Edward Norton is the new HULK

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."

Marvel Studios, which has a $525 million credit facility obtained through Merrill Lynch, made "The Incredible Hulk" its second film under that arrangement, and seeks to make a sequel that is less self-serious and more in line with the comic series and TV show. 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.

"The Incredible Hulk" is being produced by Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd and Marvel’s Feige. Jim Van Wyck, David Maisel, Ari Arad and Stan Lee are exec producing.

Norton, who will next be seen starring with Colin Farrell in the Gavin O’Connor-directed New Line drama "Pride and Glory," is repped by Endeavor.

Too bad, I thought Eric Bana did a good job... it was the writing and the production that killed that first one.

I walked out of the first HULK halfway through because I got bored... I in turn, went and mudwrestled with a bunch of my hot female coworkers, the next day I had to get my student ID picture made for college, with mud still in my hair..

I enjoyed the first one, but this is an upgrade.

Eric Bana wasn't the problem with The Hulk. If that's what they think will fix it, they'll be wrong.

Eric Bana wasn't the problem with The Hulk. If that's what they think will fix it, they'll be wrong.

One thing about working with Mr Norton is he usually has some sort of creative control on the project. So that can be a good thing for this flick,

If he looks anything like he did in American History X, hell fit right in.

Bad CGI killed the first one for me, the actors didn't.

Bad CGI killed the first one for me, the actors didn't.

So did the stupid Hulk dogs. You want a good Hulk movie, use the Leader as the villian.

So did the stupid Hulk dogs. You want a good Hulk movie, use the Leader as the villian.

Toad men from outer space.

I'd go.

I thought Eric Bana did a good job. The writing was horrible, though. Let's hope they get it right this time.

ONe of the few movies I've walked out on in my life. I wasn't the only one either. Definately needs a better writing team

Writing, schmiting. Ang Lee doesn't know a damn thing about comic books and had little to no respect for the character. He made an absurdly boring four hour snoozefest that bore almost no resemblace to the original story whatsoever.

I did like Jennifer Connelly as Betty Ross, but that was small consolation.

I would much prefer The Abomination or The Absorbing Man as villains. And bring back Doc Sampson!

I would much prefer The Abomination or The Absorbing Man as villains. And bring back Doc Sampson!

Rhino! :applause: