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'The Avengers': The Hulk is ... Mark Ruffalo?
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The search for a new Bruce Banner for "The Avengers" may end up being a pretty short one. Edward Norton, who starred in "The Incredible Hulk" in 2008, won't be part of Marvel's superhero teamup after a rather curt dismissal by the head of the studio. Now comes word that Marvel has zeroed in on a new actor to play the mild-mannered scientist/raging green superhero.
That would be "The Kids Are All Right" star and indie-film fixture Mark Ruffalo, who according to Deadline.com is in "late-stage discussions" with Marvel about taking on the role. He would be the third Hulk on film in the past decade, after Norton and Eric Bana, who starred in Ang Lee's "Hulk" in 2003.
The role would be Ruffalo's first in a big action movie. In addition to the just-released "The Kids Are All Right," his recent credits include "Shutter Island," "Date Night" and "Where the Wild Things Are."
"The Avengers," directed by Joss Whedon and co-starring Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Chris Evans (Captain America), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), is tentatively set for a summer 2012 release.
What do you think of Ruffalo as Bruce Banner?
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Photo credit: Getty Images
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Not a fan. I like his work, a LOT. I mean, a LOT. I just don't see him as Bruce Banner. Slightly more as The Hulk. And when they promised a name actor, I just expected something more. Edward Norton is such a renowned actor; they couldn't have gotten anyone more in line with that?
I dont see him as Hulk =/ so i think this movie is already on the road to go down hill and crash along the way.
Everyone was expecting Iron Man 2 to bee a guaranteed 400 million dollar movie. People felt diconnected with the movie b/c of the Terrance Howard shaft. There is already flak for The Human Torch as Captain America. This movie could and should do 300-400 million. It will end up making 250-275 tops. Marvel is burning bridges left and right.APOLOGIZE AND SPEND THE MONEY ON NORTON!!! ITS NOT TOO LATE!! over the past decade I have spent 1000s of dollars on Marvel movies. I WILL STOP NOW IF NORTON ISNT SIGNED!!
I could see it. I like Mark Ruffalo. He's really grown on me.
I don't want anybody but Ed Norton. He was the perfect Bruce Banner. Boo on Marvel.
Edward Norton made me enjoy The Incredible Hulk. Eric Bana is a great actor. But he ruined the Hulk for me. Marvel needs to stop screwing around and keep the line up of actors.
I think they should use Chris Evans for EVERY Marvel character.
maybe mark would work with character change but it'll be better to keep the original actors in their key role, it adds more drama in this universe.
The man is brilliant, but this could be tough for Mark Ruffalo to pull off. I think he's very much in the same league as Ed Norton, acting-wise, but I think he's less known/popular with the fanboys and his undoubtedly low-key approach will probably result in backlash.
I don't think there are many (if any) other actors out there who are as relatable as Mark. He's so natural and very subtle. Given RDJ's popularity and the selection of Sam Jackson, I'm not sure "subtlety" is appreciated by fanboys.
All the naysayers need to give Ruffalo a chance. He's a good actor and has a deep soulful look to him. Take a look at RESERVATION ROAD for an example of how deep and sympathetic he can be. It's a stunning performance. When I heard that he'd been picked for this, I was surprised, but it seemed so right.