March 7, 2013 9:24

'The Avengers' star Mark Ruffalo: 'No plans for standalone Hulk film'

Actor says the next time we'll see Hulk will be in 'The Avengers 2'

Mark Ruffalo has ended speculation that he is about to star in a standalone Hulk movie.

The actor made his debut as Dr Bruce Banner, a genius scientist who turns into a monster called The Hulk when angry, in last year's Marvel ensemble smash The Avengers. Ever since, rumours have circulated that The Hulk could get his own film franchise like Iron Man, Thor and Captain America.

However, Ruffalo has now taken to Twitter to dismiss them, posting:

A lot of folks have been asking about the Next Hulk. The next time you see my Hulk it will be in the Avengers2. No plans for stand alone.
— Mark Ruffalo (@Mruff221) March 7, 2013

Ruffalo refused to rule out the possibility completely, though, adding: "I am not giving up on another stand alone Hulk. But it's not in the works right now. One never knows what the future will bring."

The Avengers 2 is slated for release on May 1 2015 and writer-director Joss Whedon has recently vowed to "go deeper" second time out. In the meantime, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America will all be seen in their own solo movies.

Marvel has tried to turn The Hulk into a standalone film franchise twice before. Eric Bana starred in a 2003 film directed by Ang Lee simply called Hulk, while Edward Norton headed up a 2008 reboot called The Incredible Hulk. Neither was a roaring success at the box office.