Although actor Mark Ruffalo reassured us he was portraying both 'Bruce Banner' and his Jade Giant alter ego for Marvel's The Avengers flick, it seems he was not the only one. While CGI ultimately brought the Goliath to life, stuntman actor Troy Brenna also had a role performing motion-capture duties for the Incredible Hulk. And discussing the experience with Comicus.it, prasing director Joss Whedon, here's what he had to say!
It's interesting that they required a stunt for a character whom, after all, could have "acted" using only pure CGI. Do you believe this depended on the search for realism?
The director Joss Whedon wanted realistic movements, not exaggerated cartoon type movements. Mo cap was the best way to capture the Hulk in a somewhat "normal" transformation from Bruce Banner to the big green guy.
In which kind of scenes was necessary to act for Mark while doing mo-cap? Was there a level of action difficult?
It really wasn't necessary for me to act for Mark Ruffalo at all. He is a phenomenal actor and wanted to do almost everything himself. All I did was mimic his movements after his change into the Hulk. The most challenging part was wearing the big green suit that weighed an awful lot and try and run around in it.
Have you talked with the Ruffalo about defining the mimic of the character during action, or was it not necessary for your parts?
Mark Ruffalo and I spoke briefly on how the Hulk was supposed to move, but mostly I followed his movements and tried to make them his. Marks face was marked up and he too was in the sexy little motion capture suit as he transformed into the Hulk, but for the most part I was making the movements as big as I possibly could, but not to take anything away from Mark.
Which differences you felt between this set and Thor's, the other movie you worked for?
Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures “Marvel’s The Avengers”--the super hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel super heroes Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.
Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, & directed by Joss Whedon from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble on May 4, 2012. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. In addition to "Marvel's The Avengers," Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Iron Man 3" on May 3, 2013!; and “Thor 2” on November 15, 2013.