Well, that was quick. Only a couple days ago, Marvel officially confirmed that Edward Norton wouldn’t be returning to play the Hulk in THE AVENGERS movie, saying that they were already in negotiations with a name actor to replace him. Joaquin Phoenix’s rolled up out of the rumor mill, but now, Deadline’s saying that Mark Ruffalo’s in final negotiations to play Bruce Banner.

Ruffalo’s one of my favorite actors working right now. The guy’s a real chameleon. It doesn’t matter if he’s playing a dorky techie in ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, a cool cop in COLLATERAL or a phony federal agent in SHUTTER ISLAND… you always buy him in his role. Nothing he’s done so far has really screamed “HULK SMASH!” to me so far but, then again, maybe it shouldn’t. That’s the point of taking on a different roles, isn't it? Considering the range he’s demonstrated so far, I don’t have any doubts that he can handle a spot on the Avengers’ roster. == TEASER ==

Obviously, there aren’t any official announcements about this, yet. I’m sure there will be something said next week in San Diego, though. In the mean time, I think it’s fair to ask where you Comic Vine maniacs think Ruffalo ranks in Hulks past, present and future. If this plays out, he'll be joining Ed Norton, Eric Bana and Bill Bixby (from the 80s TV show, of course!) in the meek-alter-ego department.

Also, if you want to get an idea of Ruffalo’s style, you can see him in that “artificial insemination dramedy” THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT which is in theaters, right now. I haven't seen it yet, myself, but the critics are just loving it.

-- Tom Pinchuk is the writer of UNIMAGINABLE for Arcana Studios and HYBRID BASTARDS! for Archaia. Pre-order the HYBRID BASTARDS! hardcover now on Amazon.com.

Sweet. hes a great actor

Not a bad choice.

Better then Joaquin Phoenix

"Better then Joaquin Phoenix "

Lord, no. 
He's too handsome, too masculine looking. 
Bruce Banner should look like he's made out of twigs and would get startled by someone tapping him on the shoulder. 
He's this meek, feeble, soft spoken little milquetoast. 
The kinda guy who got picked on in highschool. 
Mark Ruffalo looks like the kind of guy who DID the picking.

Totally better than Joaquin Phoenix

LA times are saying:  David Tennant, Nathon Fillon and Adrian Brody are also in talks

The ex-Doctor Who star has been linked to the superhero role recently vacated by Edward Norton along with Predators actor Adrien Brody and Serenity's Nathan Fillion. Recent online rumors surfaced claiming that Joaquin Phoenix had been offered the role of Bruce Banner in the ensemble blockbuster. Marvel insiders have said that a "name" replacement for Norton will be announced at Comic-Con or earlier.

eww no! I do not approve!

" Lord, no. He's too handsome, too masculine looking. Bruce Banner should look like he's made out of twigs and would get startled by someone tapping him on the shoulder. He's this meek, feeble, soft spoken little milquetoast. The kinda guy who got picked on in highschool. Mark Ruffalo looks like the kind of guy who DID the picking. "

a way better choice then an insane wanna be rapper(phoenix) 

mark ruffalo is one of the greatest actors alive
this is awesome
if you doubt his ability, watch the brothers bloom

So if they've already signed someone for Hulk does this mean we are definitely going to see Hulk in the Avengers movie??

Better than Phoenix. Not as good as Norton.

" Lord, no. He's too handsome, too masculine looking. Bruce Banner should look like he's made out of twigs and would get startled by someone tapping him on the shoulder. He's this meek, feeble, soft spoken little milquetoast. The kinda guy who got picked on in highschool. Mark Ruffalo looks like the kind of guy who DID the picking. "

COME BACK ED

At this point, I'm not sure if I care

The idea would take time to grow on me, mostly out of Norton Withdrawals. But I think I can get behind this one....far better than Jaoquin Phoenix, and I really like Mark Ruffalo, very underrated actor.  
 
Admittedly I am skeptical to see him as Banner, but I like him and faith in him just enough to give him a fair chance. So...for what it's worth, I shall approve. :) 

" Lord, no. He's too handsome, too masculine looking. Bruce Banner should look like he's made out of twigs and would get startled by someone tapping him on the shoulder. He's this meek, feeble, soft spoken little milquetoast. The kinda guy who got picked on in highschool. Mark Ruffalo looks like the kind of guy who DID the picking. "

This would totally work.  

Wow, what a smart choice. I'm sad to see Norton replaced, but Ruffalo would be another great actor to have been given the role of Bruce Banner (if he is indeed cast), so I can't say I'm disappointed. 

I'm still not over the whole Edward Norton incident

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you Guys Retarded?! Joaquin Phoenix is way better Mark whatever his name.... Seriously you think this is Better than Joaquin Phoenix all the haters on him need to shut up.... I was looking foward to Joaquin playing Banner, but since he's probably not doing anything or want to do anything. I would rather like Edward Norton to come Back!!!!!!!! If this is all they can Conjure up.... ugh... He doesn't even look like he could play Bruce Banner and I don't think he has the chops.... Whatever stupid hollywood... And I see him rather comedic than serious.. ugh stupid......

The last movie I saw him in was 13 GOING ON 30. He was a photographer in that one.

oy veh. hes a horrible actor. people think hes a great actor because he always has great actors around him,

" This would totally work.   "

David Tennant or Sharlton Copley.

Why do they even need Bruce Banner?  Or why a big name for Bruce?
Just use a CG Hulk?
I know I don't know the plot, but it would save screen time for others.
 
Aw well.  I will believe it when I hear its official from Marvel and the actor though.

" Why do they even need Bruce Banner?  Or why a big name for Bruce? Just use a CG Hulk? I know I don't know the plot, but it would save screen time for others.  Aw well.  I will believe it when I hear its official from Marvel and the actor though. "

ok

I think he would be good.

" David Tennant or Sharlton Copley. "

Yes! Mark Ruffalo fits in with the other cast members of The Avengers. Moreso than Joaquin Phoenix would...

I think Mark Ruffalo would be a great choice.  He's a very different actor than Norton, but he has the talent to pull off his own unique interpretation. 
I also think that Ruffalo is one of those guys who is just masculine enough to play hero roles, but isn't such a big and tough looking dude that he'd look strange trying to play someone like Bruce Banner. 
I endorse this.  As many have said, he's better than Joaquin Phoenix.