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July 15th, 2010
10:24 AM ET
Mark Ruffalo: The next 'Hulk'?Bana. Norton. Ruffalo? In the last 24 hours, both fanboys and entertainment insiders have been in a frenzy over the idea of Mark Ruffalo becoming the next "Hulk.” As reported earlier this week, Marvel Studios is on the hunt for a new actor to replace Edward Norton for the forthcoming project, “The Avengers.” Norton was the replacement for Eric Bana, who assumed the role in Ang Lee’s dreamier, 2003 version. Audiences and critics alike agreed that the 2008 reboot featuring Norton as “The Incredible Hulk,” brought toughness and realism back to the role.
So out goes Norton, and in comes Ruffalo? Not so fast. While The Hollywood Reporter notes that there is serious interest in the actor known for quirkier roles in films like “Zodiac,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” and the critically acclaimed “The Kids Are Alright,” nothing is set in stone as of yet. Standing 5' 9" tall, Ruffalo might not be the physical embodiment of Bruce Banner that Marvel die-hards are used to (Bana is 6' 3", and Norton is close behind at 6' 1"), but you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in doubt over his acting chops. Yet Ruffalo hasn't been so sure the realm of comic book movies is the right for him. “I don't know if I’ll ever end up in that world,” he once told MTV News. “I was a big Frank Miller fan [growing] up, the ‘Wolverine’ and ‘X-Men’ series was cool, but as I’ve gotten older, I sort of haven’t been so much into it. My kid’s getting into that stuff.” Is Ruffalo the right man for the job of the big green monster?
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I hear Jeremiah Murphy's Hulk Screen Test has been leaked to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vya8QkS5Jv8
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Who would have ever thought that comic book characters would be so lucrative for the film industry. Back in the golden era of Hollywood they didn't have mega comic book movies, they had original stories...... I miss those days...
http://www.thethrifters.net
Who did the research for this article?? In the comics, Bruce Banner's official height is 5'9-1/2'. Technically Ruffalo is the closest in height.
Vinnie Jones as Bruce Banner? You actually made me laugh, idiot.
Why the hell are they making more hulk movies? They've both sucked horribly. Is this the new batman franchise, who can play a crappier Hulk?
I haven't heard anything about another Hulk movie. This is about who will play the Hulk in the Avengers movie along side Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and Samuell L. Jackson as Nick Fury (among others).
Apparently a lot of people aren't actually reading this article. They are not making a new Hulk movie..... They are trying to replace Norton as Banner in the AVENGERS movie. Personal opinion, Norton did a good job, far better than Bana. And I actually liked Jennifer Connelly as Betty more than Tyler. There's an idea, if Betty makes any type of appearance in The Avengers, get Connelly back.
Adrian Grenier from Entourage would be a good fit for the role.He has many of the same qualities that Bill Bixby had as an actor.Bixby's 'Hulk' had intelligence combined with empathy/humanity.Grenier has the potential to bring a different dimension to the role.He definately deserves consideration.
What difference does it make? Bruce Banner is just some regular dude who transforms into something very specific - and that is all created with CGI effects. The creature is all worked by the SFX artists anyway. So what difference does it make? This character is so one-dimensional, all you need is someone who can play "angry". What actor can't do that? Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, Hell, Miley Cyrus could do it. Anyone, you idiots!
Duh is a good name for you. Bruce Banner is hardly a one dimensional character. If you think that you have never read the comic, seen the TV show or seen either movie. (Well – okay, the Bana movie had the Hulk as kind of one dimensional – one of the reasons it didn't work).
Norton's Banner was very layered and multidimensional, which is why I think he should be kept in the role.
What a disappointment :/
Why man?
Jim Parsons, who else but Sheldon as Bruce? Remember, Bruce is a frail character... Plus, as an added geek factor, when next season of BBT comes out, any references to the HULK will be doubly enjoyable.
That is the best suggestion on this whole topic so far!
Marvel movie continuity is starting to reek as badly as their comic continuity. First they make Kingpin and Nick Fury black, replace Bruce Banner one time, and now a second time? What's next, a gay Mexican female Thor for the Avengers movie?
Bring Bill Bixby back.
Someday, digital technology will allow us to have a digital Bill Bixby and a digital Hulk!
I want Norton back!! He was awesome!!!
As a long time Hulk fan (since high school and now in my 50's) I felt like I had to put in my two cents. Norton, Bana, I think they both did a great job, but just like badnewsbears said and I couldnt agree more, it's the CGI computer generated fake looking & totally unrealistic Hulk that ruins the movie. I say they are looking to replace the wrong character. Hey, look at the top ten contenders at the Mr Olympia contest and get your pick of increadibly massive, vascular and huge real human beings that could play the part (it's a non-speaking role, maybe a couple of grunts here and there) or a Hulk smash!!! This current generation of bodybuilders is light years ahead in the sport compared to what it was like way back when Ferrigno was competing. Though im a fan of Ferrigno hes allready up there in years and there's a new generation of bodybuilders that make Ferrigno look small & unimpresive. Hope Marvel and Disney wake up before they flush a ton of money down the tubes for no good reason.
I always suspect that hollywood producers hire hacks to compose such "stories", just so that they can read the comments and measure them up .... if that is so, let me post a comment on why this person (sorry, I'm in Europe and have no idea who this actor is) isn't right for the role: The Bruce Banner character is an intelligent scientist – Edward Norton could pull that off and so could Robert Dixby but no amount of make-up will ever make this guy look like a nerdy scientist. If you have to replace Edward Norton, than cast Steve Buscemi as Dr Banner – it may not be very popular in Hollywood these days but HE CAN ACT!
There was a rumor that Joaquim Phenix might be offered the role. Hope that's not true. Ruffalo is also not a good choice. Can't say I'll miss Norton, he really didn't do that much in the las Hulk movie that could be called outstanding, so its not that big a deal he gets replaced.
Eric Bana was a good choice, he was just saddled with ahorrible script, that's all. Ben Affleck maybe?
Ben Affleck can't act (ex. Daredevil). He is the same in every film.
Never heard of him!
Ruffalo – pfffftttt. I say Michael C. Hall (Dexter). Actually a page has started up in the past few days which is geared at trying to get him some consideration. Help support the cause MCH fans!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-C-Hall-as-Bruce-Banner-Hulk/119077964805337
Replacing Edward Norton, which was totally unnecessary, with anyone makes me want to see this even less. Edward Norton does not deserve to be replaced and its very distracting to do so.
Ruffalo – they're kidding right?
Wasn't the whole point of these Marvel films going to be that we'd see all of the established actors in their roles appear together on screen in the Avengers film? Wasn't that the big sell? Now they are replacing Ed Norton who plays a primary role as Bruce Banner and lamely jumplng on the 3D bandwagon with Thor and Captain America, both being converted to 3D POST-PRODUCTION. This is going to collapse in on itself if Marvel isn't smarter. Kevin Feige, you aren't as cool or intelligent as you think you are, and less than half as cool as your people tell you.
HULK SMASH
Absolutely. Ruffalo is the perfect actor for the role. This article is an exciting surprise, as I hadn't thought of it.
Tom, it may have to do with the shortage of 8-9 foot actors who weigh over 1000 pounds.
Let's not forget that Ferrigno wasn't an 8-9 foot actor or 1000lbs, but the TV show did very well with a real person as the Hulk.
Please no on the whole Mark Ruffalo idea. He's a decent actor, but he would not be able to pull off that role. Maybe they should cast a relative unknown in the spot, give someone new a chance to make it. I mean heck, here in America when X-Men came out, Hugh Jackman wasn't known here. Once X-Men hit the theaters he became an international and household name. I wanted to see the movie, just from the Statue of Liberty scene from the commercial, where he has that "I'm going to f- you up" look before he attacks Sabretooth. I looked at my friend and said "Now that's a believable actor right there. I want to see that because he's got me intrigued" From that moment on, I've been a huge Hugh Jackman fan. But if they pick a more known person in Hollywood, why not someone like Gerard Butler ? I think he might be believable and he's got the acting chops to pull it off. Just a thought.
Doesn't matter who plays Bruce, lets get a real person to play the actual Hulk. Why would I want to go see some computer generated thing play the hulk. A view I believe also held by all the people who did not go see the first two films.
If he can learn to hide his accent, why not the guy that played Juggernaut in the last Xmen movie?
you're all crackheads, it's just another silly movie–anyone would think they are curing cancer.
Says the guy named Ed Norton commenting on an Incredible Hulk article.
How about casting Peewee Herman if your going to consider this clown???
Eric Bana was the best Hulk as of yet... the former looked like a total wuss and this guy looks like a tool.
"Former" means first, meaning Bana. You probably meant "the latter looked like a total wuss..."
::getting off of soapbox now::
I totally agree i eric bana was a great hulk.... to bad its hollywood politics that chooses
Want to see a great Hulk movie? Check out the recently released "Hulk v. Wolverine", and "Planet Hulk" animated movies.
They were good but "Planet Hulk" was better.
I worked for marvel during the days of the Ed Norton Hulk filming and all i ever heard from them was that he was such a Power hog and wanted more and more and more control over the film and never liked the way it looked. Mumbling around the studio was that he made the picture worse by all his additions and tweeks. He had too much power over the final product.....
Martine, not only has supergirl never been an avenger, she isn't even owned by the same company as the hulk. The Hulk is a marvle character, supergirl is DC.
Bring back Norton......they will NOT a single penny from me if he isnt recasted
People will pay to see it no matter who plays the Hulk, so they will use the cheapest actor possible.
Marvel needs to focus more on the writing and why the sound people can't make the Hulk louder or roar. He's 10 feet tall and weighs about 1000 lbs. Why can't we hear him?! They also need to introduce his cousin, the She Hulk. Just don't make her corny and nausiatingly sassy like the cartoon version in the Hulk television series.
As far as Bruce Banners go, Mark Ruffalo is the closest, of the three, to Bill Bixby. Granted, Bixby isn't the benchmark, but he is the first live-action rendition of Banner...and the one that people like me (familiar with The Incredible Hulk, but not SUPER into the comics) look to as a "proper" Bruce Banner. As far as the chosen actor needing "acting chops"? Its a comic book movie, with 'The Avengers' being an ensemble comic book movie, at that. Anyone looking for Oscar-worthy performances will be extremely disappointed. Having said that, the role of Bruce Banner just needs to be played by someone who can pull off a meek, puny scientist and remotely look the part. I think Ruffalo fits that bill.
As far as Hulk being computer-generated or a "real" guy"? Here nor there in my opinion. Going the CGI route, maybe they could tone down his size a tad but even in doing that... He's called The Incredible Hulk – not The Muscular Guy. He almost HAS to be larger than life.
I hope you've enjoyed my novel. Now queue Rob for the reply........
In the second Avengers volume, Supergirl is the leader. Why not bring her in on the first run and establish her cred? Just a thought. Oh yeah, and superhero-watchin' people are really gay. OK, back to debating whether Captain America should do political stuff like go to Arizona and secure the border...
The casting people obviously aren't comic geeks they just look at a small description and then select an ACTOR what a shame the Wizard magazine list potentials left and right... utterly ridiculous having Chris Evans as the Human Torch and now as Captain America, Halle Berry as Storm then as Catwoman... so many unknowns and all the casting people seek is a cash cow and then they wonder why movies flop (Superman Returns)
Do your homework Hollywood
Pretty sure your example of Superman Returns is the only one that used an unknown (Routh). When it comes down to it, the key to making these movies work is story-telling. Focus on the characters and the conflict. That's why Superman Returns failed – the characters were flat and the plot made no sense.
I agree with whoever above suggested Adrien Brody. Just have to add a little more nose to the Hulk.
Matthew Gray Gubler.... He already is a geeky skinny nerdy doctor on Criminal Minds... So that part is a given and he is a lesser known actor than any of the above. I think he would make an interesting choice...
OMG YES!! love him!
...But I think Ruffalo would do a great job, he was awesome in Shutter Island, and good in Eternal Sunshine.
Ang Lee's "dreamier" version? Yeah... thats one way to put it. Another way to put it would be Ang Lee's HORRID version.
As David Banner says: "Don't make me, Ang Lee. You wouldn't like me when I'm (made by) Ang Lee"
Mark Ruffalo would be great! He's a great actor and I think he could pull it off. Just give him the chance.
I say dolph lundgren
Who is going to play the Lone Range? Masked heroes are awesome...
Robert Downey is the perfect Iron Man he is a drunk in real life and tony starks was a drunk LOL
Hey..I say get Serena or Venus Williams in the role. They have the body for it.
Who is the next hulk after this Seth Green???
Hey, if Robert Downey Jr can be Iron Man, Ruffalo can be the Hulk.
why would you replace Norton he was amazing!!!! Ruffalo is gonna be gay
David Tennant?
Norton is not coming back. The studio doesn't want to work with him anymore.
Steve Buscemi (sp?) Would be the perfect scrawny nerdy type to transform into the Hulk. "Look, you don't want to %&# with me when I'm angry"
Edward Norton played the part well. It would be great to have him reprise the role. Not sure what happened though.
Maybe they should use that Justin Bieber chick for the part. I mean, really, is there no end to the garbage these money lenders will shove down our throats. Arghhhh. Hey, new idea. I already have anger management problems, how about me for the part? The rage could be real if the movie is about Bruce Banner attending a global (read diverse) medical conference. Yup, I just struck gold if I can get past the illegal that works the security shack at the studio...
If they don't use Edward Norton, they should not make another one, its beginning to be a joke. They can start where they left off but the need NORTON, or don't do it at all. It makes me mad to hear this, but who am I.
They're not making another Hulk, they're looking for someone to fill the role of Hulk in The Avengers movie. Norton was dropped because he doesn't play well with others and The Avengers is an ensemble cast.
Bana was good, the story was ok, the movie was below average. Norton was very good, the story was ok, the movie was ok. Odds are Ruffalo would be good, the rest is up to Hollywood so I am not holding my breath. Now Thor on the otherhand has potential with Branagh directing.
I thought Bana was a better Hulk/Banner than Norton but I think Norton movie was better, still not good though. I like Ruffalo, he is a great actor and I wouldn't mind seeing him in the role of Banner/Hulk. I do feel that this role is slightly cursed after Ferrigno.
Although both are fine actors, neither Bana nor Norton are right for Bruce Banner. Banner is a push-over and borderline wimpy scientist. He's not supposed to be tough. You want a weakling who will later revert to a monster when angry. They need to hire a no-name, skinny actor whom you can break by throwing a beaker at him.
Ed Norton is the man, they should bring him back as the Hulk. He did a great job in the last one.
The Hulk is over 8 feet tall and weighs over 1,000 pds. What "real" actor can do that?
NO, not at all. To bad Ed Norton couldn't come to an agreement, he worked, this guy does NOT.
Why doesn't Hollywood see that it's not the main actor that keeps making the movies flop, it's the big cartoon hulk character that is so unreal and whack. Spiderman did incredibly well because it was a real person and even when they used computer animation it still was believable. The creature for the Hulk is just so unbelievable. I remember the real show with Lou F. and he was big but not bigger then a house. Get a real big giant like person to play the mean green man and it may be more appealing to audiences.
I am all Hulked out, how many Hulk movies do we need? Friday the 13h over did it, Nightmare on Elm Street over did it and yes, even Star Trek over did it with all their sequels.
HECK NO, GO AWAY GIRLY MAN
Where is Bill Bixby when you need him?
Dead and long since turned to dust..
How about Nathan Fillion to fill the role of Bruce?
BTW, Nathan is 6'1 1/2"
Edward Norton is not 6'1. He's about 5'10-5'11 tops
being 6'3" myself and having met Norton a few years ago, I can guarantee that he is approx 6'1"
Is Edward Norton not available? He was fantastic in the role. Changing actors for every movie is unappealing, the audience cannot bond to the character if a different person is doing the role.
