Marvel Cinematic Universe star Mark Ruffalo tried to talk Joss Whedon out of casting him in The Avengers.
Speaking to Variety, Ruffalo said he was apprehensive to step into Hulk's giant shoes. "I did try to talk them out of casting me,” he explained. "I said, 'I don't know if I'm the right guy, I've never done anything like this.' Between Joss [Whedon] and Robert [Downey Jr.], they were pretty convincing that I could do it."
He added that nerves nearly got the better of him, saying, "I was scared. I was really scared. I'm still scared. The technological aspect of it makes it really hard to work that way. I struggle with it all the time. But my motto is make fear your friend. Just keep pushing yourself into those places where you feel scared or challenged."
Thankfully, Ruffalo persevered and went on to have a major part in all four Avengers movies and Thor: Ragnarok. Although there are still no plans for him to star in another Hulk solo film, the latest rumors suggest he will be part of Disney+'s She-Hulk.
Ruffalo's most recent MCU appearance was in Joe and Anthony Russo's Avengers: Endgame, which is currently available on Digital HD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD.