Norton's a good actor, and I never saw "Unleashed". But Leterrier's directing
"Transporter 2", worries me. I hope we're not looking at another movie full of
too-quick camera work and artificially hyped action. That's the Michael Bay
"Bad Boys 2" territory that worries me. Penn working on "Elektra", FF4, and X3
also worries me. A fun movie is all well and good, but stuff like "Ghost
Rider" makes me fear that the studios are trying to pump out forgettable
actioneers to make a buck, rather than something that's intelligently written
and fun, like the Spidey flicks and "Batman Begins". Curiously, the younger
comic writers are actually rebelling against the last two decades of
angst-ridden characters and deep psychological storylines epitomized by the
likes of Frank Miller's Batman and Daredevil. Over at DC, the current writers
have been sneaking Supes' power levels back up (They were drastically reduced
by John Byrne in the 80s), and have even started bring back better-left-gone
stuff like Krypto, red kryptonite, etc. They feel comics have gotten too
serious in recent years and want to bring back the gee-whiz factor. Too bad...
*****************
Norton to turn green as 'The Hulk'
Staff Reporter
Mon, 16 Apr 2007
Four years after the green superhero The Hulk hit the big screen in Ang Lee's
maligned film, the muscled Marvel Comics icon is making a return with Edward
Norton in the title role. The acclaimed star of such films as 'American History
X' and 'Fight Club' is to take over the role previously filled by 'Munich' and
'Troy' actor Eric Bana.
Directing duties are to be handled by Frenchman Louis Leterrier, best known for
his work on 'Transporter 2' and the Jet Li-starring 'Unleashed'.
Marvel Studios, which made Lee's 'The Hulk', intends the new film to be more
fun, in keeping with the mood of the TV series and comic book. To be shot in
Toronto during the northern hemisphere summer, the film is set to be released
in North America on 13 June next year. Called 'The Incredible Hulk', the
screenplay is by Zak Penn who has helped bring other Marvel films like
'Fantastic Four', two 'X-Men' instalments and 'Elektra' to cinemas.
His script begins with the Hulk's alter-ego, Bruce Banner, fleeing from
authorities while attempting to find a remedy for the condition that transforms
him into the green monster.
"Edward Norton is a rare talent and one of the most versatile actors in the
business," said Kevin Feige, the production president of Marvel Studios,
speaking of the actor who has spent the last few years of his career avoiding
blockbuster films. The star of projects like 'The Italian Job' and 'Red Dragon'
has most recently worked on independent films like 'The Illusionist' and 'The
Painted Veil' and will next appear opposite Colin Farrell in 'Pride and Glory'.
"His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to
take on the character of Bruce Banner and the Hulk," added Feige.
"Edward is perfectly suited to bring one of the most popular and important
Marvel icons to the bigscreen in a new and exciting way."
Feige said the project would be a "fun, high-octane event". Lee's film was
criticised for being overly dramatic and concerned with the psychology of its
characters. It failed to match the success of other Marvel projects like
'Spider-Man', 'Ghost Rider' and 'X-Men'.
"We could not be more excited about this project," added Feige.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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