 Edward Norton, 37, has twice been Oscar-nominated |
Actor Edward Norton is to play the lead role in the forthcoming Incredible Hulk film, to be released next year. Norton, who recently starred in The Illusionist, will take over the role from Munich star Eric Bana, Marvel Studios has confirmed.
The firm has also confirmed the movie, to be released on 13 June 2008, will be directed by Louis Leterrier whose credits include The Transporter.
Ang Lee's take on the comic book hero was released in 2003.
'High-octane'
The 2003 film made a strong opening, but failed to match the box office returns of other Marvel releases, including Spider-Man, X-Men and Ghost Rider.
The new version of Hulk will be less serious than the last and more in tune with the comic book series, according to Marvel.
 Ang Lee's 2003 Hulk was greeted with mixed reviews |
The film will focus on Hulk alter-ego Bruce Banner, who is on the run, and his efforts to cure the condition which transforms him into the green monster.
The scriptwriter is Zak Penn, who penned the X-Men sequels.
Co-producer Kevin Feige said the film would be "a fun, high-octane event", adding "we could not be more excited about this project".