Joaquin Phoenix In Talks To Play The Incredible Hulk In The Avengers?

For a few weeks now, we've been hearing rumors that Marvel Studios was set to unveil Edward Norton on stage at Comic-Con later this month, revealing that the actor would return to reprise his role from The Incredible Hulk in the superhero team-up movie The Avengers. But last week Marvel confirmed that Norton would not be back for the new film due not to "monetary factors" but the "the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members." Norton's agent Brian Swardstrom quickly responded claiming that Marvel was excited to have Norton back as Hulk for the new film, that Norton even met with writer/director Joss Whedon about the film, and after "several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions," Marvel decided not hire Norton for what appeared to be purely financial reasons. Two different stories, but who is telling the truth?

With Comic-Con quickly approaching, who will Marvel unveil on stage as the new Bruce Banner?

Any guesses?

How about Joaquin Phoenix?

CHUD is reporting a rumor that Marvel has offered the role to Joaquin Phoenix, who has yet to verbally commit.  Phoenix, a two-time Oscar nominated actor who has been in 8MM, Gladiator, Buffalo Soldiers, The Village, Hotel Rwanda, Walk the Line, We Own the Night, and Reservation Road is best known for his serious performances in art/indie films. You can understand why Phoenix is taking time to figure out the implications of signing on the a huge superhero movie, and also why he might not be interested in this kind of career turn. If Kevin Feige turned down Norton due to the actor's need to collaborate, it seems strange they would offer Phoenix the role instead. Phoenix is known to be a very peculiar talent to work with, maybe nearing the same level as Norton.

But forget about that — right now this is all just rumor and specualtion. What do you think about Joaquin Phoenix for the role of Bruce Banner aka The Inbcredible Hulk?