It hasn't been a full week since Marvel Studios announced that
The Incredible Hulk star Edward Norton would NOT be returning for the highly anticipated "Avengers" movie, and presumably future "Hulk" films.
Minor Update
Now According to
The Hollywood Reporter...
Despite a Deadline Hollywood report earlier today suggesting Mark Ruffalo is in the latter stages of taking on the role of the jade giant in Marvel’s “The Avengers,” insiders say the actor is still quite a ways away from taking on the role.
According to sources, Ruffalo does have an offer to play the monstrous hero but not only has he not decided whether he wants the role, he has yet to meet the film’s director, Joss Whedon. Talks are underway for the actor and the director to meet at the end of this week or this weekend.
According to the infamous
Deadline...
I've learned that Mark Ruffalo is now in late-stage discussions between Marvel and his brand-new agency United Talent to play this key member of The Avengers ensemble.
Mark Ruffalo, part time director, producer, and screenwriter, is best known for his roles as Inspector 'David Toschi' in the 2007 film
Zodiac and US Marshal 'Chuck Aule' in
Shutter Island. The 42 year old is said to bring something great to the "Bruce Banner" role, like Edward Norton did, but apparently more amiable to work with.
If Ruffalo accepts, hes expected to join Marvel Studios' big San Diego Comic-Con presentation, bringing
Thor,
Captain America, and
The Avengers cast together. And while there, confirming this new 'Bruce Banner', dropping big announcements, and giving Con attendees an inside look into upcoming films.
Also if Mark Ruffalo accepts Marvel's offer,
The Avengers would reunite him with Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), and join Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow). And additional "Avengers" Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Nathan Fillion (Ant-Man), and Eva Longoria (Wasp) have yet to be announced. With Joss Whedon directing, the film supposedly begins production in Manhattan, February 2011. And Earth Mightiest Heroes unite on the big screen May 4, 2012.
What do you think?