Actor Mark Ruffalo is set to take the lead role in the upcoming adaption of Larry Kramer‘s semi-biographical play, The Normal Heart. According to The Playlist, the play revolves around a prominent HIV advocacy group founder. Ryan Murphy (Glee, Nip/Tuck) is also attached to the project.  Ruffalo recently told MTV:

“It’s basically a story of when the AIDS outbreak happened in New York. It wasn’t really taken seriously, I think specifically because it was ‘the gay cancer,’ they called it. I think it’s a really interesting time in America. I think to see someone who really does change the world by his commitment and he’s even totally by himself at times, there’s still a real power in that. I love that it’s a people-powered movement that actually changed the way our government looked at this epidemic. I think there’s a real powerful message to that and something that we forget.”

Ruffalo is a solid actor and for the most part, usually picks great projects. The story sounds like pretty powerful stuff and with Murphy behind the camera, I think this could be something to look forward. Murphy himself is openly gay so that could add a interesting perspective to the film. The role, as Ruffalo describes it sounds like something that could easily end up landing him an Oscar nomination. Ruffalo says that “It’s just a great role, man. He’s a fighter, you know?”

Richard Dreyfuss and Martin Sheen are amongst the actors who have played Ruffalo’s role in the broadway version. I thought Ruffalo was great in Shutter Island and his upcoming film The Kids Are All Right is gathering positive reviews.

What do you think of Mark Ruffalo? What about Glee creator taking on a serious film?

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