Wanted: Man with the tendency to turn green when cheesed off (not just unleash his anger on an unsuspecting web audience), owner of a pair of short purple shorts, and with the smarts of Doogie Howser on his best day.

Yep, sounds like Marvel is looking for a new big-screen “Hulk”.

Avi Arad tells IF Magazine hat the new “Hulk” movie, “The Incredible Hulk”, will not be so much a sequel to the first film (which starred Eric Bana in the dual roles of Bruce Banner/Hulk) as it’ll be a remake.

“It’s a “do-over”. I loved the HULK movie, it was just a different approach, and it wasn’t exactly the comic. We want to be much closer to the comic. It’s what we would rather do".

I think that essentially rules out Eric Bana returning in the main role. If it’s a total ‘redo’ then they’ll be essentially ditching everyone and anyone connected to the first film. (David Duchovny was mentioned, at one time, as a possible replacement for Eric Bana). Fits in with what Bana’s been telling me, too. Eric hasn’t heard a thing from anyone at the studio, regarding the movie, and since they’ve got a writer, and, are apparently about to announce a director, you’d think they would have told Bana he was required back, too, by now – if they planned on using him. I think it’s safe to say, Bana’s “Hulk Smash” days are over.

The new movie, which is said to be truer to the character’s comic book roots, will pit the Hulk against the equally large, Abominable.

Zak Penn, writer of the upcoming Hulk sequel/redo/remake/reimagining/restart, told fans of theXverse website about his plans for the green guy’s exultant return to cinemas. Fans will be glad to hear what’s in store.

Firstly, Penn (“X-Men : The Last Stand”) mentioned what he didn’t like about the original “Hulk” film, stating that although he “loved the action sequences”, he “hated super poodles and the idea that Bruce was "born" mutated, rather than the classic, repressed, monster inside of him Banner that I grew up on. Dad story was bad. Fight with tanks good. CG good, but should have been combined with animatronics in my opinion. Split screens were a nice idea but distracting”.

Some of the ideas for the new film will be lifted from a draft of the “Hulk” that Penn did in 1996.

“It's not like we're just going back to it. Just keeping some ideas and sequences and the James Cameron inspired tone that I was shooting for”, he explains. “I thought the tone of the TV series was perfect, and something the first movie could have used. I really wanted to see Bruce on the run, keeping his secret from people, constantly afraid of transforming. You will see all that in Hulk 2, and no poodles”.

Fortunately, they won’t be cost-cutting and having a man-in-a-suit play The Hulk, either.

“There's no way he can be a man in a suit. That said, a combination of prosthetics, animatronics, and cg would be the best way to go, in my opinion. Check out how they did the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park; even though the tech is fifteen years old, the fact that sometimes there actually was something physical in front of the actors made a huge difference.

“Keep in mind, also, that sometimes they put a guy in a suit for certain shots: long shots, overcranked stunts, places where a human figure will make it look real. Incidentally, this will NOT be straight to DVD, or even a cheap movie. Marvel is dropping a lot of money on this and I think it has a chance to be better than the first or I wouldn't be involved.”

After a ramping up of interest in a sequel to Ang Lee's "Hulk" comes news today from "The Hollywood Reporter" that Louis Leterrier, Director of "The Transporter" & "Danny The Dog" (AKA "Unleashed"), has signed on the dotted line to take over the reigns of "The Incredible Hulk" for Marvel Studios.

Early stories circulating are that "Incredible" will ignore the Ang Lee version, and instead reboot the franchise - but rumours persist that Eric Bana is still being actively pursued to play Dr. Bruce Banner for the second time. Zak Penn, the man (at least partially) behind "X-Men 2" & "X-Men: Last Stand" (but more importantly, "PCU") is writing the screenplay this time out.

July 23, 2006 - Hulk 2 (actually titled The Incredible Hulk) is not going straight to DVD. David Duchovny will not star now that Eric Bana has left the project. Neither will Brendan Fraser. The franchise will, however, have a new director. Mere days ago Louis Leterrier, most recently responsible for The Transporter 2 was tapped to direct the big green one's latest screen adventure.

Speaking about the wooing process, the French director said, "We've been turning around each other like dogs in love." Ultimately, he was selected, and President of Production Kevin Feige said, "What he has planned in terms of the fun aspects of the Hulk, Hulk as hero, you guys will really be excited."

Members of the panel seemed dedicated to distancing themselves from Hulk. Louis Leterrier said, "The idea… is to make the Hulk action adventure movie everyone wanted to see."

In addition to being an action/adventure movie, Leterrier stated, "It's Marvel's horror movie… It's Frankenstein, it's Jekyll and Hyde and a little Edward Scissorhands." The script is going to hearken back to the television show, focusing on Banner's journey and his difficulty dealing with the monster. "The good thing abour number twos is that you don't waste your time on the origin," said Leterrier.

Every superhero movie needs a villain, and since this installment is focusing on Hulk's more heroic qualities, it's only right that he gets a gnarly enemy. That ultra-bad-ass is going to be Abomination. "I think we needed an anti-Hulk this time," said Leterrier. "Abomination is mega-bad Hulk."

Warming the hearts of many Con-goers, Leterrier delivered one last piece of good news about the sequel: "No poodles. Promise." Keep your eyes on IGN FilmForce for more information on this and other Marvel movies.

I wasn’t initially too keen on HULK 2 with word that it would, once again, rehash its origin story and go straight to DVD. Well, this panel renewed my zest in the film. HULK 2 will be released theatrically and has that fun-loving French dude Louis Leterrier at the helm. Leterrier directed the incredibly entertaining TRANSPORTER flicks and if anybody can give us an “action Hulk” that delivers, it would be him! Here’s what the panel revealed...

*The villain in this sequel will be “Abomination”.

*Brendan Fraser will not be Bruce Banner. The recent rumor is false. They haven't cast the lead yet.

*They will focus on the fun aspects of The Hulk on this go-around.

*They’re aiming for a vibe akin to the Bill Bixby/Lou Ferrigno TV show with this sequel. Guy on the road, struggling with being The Hulk.

*There will be another love story in the film and the character of Ross will return.

*They start shooting in April of 2007 and Leterrier is crazy about the script. He loves it!

*The film won’t focus on The Hulk’s origin as we all know it by now. Good move!

*Hulk might speak in this one. Lou Ferrigno actually offered his services to do the voice of The Hulk.

*Leterrier calls The Hulk, Marvel’s "horror movie". He wants to focus on the “monster hunt” and the Jekyll and Hyde nature of Bruce Banner. That’s what I like to hear!

Big-boned Dominic Purcell as Big-boned Hulk?

Maybe. I dunno.

Purcell appeared on a U.S morning show today – says Aint it Cool News – and was asked about the rumours of him possibly replacing Eric Bana (who I can confirm, is out) as the big-screen Hulk.

Purcell basically offered a nervous giggle, and failed to cough up much of a retort – well, besides the odd ‘ummmmmmm’.

Naturally, most are assuming he’s got the role, and just can’t say anything yet.

If you ask me, I’d say it’s simply a case of an actor following the long-standing ‘keep ‘em guessing’ system of not ever ‘ruling anything out’ – by laughing at the prospect of something, or straight-up debunking a rumour, you can burn many bridges, including your own, so it’s best to leave the audience ‘wondering’ – but nevertheless, the rumour mill is rampant that the “Prison Break” star might be able to slap on the purple trousers of “The Incredible Hulk”. Yep, All because the guy ummmed and ahhhhhed his way through an answer. Now, granted, Purcell could be in talks to play the new Bruce Banner – I have no idea, so it could be on the money – but I personally think people may be reading a little too much into his ‘search’ for an answer. Heck, Purcell could be hoping to get a look-in for the role – having heard the rumours himself – and that might be why he’s not saying anything.

Guess we’ll see soon.

The Incredible Hulk director Louis Leterrier (the "Transporter" films, "Unleashed") stopped by the Superhero Hype! message boards to chat with fans about Marvel Studios' anticipated sequel, to be released by Universal Pictures. The film will return to the roots of the long-running comic series, combining a well-developed character storyline with incredible action and fun. Zak Penn, who previously collaborated with Marvel on X2: Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand, is writing the script.

