Marvel star Mark Ruffalo used a New York City rally on September 4 to urge Americans not to be deterred from voting in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, delivering a pointed message that tied his political activism to his enduring role as the Hulk while warning against attempts to disrupt the ballot box.
Speaking at the “Hands Off Our Vote” event, Ruffalo channeled the very character he portrays across the Marvel Cinematic Universe into his rallying cry. The actor, who has long been outspoken on political and environmental causes, acknowledged that continuing to speak out carries potential risk to his acting career—but insisted he remains committed to the issues he believes in.
A Hulk-Inspired Plea to Vote
Ruffalo encouraged attendees not to be discouraged by any potential disruption to voting this year and urged them to stand up to defend voters’ constitutional rights. He opened his remarks with a direct address aimed at former President Donald Trump, before launching into a chant led by the crowd.
“They’re going to try and stop us from taking our country back and we’re not going to let them. Trump, we’re not letting you.”
Mark Ruffalo
The moment that drew the widest attention came when Ruffalo invoked his signature Marvel persona. Referencing the temperamental Hulk, he told the crowd: “I’m gonna Hulk out. You won’t like me when I’m angry.” He then delivered a rallying refrain repeated throughout the event.
“Hey, I’m still here. They thought I was out for the count. I’m still here. I’m still playing the Hulk. Don’t be scared. They want to keep us afraid—their only weapon is our fear. But when we see people step out, we can get courage.”
Mark Ruffalo
A History of Political Advocacy
Ruffalo has long been one of Hollywood’s most vocal activists on political affairs and environmental issues. His record of public commentary includes criticism of former President George W. Bush over the Iraq War, as well as condemnation of actions taken by the Israeli army against Palestine since 2014. More recently, he has criticized Paramount for its merger with Warner Bros.
The actor has previously said he is willing to sacrifice his Hollywood career in order to keep campaigning for causes he considers important. His remarks come at a time when Disney itself has faced scrutiny over the political statements made by talent it employs or content it produces, most notably following the temporary suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, which resulted in a loud public backlash.
While Ruffalo’s standing as one of the MCU’s most prominent characters has never been publicly called into question, his willingness to blend his celebrity with activism underscores the ongoing tension between entertainment figures and their political expression.
Looking Ahead
Ruffalo closed his remarks with an optimistic message directed at those who might feel discouraged from participating. “Our time to brave is coming,” he said. “They’re going to do anything they can to keep us in our homes. They’re going to do everything they can to make us feel small, to make us feel lost, to make it feel inevitable. It’s not inevitable. We’re inevitable. The truth is inevitable.”
The actor remains one of the most visible faces of Marvel Studios’ franchise. He currently stars in two enormous blockbusters: Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which grossed $2.5 billion worldwide, and Avengers: Endgame, a $2.9 billion-grossing phenomenon that features a brand new post-credits scene featuring the Hulk.
As midterm election day approaches, Ruffalo’s message—delivered with the same theatrical force as his on-screen alter ego—serves as both a personal statement and a broader appeal to voters across the United States. Whether his advocacy will carry political consequences for his career remains to be seen, but one thing appears certain: he has no intention of staying quiet.
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