Golden Globe-winning actor Edward Norton is all set to turn superhero. The latest in the long line of actors to don a superhero's garb, Norton will play Marvel Comics hero the Hulk, or nuclear physicist Dr Robert Bruce Banner, in the upcoming film
Incredible Hulk to be directed by Louis Leterrier, Marvel Studios said in a statement on Monday.
The film, which will begin production in summer this year, is targeting a June 2008 release and will be distributed by Universal Pictures. For 37-year-old Norton, playing a superhero is somewhat of a departure from his usual image.
So far, he has appeared in dark and serious roles in films like
Primal Fear,
American History X,
Fight Club,
The Illusionist and
The Painted Veil, among others. The first two won him Academy Award nominations. In 2000, Norton made his directing debut with
Keeping The Faith. His experiments with different kind of roles have earned him the reputation of being a versatile actor.
“Edward Norton is a rare talent and one of the most versatile actors in the business. His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to take on the character of Bruce Banner/The Hulk. Edward is perfectly suited to bring one of the most popular and important Marvel icons to the big screen in a new and exciting way,” said Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios' production president, said in the statement.
Incredible Hulk is the second attempt to bring the comic book hero to the big screen. Earlier in 2003, the character was adapted for screen in
Hulk, directed by
Brokeback Mountain helmsman Ang Lee.
However, the film, with Eric Bana playing the protagonist, failed to capture the audiences' fancy unlike other superhero films. Though
Hulk earned US$245 million worldwide, it was panned by critics and thumbed down by audiences as well. Since it came after the huge success of
Spiderman, expectations rode high, but the final product spiraled downwards fast and failed to enter the superhero hall of fame.
Given the latest frenzy surrounding comic book films like
X-Men,
Ghost Rider,
Spiderman,
Superman and others, the second Hulk movie will have to be better than its predecessor to make a mark.
According to Leterrier,
Incredible Hulk will focus on Bruce Banner's struggle to find a cure for his condition, which sees him change into a huge green monster in times of emotional disturbances, even as he is being chased by his nemeses.
The film's production will begin shortly in Toronto, the Marvel Studios statement said.
Meanwhile,
Spiderman 3 is ready for release on May 4.
