Fans of the illusionist caper Now You See Me will be thrilled to hear this real-life escape from co-star Mark Ruffalo: he literally saved Woody Harrelson from a full-blown bar fight in New Orleans during the filming of the 2013 hit. This wild tale of backstage camaraderie and split-second decisions adds a new layer to the already beloved film and ramps up excitement for the upcoming sequel, Now You See Me, Now You Don’t.
The streets of New Orleans are known for their vibrant energy and unpredictable charm, a perfect backdrop for the magical heists of the 2013 film Now You See Me. However, for stars Mark Ruffalo and Woody Harrelson, that unpredictability spilled over into a real-life, pulse-pounding incident when Ruffalo had to intervene to save his co-star from a chaotic bar brawl.
This thrilling anecdote was recently shared by Mark Ruffalo himself during an appearance on the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast, where he reunited with Woody Harrelson and Ted Danson. The story offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Hollywood actors when the cameras aren’t rolling, especially in such a lively city.
The Wild New Orleans Shoot
Ruffalo painted a vivid picture of the filming experience in New Orleans, describing it as “completely on the streets. Totally wild.” The production was often immersed in the city’s unique atmosphere, with scenes sometimes inadvertently blending into local festivities, such as being “dragged into bars during the middle of a scene, like in the middle of Mardi Gras,” as reported by Entertainment Weekly. This unpredictable environment set the stage for the dramatic off-screen confrontation.
During Now You See Me, Ruffalo played the role of FBI agent Dylan Rhodes, relentlessly pursuing the Four Horsemen, a group of illusionists who pull off elaborate bank robberies. Woody Harrelson portrayed Merritt McKinney, a cynical mentalist and one of the key members of the illusionist team. Despite their on-screen rivalry, their real-life bond proved strong when it truly mattered.
The Bar Fight Unfolds
The incident occurred during an unscripted night out when Ruffalo and Harrelson decided to grab a drink at a packed bar after filming wrapped for the day. Ruffalo recounted the moments leading up to the brawl: “A woman came up to [Woody] and she said, ‘Oh my God, I love you so much.'” He continued, explaining how Harrelson responded graciously, but then, “this guy comes over and he pushes her outta the way, and he shoves Woody.”
Co-host Ted Danson, having known Harrelson for decades, instantly recognized the potential for trouble. Ruffalo confirmed that Harrelson’s “first response is not ‘shove someone back,’ but ‘immediately punch them in the face.'” This quick and aggressive reaction from Harrelson sparked a “whole melee” in the bar. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Ruffalo quickly intervened.
Frazer Harrison/FilmMagic
Woody Harrelson (L) and Mark Ruffalo share a laugh, showcasing their enduring friendship off-screen.
“I grabbed you and I pulled you out,” Ruffalo recalled, emphasizing that the situation “could’ve gone disastrously wrong” if he hadn’t stepped in. His quick thinking and protective instincts prevented what could have been a serious outcome for his friend and colleague. This moment truly showcased their genuine bond beyond the movie set.
Harrelson’s Reputation: A Whimsical Creature
This isn’t the first time Woody Harrelson’s name has been associated with a bar altercation. Ted Danson, who first met Harrelson when he joined the cast of Cheers in 1985, recounted a memorable first impression where Harrelson had gotten into a “bar fight” and been “carjacked” all in the same day. Danson affectionately described Harrelson as a “whimsical creature” and “such a bundle of contradictions,” highlighting the actor’s unique personality that fans have come to love.
The incident resonated deeply within the entertainment community, with outlets like Ace Showbiz also reporting on Ruffalo’s heroic intervention, further solidifying the story’s impact and the enduring fascination with celebrity behind-the-scenes moments.
You can listen to Mark Ruffalo recount the full story of the bar fight escape in the podcast clip below:
Looking Ahead: Now You See Me, Now You Don’t
The strong bond between Mark Ruffalo and Woody Harrelson is set to continue on-screen as they prepare to reunite for Now You See Me, Now You Don’t, the highly anticipated threequel in the popular heist series. This new installment promises to bring back the original Four Horsemen: Harrelson (Merritt McKinney), Dave Franco (Jack Wilder), Isla Fisher (Henley Reeves), and Jesse Eisenberg (Daniel Atlas).
Katalin Vermes/Lionsgate
A look at the cast, including Woody Harrelson, for the upcoming film, Now You See Me, Now You Don’t.
The new film will see them join forces with a fresh cast of illusionists to take on a worldwide crime network, building on the intricate plots and dazzling magic that captivated audiences in the previous two films. Fans are eagerly awaiting more behind-the-scenes stories and the continued on-screen magic from this talented cast.