Why does the HULK rate 3 movies? They're not even interrelated! Same thing with the PUNISHER! For all the years of awesome stories to draw from, they keep letting Hollywood screw it up (DAREDEVIL, ELEKTRA). And I'm sorry, Captain America hasn't been born yet. There's nobody on the planet that can fill those boots. Destined to be a flop.
Who cares about height? Hollywood always finds ways to make up for this. Look at Tom Cruise, he’s like 5 feet tall in real life but they always make him look average height.
he's closer to 5'6" which is still ridiculously short but a far cry from 5'0"....
Ed Norton SUCKED in his role...plain and simple.......the HULK looked fake too. Ruffalo would be BETTER.
Matt in DC
News Flash: The Hulk IS fake.....
Norton was way better than Bana (nothing against Bana as an actor – he just wasn't right for the role) and the Hulk looked WAY better in the Norton movie than the Bana movie.
I like Ruffalo in the movies I have seen him in, but i think Norton is better – and better suited for the Hulk role. Also, it would just feel wrong to switch actors at this point.
The Hulk was a founding member of the Avengers, but for exactly one issue. Ant-Man and the Wasp were founding members, and I don't even know if they are in this. You really just need the "trinity" (Cap, Thor, and Iron Man), and can work around the rest.
The rumors are saying that both Ant-man and Wasp will be in the Avenger's movie along with Thor, Captain America and Iron-man, maybe more. Unfortunatly Joss Weldon(Buffy the Vampire – tv) is going to direct so its bound to be chessy b-movie/WB tv quality.
Obviously Colin there never watched "Firefly" or "Serenity."
Collins is an idiot, the guy's name is Joss Whendon.
BUT I second that Slag. Joss is an amazing creator and has some awesome ideas! Plus I loved Buffy and yeah it was chessey at times but it was a special brand of humor. Joss rocks! and I know he's going to have a pretty wicked/creative view of the Avengers.
Is Rosie O'Donnell available?
Andrew we can not do away with the Hulk and keep the Avengers semi-pure. He was a founding member of the group.
I guess I'm in the minority, but I think Ruffalo is a better choice than either Norton or Bana!
Jeremy Renner would have been great for Banner (if you ever saw him in the movie "Dahmer", he would nail it), but I am happy he is playing Hawkeye.
Michael C. Hall of Dexter and Six Feet Under would be the perfect fit for Banner.
Bruce Campbell... 'nuff said
20 years ago, absolutely....but he's getting a bit old, out of shape, and has a supporting role on Burn Notice...
What is Hollywoods fascination with casting little guys in these roles? His bio says 5'9" but having stood next to the guy he had to have been measured wearing lifts. Banner is tall and slender according to the comics. Norton is 6' tall, keep him.
the idea is to further exaggerate the disparity between Banner and Hulk....maybe they should cast Mini-me as Banner and Brock Lesnar as Hulk and just trash the hokey special effect Hulk
Who cares about the height issue? Bill Bixby was 5'9" and nobody ever made an issue out of it. Anyway, with the amount of time to be shared amongst all the heroes in "The Avengers", I wouldn't count on seeing very much of Bruce Banner in non-Hulk form.
just do away with the HULK all together, its not working! big CGI green thing on the screen will always look too fake. ..hollywood has ruined the HULKs comic legacy by making crappy movies.
someone actually said that every one of nortons rolls has been that of a doofus? apparently they haven't seen "american history x". btw...banners stature doesn't really matter. the hulk thought of all humans as being puny, except for rick and betty. if that avengers movie goes to typical form, it'll be all about the hulk wiping the floor w/ the avengers until betty calms him down, and that'll be the only acting Ruffalo has in the movie.
Keep Ed Norton!!! This is just like when a network keeps changing the time and night of a good show; eventually the viewers will give up on it. The studio is going to kill the franchise with their meddling.
Keep Ed Norton.