Click here for Leterrier's answers to questions asked by the fans!

Louis Leterrier, director of “The Incredible Hulk”, answered a few questions from fans on the Superhero Hype board regarding the upcoming super sequel/remake/restart.

Asked who will be playing The Hulk this time around, Leterrier didn’t rule out the possibility of Eric Bana returning to the role. “He’s not out”, he said, adding that he’s not ruling out the casting of an unknown actor either.

As for those Dominic Purcell rumours? Nothing in them, it seems.

One thing is pretty certain, Leterrier does plan on getting ‘original’ Hulk Lou Ferrigno involved. “I saw Lou F at Comic-Con after I saw you guys and I think we're going to find something great for him to do this time” he says.

Letterier says his film won’t be anything like Ang Lee’s movie. “I like the first film. I just think I'm a maggot compared to Ang Lee. I'm not going to try to copy him, it would be an enormous failure. I'm going to do my version of a Hulk film. There's a lot of me in Unleashed. If you liked this film, you'll like our Hulk.”

Marvel Studios and Universal Pictures will unleash Marvel's renowned, larger-than-life green Super Hero onto moviegoers everywhere in summer 2008 as they have announced a June 27th release date for the action-packed, new big screen adaptation: The Incredible Hulk. The announcement was made today by Michael Helfant, President and COO, Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige, President of Production for Marvel Studios.

Directed by top rising star Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2, Unleashed), The Incredible Hulk will return to the roots of the long-running comic series, combining a well-developed storyline with incredible action and fun. Zak Penn, who previously collaborated with Marvel on X2 and this summer's smash hit X-Men: The Last Stand, is writing the script. The project is being produced by Avi Arad, Kevin Feige and Gale Anne Hurd and will be executive produced by Michael Helfant, David Womark, and Ari Arad. Marvel Studios is currently casting the project.

The Incredible Hulk is being independently produced by Marvel Studios through its $525 million, non-recourse film finance facility and will be distributed domestically and in several international territories by Universal Pictures.

Feige commented, "'The Incredible Hulk' will be the type of fun, high-octane event film people have come to expect from Marvel. We could not be more excited about this project and our summer 2008 prospects now that we have both our green goliath and our highly-anticipated 'Iron Man' set for release."

Helfant added, "We're very happy that Universal is distributing 'The Incredible Hulk.' We have a history together and this is a great opportunity for both Marvel and Universal to take the 'Hulk' film franchise to another level."

While the new Spider-Man 3 trailer will be shown on TV during MTV's "Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Duel" at 10p.m. ET on Thursday, you'll be able to watch the trailer online at iFilm at that time as well! The trailer will then play in theaters with Casino Royale starting November 17.

n an interview with Wizard Magazine, “Incredible Hulk” writer Zak Penn tells a tale of how his earlier loss (being rejected for the first ‘Hulk’) turned into an imminent gain (being hired for the second ‘Hulk’).

ComicBookMovie quotes the writer as telling the mag, “My draft of the first ‘Hulk’ opened with him already having transformed into the Hulk,” explained Penn, who is also writing the “Ultimate Avengers” movie. “It opened with him at a roadside bar with these guys picking on him and him saying, ‘Don’t make me angry. You won’t like me when I’m angry,’ and then transforming, and then you flash back to reveal how it all happened.

“Part of the way that this ‘Hulk’ came about is that they went back and read my draft. They went back through all of the stuff that they had commissioned and said, ‘This is more of the tone that we wanted.’ So it doesn’t really require us ignoring the first movie, but that said, there’s a lot of stuff in the first movie that I’m not even going to touch on.”

And no, nobody has been chosen to play The Hulk yet. Hearsay has Carrot Top in with a chance, though.

explained Penn, who is also writing the “Ultimate Avengers” movie.

and then you flash back to reveal how it all happened.

Err.....i'll pass thanks

That idea was great the first time I saw it in a movie, now it is just over used.

