Mark Ruffalo recently recalled a tense encounter when he stepped in to stop his former co-star Woody Harrelson from getting involved in a bar fight. The incident occurred during the filming of Now You See Me in New Orleans, amid the chaotic backdrop of Mardi Gras, highlighting the unpredictable challenges the actors faced off-screen during their shoot.
Unexpected Confrontation Amid Mardi Gras Festivities
Ruffalo described the experience of filming on the streets of New Orleans as “completely on the streets” and “totally wild,” with long lenses capturing scenes even as the surrounding crowds and celebrations swirled around them. Their shooting coincided with Mardi Gras, turning locations into lively and uncontrolled environments.
During one night in a packed bar, Ruffalo and Harrelson encountered a moment of sudden tension. A fan recognized Harrelson and approached him with admiration. Ruffalo recalled,
“We were out one night, and it was a packed place. And a woman came up to him and she said, ‘Oh my God, I love you so much.’ Woody put his hand on her arm, and he said, ‘Oh, thank you. Thank you, darling.’”
However, the friendly exchange quickly escalated when another man intervened aggressively, pushing the fan aside and shoving Harrelson.
Escalation and Intervention
The situation rapidly deteriorated as a confrontation broke out. Ted Danson, who has known Harrelson for many years, acknowledged the gravity of the story by commenting, “Oh, bad. Bad, not good.”
Ruffalo explained Harrelson’s reaction, noting that his usual impulse is not to retaliate physically but rather an immediate instinct to punch:
“First response is not, ‘shove someone back,’ but, ‘immediately punch them in the face.’”
This candid remark drew laughter from Harrelson himself, highlighting the actor’s intense but controlled nature in conflict situations.
As the bar atmosphere turned chaotic, Ruffalo took decisive action to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
“I grabbed you and I pulled you out,”
Ruffalo said,
“Cause I was like, ‘This could be fun, but it also just could go so disastrously wrong because you and I might be able to handle ourselves, but the rest of the folks we were with … I don’t think so.’”
Comparing Responses and Reflections
Ted Danson admitted his own hesitance, confessing that he would not have been able to act as calmly or effectively.
“I’m embarrassed to say that I would’ve been the guy who said ‘I’ll be right back, I’ll call someone,’”
he joked, revealing a more cautious approach compared to Ruffalo’s hands-on intervention.
The Ongoing Legacy of ‘Now You See Me’ and Its Cast
Mark Ruffalo and Woody Harrelson originally starred together in Now You See Me in 2013, a film centered on a group of magicians known as The Four Horsemen who are pursued by the FBI for a string of bank robberies. In the film, Ruffalo played FBI agent Dylan Rhodes, while Harrelson portrayed hypnotist Merritt McKinney. The movie also featured Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Common, Dave Franco, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman.
Following the initial film’s success, both actors reprised their roles in the 2016 sequel, with the entire main cast returning except for Isla Fisher. The story and performances solidified the franchise’s popularity, blending magic and crime thriller elements.
A third installment, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, is scheduled for release this year on November 14. It will bring back Ruffalo, Harrelson, Eisenberg, Fisher, Franco, and Freeman, introducing new cast members including Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, and Rosamund Pike. This upcoming release continues the saga of the elusive magicians and promises fresh developments for fans.
Impact and Anticipation
The episode recounting Ruffalo’s intervention reveals both the unpredictability and intensity actors sometimes face outside their scripted roles, emphasizing the real risks in vibrant settings like New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Ruffalo’s quick thinking arguably prevented a larger, more dangerous conflict, showcasing the behind-the-scenes pressures experienced during location shoots.
As audiences await the next chapter of the Now You See Me series, this story provides a rare, candid glimpse into the close bond and protective instincts shared among the cast, reinforcing their off-screen camaraderie. With the new film on the horizon, fans can expect the returning actors to reunite not only on screen but carrying the shared experiences that have marked their collaborative journey.
