” Mark Ruffalo said.
The veteran actors first met on the set of David Fincher’s directorial Zodiac in 2007.

The Duo Talks About Zodiac

Recalling how they first met in David Fincher-helmed movie Zodiac in 2007, Downey Jr. started the interview by saying, “We really met when Fincher cast us in Zodiac.”

Ruffalo replied, “That movie, what a wild ride that was.”
“I remember that was maybe the first time we really had our feet put to the fire with an exacting director who does things a certain way,” Downey Jr. said.
Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo in Zodiac
“There was no delete button ever in digital cinema, and he specifically had it invented so that he could say, ‘We’re going to delete takes 1 through 45,’ and you’re just like, ‘No, no, no, no! Thirty-eight was my baby!’” Mark Ruffalo added.

In Zodiac, Mark Ruffalo portrays Inspector Dave Toschi, a San Francisco homicide detective assigned to the Zodiac case. On the other hand, Robert Downey Jr. takes on the role of Paul Avery, a crime reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle.

While Zodiac may not have achieved the same blockbuster success as some of the duo’s later collaborations in the MCU, it remains a standout film in both of their careers.