'Hulk' Mark Ruffalo, to play Song Kang-ho role in drama 'Parasite'... Expectations rise

Actor Mark Ruffalo, who played Hulk in the movie 'Avengers' / Photo by AP, Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] The film Parasite, which won four Academy Awards, is set to be adapted into a drama in the United States, and reports have emerged that Mark Ruffalo (53), who played the Hulk in the Hollywood blockbuster Avengers, is being considered as a casting candidate.

On the 10th (local time), the U.S. online media Collider cited multiple sources and reported that Mark Ruffalo is being considered as one of the lead actors in the drama Parasite, which is expected to be produced by HBO.

Collider stated, "Specific information about the drama's plot has not been disclosed, and the characters do not necessarily have to be the same as in the original, so it is difficult to say exactly what role Ruffalo will play."

However, it added, "Considering that the most important roles in most films and TV dramas are cast first, and that in the film Parasite, actor Song Kang-ho played the head of a poor family, which was the most significant role, Ruffalo is likely being considered for a similar role."

It continued, "This does not mean the casting is finalized, but he is the actor most likely to appear," adding, "Director Bong Joon-ho reached out to Mark Ruffalo, and both sides are interested in reaching an agreement."

Mark Ruffalo is a Hollywood star who has appeared in works such as Now You See Me, Begin Again, Foxcatcher, and Spotlight. He gained particular popularity for his role as the Hulk in Avengers.

On the 9th (local time), director Bong Joon-ho, who won four awards for the film "Parasite" at the 92nd Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA / Photo by Yonhap News

However, regarding Ruffalo's casting, HBO stated, "The series inspired by Parasite is in the early stages of development," and emphasized, "Any speculation about characters or roles is premature."

The drama Parasite is expected to be produced with director Adam McKay, who directed The Big Short and Vice, along with director Bong Joon-ho, and CJ ENM participating as executive producer.

Last month on the 21st, director Bong mentioned the drama production in an interview with the U.S. entertainment media Hollywood Reporter, saying, "The film is inevitably limited to two hours," and "But there are numerous stories I thought could happen between the scenes of the film."

Meanwhile, Parasite made headlines as the first non-English film to win the Best Picture award at the 92nd Academy Awards. At the ceremony, Parasite won not only Best Picture but also Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film, setting a record for the most awards won in multiple categories.