Mark Ruffalo On The Hulk's Major Changes In Thor: Ragnarok

03/09/2017 07:28 pm EST

Later this year, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be introduced to a brand-new iteration of the Hulk. Mark Ruffalo's green beast has been absent from the franchise since the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron, but the incredible hero is set to make a comeback with Thor: Ragnarok. In the third film, fans will see the Hulk and Thor go head-to-head on a desolate alien planet as they pair are forced into gladiator-style battles.

Of course, fans know that the Hulk and Thor have fought in the past. The first Avengers flick saw the hulking monster lay out Thor, and the Norse god has taken more than a few punches from Banner's alter-ego. However, the Asgardian should not expect the Hulk to be the same as he once was. According to Ruffalo, the character will have changed a lot since Thor last saw him.

In a recent report by Entertainment Weekly, Ruffalo was quoted describing the Hulk's startling new personality. "He's much more of a character than the green rage machine you've seen in the Avengers movies," Ruffalo said, describing the MCU's new iteration of the Hulk. "He's got a swagger. He's like a god."

While the Hulk's rage is not all that surprising, the latter-half of Ruffalo's statement is a bit unexpected. The Hulk was always somewhat closed off when he went to battle with the Avengers. Black Widow may have been able to alleviate his agitation at times, but Banner's hesitation to embrace his alter-ego made the Hulk a pariah. Now, it seems like the Hulk is all but a celebrity on the planet Sakaar.

Comic book readers will notice similarities between the MCU's new take on Hulk and the character's canon history. In the 'Planet Hulk' comics, the icon acted more sophisticated and retained Banner's intelligence. Given the extreme conditions on Sakaar, the scientist came to an agreement with the Hulk to stay hulked out in order to survive. And, by doing so, the less-than-jolly green giant was able to explore his potential further.

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Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger – The Incredible Hulk!"

The cast features Chris Hemsworth in the title role for the fifth time; Tom Hiddleston as Thor's adversarial, adopted brother, Loki; Idris Elba as the Asgardian sentry, Heimdall; Sir Anthony Hopkins again portraying Odin, Ruler of Asgard; Mark Ruffalo reprising his role of Bruce Banner/the Hulk; Cate Blanchett as the mysterious and powerful new villain Hela; Jeff Goldblum as the eccentric Grandmaster; Tessa Thompson bring the classic hero Valkyrie to life on the big screen; and Karl Urban will add his might to the fray as Skurge.

Thor: Ragnarok is directed by Taika Waititi, written by Craig Kyle, and will open in theaters November 3, 2017.

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