What happened to Joaquim Pheonix?? Sorry I don't see Mark Ruffalo as the next hulk. He just isnt the guy for the job. Here is an option these movie makers should consider: Put these pansy actors under a contract to make 3 or 4 movies if the first movie is a success. What actor isn't pretentious?? Wouldnt you be if you got paid a million dollars to play a role? The more they change the actors who play these characters the less believable and accepting the fans will be. In the end belief in the role and character is all that supports good ROI. GET WITH THE PROGRAM!!
Phoenix is retired from acting....
Not a fan of Ruffalo. I love Norton...but I did not like him as Banner. Bana played the part well in my opinion, but he does NOT look the part.
Banner is small, scrawny, and a complete wimp. He is the anti-thesis of the Hulk's physical embodiment. I cannot for the life of me think of anyone mainstream that fits the part. Zach Braff and Topher Grace have the right look to play Banner. Grace has the acting chops to some extent. But I wouldn;t be sold.
How about Adrien Brody? He is a smaller guy and a solid actor.
Mel Gibson would be PERFECT for the part!!!
Robert, we're talking about the casting of Bruce Banner, not the Hulk. "Hulk break bat over head!"
Mel Gibson would be great, but I hear he can't stand green people.
Edward Norton & The Incredible Hulk SUCKED. Ang Lee's Hulk with Eric Bana was infinitely better – cinematically – visually & talent wise. Edward Norton hasnt done a decent movie in years are you kidding me? He has just become an overblown egomaniac who is still riding off the talent from when he was younger & hungrier. Being satisfied with mediocre at best movies is why everything sucks now – just bad remakes and endless comic book movies. Anything fresh or new is being restrained so that the mindless nimrods can go and enjoy crapfeasts like Transformers and countless other trash – I have a brain, I need more then just visuals to get my attention. A plot & talent are a must. They should just cast an unknown instead of paying ridiculously bloated paychecks to peope that dont deserve them.
This chic is RIGHT ON! Although I live in MD and Norton's from Baltimore....he's sucks as an actor. His last good flick was the Score. NOT believable in The Hulk......Liv Tyler wasn't much better EITHER!!!!! Shes starting to look like her dad with boobs.
MattinDC
Not that it really matters, but Ed is not from Baltimore. He was raised in COLUMBIA, MD and attended the same high school as my siblings, again in COLUMBIA, MD. His grandfather basically built/designed the town. People from Columbia, like myself, don't like to be confused with people from Baltimore. Anyway, Ed is a good actor. Thouroghly enjoyed him in Red Dragon, The Illusionist, The Score, and Primal Fear. He was an ok Banner. Can't think of anyone right now to replace him, but not real happy about the Mark Ruffalo as a choice.
I agree on one thing- I LOVED Eric Bana as the Hulk & Banner. I liked that they kept his features when making him digital, plus the desert scene was epic. I loved the background story you got on how he came to be, Eric Bana is the better one I believe!
BUT Transformers was the BA!! plus shia lebouf was freakin hilarious! It was a really great movie.
Really? REALLY? His last good film was THE SCORE? Wow. Even THE ITALIAN JOB was a better film than that. And that's really saying something.
Jango is correct the Hulk will be digitized anyway. However Ruffalo for the bit pieces??? NO WAY is he believable. Why not Topher Grace, if you want a nerdy looking Banner. or perhaps that kid from Zombieland Jesse Eisenberg (sp)?
I loved Edward Norton as the HUlk! I cannot believe they are seriously considering someone else.
words cannot describe my disappointment.
Actually, it really doesn't matter who plays Bruce Banner. Now that the Hulk's gone digital and the next movie is an ensemble piece, there won't be much character development. So, any capable actor can do Banner. People will be more concerned about the quality of the Hulk's digital animation then they will be about the quality of the acting of the person playing Banner.
Jango, that's the smartest thing I've read here.
I must admit, you have a point!!!!! But, I was talking with my coworker about this. How about Will Smith! 🙂 LOL
Please, god no! Marvel's Kevin Feige was having disputes with Norton, who was instrumental along with Louis Leterrier in giving us the awesome last incredible Hulk movie. Norton actually thought things would blow over, but Feige has incited the situation.
