Downey inspired Ruffalo to do 'Avengers'

Mark Ruffalo has said that Robert Downey Jr's performance in Iron Man influenced him to star in the Avengers movie.

Ruffalo was cast to play Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the Marvel film in July. The announcement was made at the annual San Diego Comic-Con.

Speaking to the Sunday Herald about the role, he said: "I probably wouldn't have done this movie in the past. But because of what Robert had done and where that genre has gone since then, I did it."

The Avengers, directed by Joss Whedon, will also star Downey, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth.