Mark Ruffalo Tells Trump ‘I’m Gonna Hulk Out’ at Voting Rights Event in New York
As the midterm elections approach, political organizations are rallying celebrity voices to energize voters. Hollywood figures have historically participated in get-out-the-vote initiatives, and this year is no different.
One of the standout events was the Hands Off Our Vote livestream held in New York City on Sunday night, organized by Indivisible as part of an election-protection campaign. The event featured notable speakers, including Black Voters Matter’s LaTosha Brown, Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin, and actors Robert De Niro and Mark Ruffalo, who announced a day of action scheduled for October 17.
With the midterms set for November 3, Variety highlighted that this election could provide Democrats an opportunity to regain control of Congress and counter President Trump’s agenda. Against this backdrop, the speeches were impactful, with Ruffalo’s remarks capturing significant attention.
Ruffalo emphasized the importance of the election and urged voters to join Free Speech for People in challenging insecure voting systems to ensure accurate and interference-free results. He directly addressed Trump, calling for his removal from office, and led the audience in chants of “hands off” while warning that Republicans would attempt to hinder voters from reclaiming the country.
“They’re going to try and stop us from taking our country back, and we’re not going to let ’em. Trump, we’re not letting you! Hands off our f—ing vote!”
An audience member encouraged Ruffalo by shouting a reference to the Hulk, prompting him to laugh and respond, as reported by Variety, “I’m gonna Hulk out.” He followed this with a nod to Bruce Banner’s iconic warning about not liking him when he’s angry.
He remarked that while some may have thought he was down for the count, he is still here and still embodying the Hulk. This comment resonated with the crowd, and he concluded by encouraging everyone not to feel afraid or intimidated and to make their voices heard through voting.
The Hill reported that Ruffalo criticized Trump’s efforts to limit mail-in voting. Trump has long claimed that mail-in voting is inherently fraudulent, and one of his key legislative goals is the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship for federal election registration.
Proponents of such measures argue they protect election integrity. However, the organizers of Hands Off Our Vote and speakers like Ruffalo contend that these actions threaten ballot access, which is the essence of their campaign.
Right-leaning media also reacted to the event, with some criticizing the remarks made by De Niro and Ruffalo, and clips from the event quickly circulated on social media. This response highlights the divisive nature of celebrity activism during election years.
Ruffalo is no stranger to political activism and controversy. Variety noted that his appearance came shortly after he faced backlash, including from Paramount, over his comments regarding the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.
He has been a vocal advocate for various causes, from environmental issues to humanitarian efforts, consistently using his platform to engage his audience.
The Hulk reference was fitting for the occasion. Ruffalo, 58, has portrayed Bruce Banner and the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2012, and his green alter ego has become a beloved symbol of righteous anger.
This comment also comes at an intriguing time for the character. ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ features a brief clip suggesting Doctor Doom may have abducted Banner from a secure location, and directors Joe and Anthony Russo have hinted at new characters appearing in ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ potentially including the Hulk.
While Ruffalo’s statement about still playing the Hulk isn’t a confirmation of any upcoming project, it certainly gives Marvel fans something to ponder, and the remark is likely to fuel speculation until the movie’s release on December 18.
Regardless of political views, this viral moment illustrates the significant impact a pop-culture catchphrase can have. A single line from Bruce Banner transformed a voter turnout event into one of the most-shared moments of the weekend.
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