Marvel Casts New Hulk for Avengers Movie; Also Casts (Spoiler Removed)

[GrnMarvl14]

Source.

Deadline now reports that Marvel Studios has reached a last-minute deal for Mark Ruffalo to play Bruce Banner, which should allow the actor to fly to San Diego to be introduced with the rest of The Avengers cast at Saturday afternoon’s Comic-Con International panel.

Ruffalo replaces The Incredible Hulk star Edward Norton, who was publicly rejected two weeks ago in an unflattering statement released by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. His pointed remarks seemed to lend credence to widely circulated, but frequently denied, reports that Norton had fought with studio executives over the final edits to 2008 film.

The 42-year-old Ruffalo, who’s been described as an “actor’s actor,” has been receiving rave reviews for role in The Kids Are All Right. Reports emerged just last week that he was in “late-stage discussions” to play Banner, so it would seem the pieces fell together rather quickly. Contracts might’ve been singed a little sooner, but The Wrap earlier today asserted that pay and the number of films to which Ruffalo would commit had become sticking points.

If all goes according to plan, Ruffalo should appear Saturday at the Marvel Studios panel with newly confirmed Avengers director Joss Whedon, and cast members Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johansson. There’s a good chance that we’ll also see Jeremy Renner, but probably not Nathan Fillion.

And the newest Avenger is...Hawkeye.

On the eve of the Marvel Studios panel at Comic-Con International, director Joss Whedon has confirmed The Hurt Locker star Jeremy Renner will play Hawkeye in The Avengers.

“There will be some avenging that takes place during the film and that’s about all I can tell you,” Whedon tells OnTheRedCarpet.com. “I think it’s well-known that Jeremy Renner is joining us as Hawkeye, which is so exciting for me and the rest of the cast.”

Rumors circulated for months that Renner would portray Marvel’s outspoken archer, leading to a report in early June that the Oscar-nominated actor was in final negotiations for the role. The studio remained quiet about Renner, perhaps waiting for the announcement of Whedon’s involvement, or for the official introductions at Comic-Con. However, most everyone else seemed to treat Renner’s casting as a foregone conclusion.

So we have Mark Ruffalo as Banner/Hulk (can't say as I'm exactly thrilled with that, but I'll give him a chance) and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, which could be interesting.

Should be interesting to see what comes out of today's Avengers movie panel.