I liked the Ed Norton hulk movie, but I really don't care who plays Banner. Ruffalo would be fine. I just wish the people making the movies would get rid of the "stupid hulk", who really hasn't existed in the comic for more then a decade. In just the last 5 years, the Hulk was betrayed by the other heroes, exiled on some horrid gladiator style planet, where he dethroned the king, took a wife, and had a child. Then he came back to earth and declared war on the heroes who had betrayed him. I realize the movies can;t have as in depth a story, but they can certainly get beyond "Hulk Smash!"
Dork
They haven't made a Hulk movie in the past 10 years that hasn't sucked, and it only makes fewer people want to roll the dice to see the next one. Time to throw in the towel and come up with your own NEW superhero ideas, and stop trying to re-invent what your think the old superheros storylines should be.
Why are people complaining about Ruffalo being shorter? – I've never thought of Banner as being very tall. He should be a relatively "puny" geeky doctor. I thought Norton was perfect, but it sounds like he was a nightmare to deal with.
Naja- What's wrong with Marvel is that they are owned by Disney now and you have Disney with their hands in stuff that should only be Marvel. I enjoyed Ed Norton in the recent reboot. Thousands times better than that God-Awful one in 2003. Can't wait for Captain America (although, I'm still trying to not think of the human torch when I see chris evans).
Marvel, please keep Ed Norton for the Hulk. Don't blow the potential for a great Avengers movie.
Why not bring back Lou Ferrigno?
Chris, I totally agree. The wording is all wrong. The only person to ever play The Hulk was Lou Ferigno. Banner is SUPPOSED to be a stark contrast from The Hulk. Banner was a doctor/scientist.... I'm quite sure Ruffalo can pull this off. Norton was great as Banner. And, the fact that he developed that previous script and incorporated Bixby was a nice touch. He did it right. The Bana story was, in my opinion, confusing as all get out. And I wasn't crazy about his performance. I've seen him do better. Norton and Ferrigno would be a great team! Stop giving the man cameoes!
great choice, in my opinion. He's very creative. Looks like being in Shutter Island has opened up Hollywood's perception of him
No matter how much make-up, body suits, and etc. I can't see it. However, Bill Bixby didn't look or act like it either!
Norton said no, not Marvel. I like Ruffalo and I think he more resembles a Bruce Banner than either of the other ones.
For me, it's a YES.
Norton is an ego-maniac. That's why the studio is looking elsewhere.
it actually is FAR more likely that it might have something to do with Norton turning down the role when it was offered by the studio....
It's pretty apparent a lot of people are making judgments against Ed Norton when I'm pretty sure none of you idiots were there for the filming of the Hulk...how would you know he wanted more creative control? How can you claim to know he was a pain in the butt to work with?? To those of you who seem to think Norton is just a doofus-you're an idiot. Watch Fight Club, watch American History X, watch Kingdom of Heaven and Red Dragon, The Illusionist...he's a fantastic actor that can play anything from a doofus to a genius...people shouldn't be so judgmental, none of us knows why Norton isn't returning, and quite frankly it's irrelevant. Not bringing Norton back for this flick would be watching Marvel cut off their own legs; after changing from Bana (who was bad enough to begin with), Norton pulled it off, and anyone with taste would enjoy his return as Dr. Banner.
Rob – he didn't turn down the role. He was excited at the opportunity to reprise the role in the Avengers and was actively involved in negotiations to not only play the role in the movie, but also appear at a big comic convention with the other actors (Robert Downey, Jr., Samuel L. jackson, the two Chris's (Hemsworth and Evans) and Scarlett Johansson.) Suddenly Marvel came out said they decided to go in another direction – which was a big surprise to Norton since they didn't tell him first.
I personally am not a big fan of norton in his movies because he always plays a doofus (italian job, The score) . HOWEVER, you have to admit that he is a great actor because if you hate someone that much by the end of the movie then he's clearly playing his role correctly. The contrast between Norton (skinny weak looking) and the incredible hulk is what makes it a great movie. replacing him would ruin the next movie.