The always-amiable Louis Leterrier dropped by the Superhero Hype! Boards to update fans on how his film version (what? There was another one? Really? Hmm) of “The Hulk” is coming along. Greenly, it seems. (And hopefully without a script full of psychological junk and wearisome split-screen sequences.)

The main question on every fan boys motherboard is, ‘Who will be playing The Hulk?’ and though the director didn’t name names, he did say that “We're very close to casting Bruce Banner”, and that “The rest of the cast will follow.”

From that, I’m guessing that Eric Bana has indeed not agreed to return. Not that I thought he would. This is a re-start, of sorts, after all – so I’m sure Leterrier is trying to distance himself from that film as much as possible. And that begins with a new Bruce Banner. The director has said a couple of times now that the film will “not be a sequel”, so that says it all. New Bruce.

And though its unlikely (as per previous) that Sam Elliot will return to reprise the role (from that, um, other “Hulk” movie), the character of General Ross will be back.

The director confirmed that “Thunderbolt” Ross will be the “main villain” and “Emil Blonsky isn't far behind...”

Hmm. Nice. A “Hulk” film that has its roots in a comic? Different.

No idea who they have in mind for Ross, but based on what he looks like in the comics, they’d be pretty silly to look past say, Muse Watson, or even, Jon Voight. Both of those guys, especially Watson (with that accent and that larger than life presence that we saw in the “Last Summer” movies), would be slicker than Armani. Hopefully someone will pass that onto the powers that be, before Tony Danza snags the spot.

Oh, and Emil Blonsky? For the comic illiterate – like me – that’s the guy better known as ‘The Abomination’. He’s one of the Hulk’s long-time foes.

Here’s hoping Lou Ferrigno gets a cameo – sad to see the guy having to spend each Summer in San Diego selling pictures of himself so he can keep the refrigerator stocked with protein shakes.

t’s late here, so just a quickie – use to say the same thing to those that would call up after midnight to my phone-sex service back in the day – but Aint it Cool has received the good green word that the next ‘Hulk’ may have been cast.

Adrien Brody.

Yep, Adrien Brody. The Oscar Winning Star of “The Pianist”. He’s the guy in the purple shorts come 2008.

I like Brody, I do, but do I see him as Bruce Banner? Not really. Then again, he’s never really done anything like that before – the closest he’s come to a superhero, is playing the detective on George ‘Superman’ Reeves’ murder case in the recent “Hollywoodland” – so there’s no real reason to think he can’t pull it off. It was new territory for stand-up comic cum actor Eric Bana too, and he pulled it off.

See if I can make a couple of calls and get confirmation on this... Tomorrow.

“The Incredible Hulk” is due out June, 2008, and pits the big ass green guy against two enemies, the Abomination and General ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross.

No word yet on whether Adrien Brody’s snagged the lead role as rumoured, yet – though I hear he has it by ‘a nose’ – but whoever wins the rights to the purple shorts, will be staying in Canada.

SneakPeek.CA says the sequel to the brain-bending-mind-numbing-action-lacking “Hulk” will be filming in Canada…. Toronto to be exact…. This Summer.

"This timely decision reinforces Toronto's status as the national center of excellence and will serve as a strong kick-off to our 2007 production year," said Mayor David Miller.

"This is a testimonial to the world-class locations, crews and production facilities that Toronto and Ontario have to offer," added OMDC acting CEO Kristine Murphy.

Roles in “The Incredible Hulk” – notably for Banner, Thunderbolt Ross; and so on - are currently being cast.

It’s believed that the movie will be shot over four months.

Two-time Academy Award® nominee Edward Norton has signed on to play Bruce Banner, who transforms into Marvel's renowned, larger-than-life Super Hero, The Hulk in Marvel Studios' action-packed, new big screen adaptation of The Incredible Hulk. The film, which is being directed by Louis Leterrier and distributed by Universal Pictures, is scheduled to smash into theaters on June 13, 2008.

"Edward Norton is a rare talent and one of the most versatile actors in the business. His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to take on the character of Bruce Banner/The Hulk. Edward is perfectly suited to bring one of the most popular and important Marvel icons to the big screen in a new and exciting way," said Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios.

