#NotThanos: Ruffalo explains why Hulk was an 'Infinity War' absentee
Mark Ruffalo recently appeared in an interview where he spoke about the upcoming Avengers film and Hulk in 'Avengers: Infinity War'. For those unaware, Ruffalo plays Bruce Banner who turns into the Hulk. Though Ruffalo is infamous for giving spoilers (he gave away the Infinity War ending on 'Good Morning America'), he only spoke about an interesting Hulk theory here. Here's what he said.
The sun got real low for the big guy
If there was ever a need for the green rage monster on the Avengers team, Infinity War was it! The world's survival hung in balance and Bruce requested the Hulk to come out, but he refused. Most fans theorized that the Hulk was too scared of Thanos after the Titan easily overpowered the strongest Avenger (sorry Thor!) and beat him to a pulp.
Beyond Thanos: The Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde syndrome
Ruffalo provided fans with an alternate and more intriguing theory. In 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' Hulk got his mind controlled by Scarlet Witch. When the director, Joss Whedon, asked Ruffalo for feedback about what scared the Hulk, he had an answer. The only thing earth's strongest and fiercest creature feared, was Bruce Banner himself. This Hulk-Banner conflict was then played out through the franchise.
Valhalla, I am coming
The Hulk-Banner conflict appeared in 'Thor: Ragnarok'. After Hulk left in an Avenger's plane at the end of Ultron, we saw him in Thor's movie. Bruce had disappeared and the Hulk had taken over. The fear of turning back to Banner made Hulk covet combat and dangerous situations. Ruffalo said this conflict continued in Infinity War 1 and would carry on in part 2.
They hold no quarter, they ask no quarter
Notably, Ruffalo also has a theory about how this conflict can be resolved. He wants to play out this dilemma hoping Bruce and his alter ego can reconcile. Anyway, Ruffalo believes it would be interesting to see a mental battle between Hulk and Bruce about who would take ultimate control. He believes it would be a great story arc for the character.
The synergy of Bruce Banner and the Hulk
Two instances of reconciliation were mentioned in 'The Avengers'. The first was, Banner speaking about when he was suicidal and shooting himself. Hulk had spit the bullet out. Tony Stark also mentioned that Hulk had saved Banner's life from deadly exposure to gamma radiation.
Where is 'Infinity War 2' taking us?
Apart from the theory, Ruffalo also shared details about the upcoming Avengers film. He said that they were not just doing reshoots but taking the film in new directions. Although it was a locked picture with a fixed plot, they were approaching it as a dynamic organism and trying different and more interesting endings. While shooting continues, fans can't wait for 'Infinity War 2'.
