In this Fresh Air interview, Mark Ruffalo discusses his Oscar-nominated performance in "Poor Things," marking a notable shift from his familiar dramatic and superhero roles. He opens up about his initial doubts regarding taking on a comedic role in a period piece and reflects on his experience with motion capture while portraying the Hulk. Ruffalo also talks about how Marvel fame transformed his public persona and shares personal anecdotes about his childhood religious experiences. He reminisces about his breakthrough role in "You Can Count on Me" and touches on the challenges he faced after a life-threatening brain tumor. Through this conversation, listeners gain fascinating insights into Ruffalo's acting process, his views on fame, and his remarkable resilience in overcoming life's obstacles.