What about American History X, which is easily his best movie?...and he certainly wasn't playing the typical "doofus"
Then you didn't see him in American History X.
In fact, Norton should have won an Oscar for American History X...stunningly good acting.
A doofus? are you kidding me? you've obviously never seen american history x, fight club, the 25th hour, and any one of his other movies that were awesome
Why the hell woudl they replace Ed Norton??? He was perfect as Bruce AND the Hulk!!!! Why can't HE be in the Avengers movie???? Why does something always happen to mess up a perfectly good thing? I agree with Ken, "what the hell is wrong with you people at MARVEL???????
ummm...the Hulk was a computer generated image, not Norton....
NO NO NO NO NO NO What the hell is wrong with you people at MArvel. Ed Norton was the perfect Bruce Banner.
It sounds like Norton was areal pain to work with, and pretty much ruled himself out of the series
No, that's what Marvel said, but that was just slander. He was all about doing the next Hulk movie, and was in negotiations to do so, but Marvel all of the sudden came out and said he's the worst guy ever, this has nothing to do with money. When in reality, it had everything to do with money, they just didn't want to pay Edward Norton what he was worth, even though he had said he was open to negotiating whatever, cause he wanted to do the role. Them saying he was a bad team player is just ridiculous, as he's friends with a lot of the people they are casting for the Avengers movie. Marvel is just greedy, which is why they sold out to Disney in the first place.
Agreed
You can totally tell the reason Norton is no longer involved is because he wanted more creative control over his first Hulk movie and they totally denied him any artistic input besides his acting. They went with a shorter, faster paced movie and he felt that was the wrong way to tell the story and frankly was probably correct. Of course his feelings cane from an artistic perspective as opposed to Marvel's business perspective.
Ken I agree with you ! I like Edward in this role. He was perfect, or so I thought. They need to find a way to keep him in.
NOOOOOO, go away Ruffalo and bring Norton back!!!!! BOOOOOOOOOOO.....
Good grief, their choice for Bruce Banners keeps getting worse and worse. They should just go back to Eric Bana.
Isn't it Norton that turned it down,not Marvel that dropped him?
I liked Norton ,but if you have to replace him I say Ryan Reynolds would be a perfect replacement.
Godstar- TOTALLY agree! Eric Bana was awesome!
I don't give a damn, but please make him act like a PHYSICIST. At least Bill Bixby came across as quite intelligent and ingenious as Dr. David Banner. Both recent movies relied more on the CGI Hulk and less on the intellect of Bruce Banner. He's a doctor? Really? Could have fooled me.
SHARLTO COPLEY!!!!!!!!!! PLEEEEASSEE!!!!
Since, hollywood likes to pick white guys for Asian roles such as the Last Airbender, we should make the Hulk Asian, how about that 6' 2" Asian guy who played Zao in James Bond, Die another day.
Or we should just mess with it all and make spiderman Indian, and Captain America Black. That would be entertaining and we can tell all the guys who stated these roles are fictional regarding the Last Airbender the same thing and all laugh about it.
Tikboy, Ryan Renolds is already playing two different characters in the Marvel Universe: Green Lantern and Deadpool, Playing Bruce Banner would be over the top.
"Phearis
Tikboy, Ryan Renolds is already playing two different characters in the Marvel Universe: Green Lantern and Deadpool, Playing Bruce Banner would be over the top."
NERD ALERT
Green Lantern is DC
Marvel will sell out any franchise to make a quick buck. Just call them Disney now. How many reboot's can you do before a total crash? Counting on DC for quality comic movies now.
I like Ruffalo as an actor, but for cryin' out LOUD, why won't the studio heads go with Norton again? Because he's "difficult"? More like he's a perfectionist and let me tell ya, I would prefer my actors to be "difficult", if it meant they had a passion for a role and executed it perfectly, as Norton did.
Shame on the Studios and Marvel for kicking Norton to the curb.