One sunny morning, Mark Ruffalo strolled to his mailbox in Chula Vista, CA, expecting the usual—bills, coupons, maybe a fan letter or two. Instead, he found a peculiar envelope labeled:
"To Mark Ruffalo – From Dr. Richard Evans, Scottsdale, AZ. URGENT."
Curiosity piqued, Mark opened the letter.
"Dear Mr. Ruffalo,
I am Dr. Richard Evans, an independent scientist with a groundbreaking invention in virtual reality technology. You, as a creative and adventurous individual, are cordially invited to test this VR system at my lab. It will be an experience unlike any other. Address included. I hope to see you soon."
Intrigued and looking for a little adventure, Mark booked a flight to Scottsdale the next day.
The Arizona sun was blazing as Mark arrived at the modest suburban home that matched the address. He knocked, and the door was opened by a man of medium build, about 5'10", wearing a lab coat over a Hawaiian shirt.
"Mark Ruffalo! You came! I'm Dr. Richard Evans," he said enthusiastically, shaking Mark's hand.
"Nice to meet you, Doc. I couldn't resist the offer," Mark replied, grinning.
Dr. Evans led him to the garage, which was stuffed with wires, monitors, and gadgets that hummed and blinked ominously. Inside was another man, tall and lanky, introduced as David Rush, a self-proclaimed "record-breaking enthusiast."
Dr. Evans proudly unveiled his VR system—a sleek, futuristic headset.
"This isn't your average VR," he explained. "It's easier on the eyes, hyper-realistic, and—dare I say—revolutionary. I've loaded Far Cry Primal as the first test. You'll be transported into the prehistoric wild."
Mark and David exchanged excited glances and strapped on the headsets.
With a press of a button, the world around them melted away, replaced by a lush prehistoric jungle. The graphics were astonishingly lifelike. They stood before a cave, the sound of distant mammoths echoing in their ears.
"This is incredible," Mark marveled.
But then, the environment flickered. Trees turned into skyscrapers, and the jungle was replaced by bustling New York City. Mark and David blinked, bewildered.
"What's happening?" David asked.
Out of nowhere, the animated Spider-Man from Disney's Ultimate Spider-Man series swung into view.
"You've got to help me!" Spider-Man exclaimed. "I'm hunting Wolverine, a mutant with a healing factor and—"
Before he could finish, a literal wolverine appeared, growling—but instead of the expected growl, it made a loud neigh, like a horse.
"What the heck?!" Mark shouted.
Dr. Evans, watching on his monitor, muttered, "This... this isn't possible. I tested it so many times..."
The wolverine charged at Spider-Man, who reflexively shot webs. But instead of webs, globs of whipped cream shot out, coating the wolverine's face.
Enraged, the wolverine let out a goat-like baaah and retreated. Spider-Man turned to Mark and David.
"Well, that's handled. Now, I gotta go potty!" he announced, before farting loudly and rocketing into the sky.
Dr. Evans frantically yanked the power switch, pulling Mark and David out of the virtual chaos.
"I can't believe my invention failed like this!" Dr. Evans shouted, pacing the garage.
Mark and David, meanwhile, were doubled over, laughing so hard tears streamed down their faces.
"That... was the greatest VR experience ever!" Mark gasped between chuckles.
David nodded. "You've created comedy gold, Doc."
Dr. Evans glared at them, muttering, "Comedy wasn't the goal…"
But for Mark Ruffalo and David Rush, it was a memory they'd never forget.