Norton Hulks Out

So... Edward Norton's gonna be playing Bruce Banner now? From Variety:

"Edward Norton has been set by Marvel Studios to play Bruce Banner in "The Incredible Hulk." The Louis Leterrier-directed drama will be distributed by Universal Pictures, with an opening set for June 13, 2008.

It is a decided return to the mainstream for Norton, who recently has starred in such indies as "Down in the Valley," "The Painted Veil," and "The Illusionist." Pic will shoot this summer in Toronto.

Norton takes over a role played in the Ang Lee-directed "Hulk" by Eric Bana. Though that film opened strongly, it didn’t fare as well as other Marvel efforts, including "Spider-Man," "X-Men," "Fantastic Four" and, most recently, "Ghost Rider."... Leterrier directed the action-filled "Transporter 2," and "Unleashed." The new pic begins with Banner on the run, trying to avoid capture long enough to cure the condition that turns him into a misunderstood green menace.

"Edward Norton is a rare talent and one of the most versatile actors in the business," Marvel Studios production president Kevin Feige said in a statement. "His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to take on the character of Bruce Banner and the Hulk. Edward is perfectly suited to bring one of the most popular and important Marvel icons to the bigscreen in a new and exciting way."

The script for "The Incredible Hulk" was written by Zak Penn, who had a hand in crafting two "X-Men" films, "Fantastic Four" and "Elektra" for Marvel."

Well, we all know how I feel about The Bana, so I've been of firm mind that replacing him is a flop-tastic idea, but then... well, Norton is a fine actor, so maybe this could be interesting. I don't really think he'd have signed on if it didn't seem like a solid idea/script was in place, coming off as he does as the sort of fussbudget that finds those things important. So we shall see.

But just for the record (as if it needs to be said) Edward Norton in ripping-clothes is nowhere near as thrilling as The Bana in ripping-clothes. I mean... seriously.
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