Edward Norton to play Hulk

Updated: 2007-04-17 19:01

LOS ANGELES: Two-time Academy Award nominee Edward Norton will play scientist-turned-superhero Bruce Banner in a new movie version of The Incredible Hulk, Marvel Entertainment said.

The new movie is based on the comic book series telling of the exploits of Banner, a scientist who transforms into a giant green brute, and it follows a 2003 big-budget film called Hulk that failed to catch fire with audiences or critics.

Norton, 37, is among Hollywood's most versatile actors, having `appeared in more than 20 films including American History X and Primal Fear, both of which earned him Oscar nominations for acting.

For the most part, his roles have been in dramas such as 2006's The Illusionist, making his choice to portray a comic book hero a novel idea.

"His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to take on the character of Bruce Banner/The Hulk," said Kevin Feige, president of production at Marvel Studios.

The Incredible Hulk will be directed by Louis Leterrier, a Frenchman whose previous films include the action adventure The Transporter.

The new movie is expected to be in theaters by June 2008, and will be distributed by Universal Pictures.

Universal and Marvel teamed up in 2003 to produce and distribute Hulk, which was directed by Ang Lee, who later won a best director's Oscar for Brokeback Mountain.