It seems like Mark Ruffalo is loving this new trend of playing the bad guy. For a long time, fans thought of him as a generic actor, especially after seeing him in movies like Shutter Island and The Avengers. But after his performances in Infinitely Polar Bear and the very recent Poor Things, fans are convinced that he is an extremely versatile actor with so much more to offer. Adding to this shift in perception, Ruffalo is about to tackle another villainous role, which is again a departure from his usual portrayals.

Recently, the actor gave a profound insight into the antagonist he is about to play in Bong Joon-ho’s highly anticipated film, Mickey 17.

Mark Ruffalo dishes on his character in Mickey 17

Mickey 17 is an upcoming sci-fi flick by Bong Joon-ho, based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel, Mickey7. Ruffalo will be starring in the movie alongside heavyweights like Robert Pattinson. In Deadline’s AwardsLine issue, Ruffalo opened up about his turn as a baddie, following his acclaimed performance as a less-than-likable character in Poor Things with Emma Stone. Ruffalo labeled the character as a classic narcissist, which according to him were “billionaire boys who just get whatever they want, but are just so fragile.”

He hinted that this role taps into the “fragile male psyche“, like the hidden frustrations of the average Joe. Ruffalo admitted that all these traits are a bit scary, even for him, but he believes in embracing all sides of oneself. The Spotlight actor revealed that despite initial reservations about tarnishing his good-guy image, he is now relishing these edgier roles at this stage in his career. But despite getting out of his comfort zone in movies like Poor Things, does he stand a chance against Robert Downey Jr. in the 2024 Oscars?

Mark Ruffalo scored his fourth nod for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards, joining the elite club of Hollywood stars. And recently, he opened up about going head-to-head with Downey Jr. at the ceremony.

Mark Ruffalo’s take on Robert Downey Jr.’s Oscar nod

Heading into the 2024 Oscars, Robert Downey Jr. is clearly the frontrunner for Best Supporting Actor, thanks to his standout performance in Oppenheimer. With all the elements required for an Oscar win in place, and the multiple other victories, Downey Jr., this year, has everything it takes to be the predicted Best Supporting Actor winner. While talking to British GQ earlier this month, Ruffalo shared that despite his own hopes for an Oscar win, he would not mind losing to Downey Jr. 

“I really want Robert to win an Oscar,” the actor told of his longtime friend and co-star. He also added, “I mean, I’d like to win one too, but I would celebrate him“. Just like in the Age of Ultron, it appears that Iron Man will once again come out on top against Hulk at the 2024 Oscars.

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