Under the visionary direction of Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2, Unleashed), The Incredible Hulk will return to the roots of the long-running comic series and television show.

The story unfolds when the pursuit for The Hulk - the world's most misunderstood, primal force of fury - heats up, finding Bruce Banner on the run attempting to cure his condition before his pursuers capture him.

Edward Norton is widely recognized as one of Hollywood's most multifaceted actors. Having appeared in more than 20 films to date, he has garnered numerous accolades, including two Academy Award nominations. He received a Best Actor nod for his portrayal of a former Neo-Nazi in American History X, as well as Supporting Actor recognition for his role opposite Richard Gere in Primal Fear. He will next been seen in Pride and Glory (co-starring Colin Farrell). Other film credits include: Fight Club, The Painted Veil, The Illusionist, The Score, 25th Hour, Frida, Death to Smoochy, and The People vs. Larry Flynt.

Seems Edward Norton won’t be turning “green” after all – well, not in the classic sense anyway. Collider talked to Avi Arad who revealed that, in the upcoming “Incredible Hulk”, our monstrous male protagonist would actually be ‘grey’.

“It's a new Hulk, new direction, new size, new color, new attitude”, says Arad. ”Anything that was done before is not in this movie. It's a very different kind of Hulk. It's more of a love story; it's more of a heroic Hulk. It's a kind of Hulk we loved in the show, so it's kind of more influenced by the show than anything else. It's very human, very touching, and huge action. Louis Leterrier has a unique filming style that will be great here and it’s going to be spectacular.”

Speaking of all things ‘Hulk’, ‘Advanced Dark’ points us in the direction of the Hollywood Grind who states that Jessica Biel (who starred in Marvel’s “Blade Trinity”) is now part of the cast.

Despite rumours suggesting Jessica Biel had snagged the part – I think those rumours arose because Biel was spotted having a meal with Edward Norton; what the rumour mongers neglected to take into consideration was that Biel and Norton had worked together on “The Illusionist” and were more or less just ‘catching up’ – seems it’ll actually be long-lips Steven Tyler’s daughter canoodling up to the big jade gentleman in “The Incredible Hulk”.

Yep, Liv Tyler is the new Betty Ross. Jennifer Connelly played the part in the mixed-reviewed original “Hulk” film.

Ross, a classic "Hulk" character from the comic book's beginning in 1962, is Banner's fellow scientist and an ally in his quest to rid him of his lurking monster deep inside. The movie will unfold with Ross estranged from Banner (Norton), but with the pursuit of the Hulk heating up and Banner on the run trying to cure his condition, Ross finds herself swept back into his life, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Filming on the new "Hulk" is slated to begin in the summer in Toronto. Universal Pictures is distributing.

I know many see Liv Tyler as just a great pair of legs embossed in a DD-bra, but I think she’s much more than that. I do. She’s got a great knack for comedy (check out “One Night at McCools”); can do drama (see “Inventing the Abbots” or “Stealing Beauty”) and has been known to try different things too (more recently she played Adam Sandler’s psychiatrist in “Reign Over Me”).

I’m more and more excited about this new “Hulk” movie every day. And I can’t believe I just said.

The Incredible Hulk will be matched against the oversized adversary Abomination, and Tim Roth will play the villain's alter ego, Emil Blonsky.

Variety says Roth is joining Edward Norton and Liv Tyler in the Louis Leterrier-directed film, which is being financed by Marvel Studios and distributed by Universal Pictures on June 13, 2008.

Blonsky is a KGB agent who deliberately exposes himself to the gamma rays that caused Bruce Banner to morph into the Hulk. Blonsky has upped the dosage, making him larger and stronger than the Hulk, but unable to change back to human form. He blames Banner for his problem, and makes his best efforts to destroy the Hulk.

Oscar winner William Hurt has joined the all-star cast of Marvel Studios' The Incredible Hulk.

The movie, which Louis Leterrier is directing, sees Bruce Banner/Hulk on the run, trying to avoid capture long enough to cure the condition that turns him into a monster. Hurt will play Gen. Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, the man who has dedicated his life to capturing the Hulk -- and who also is the father of Banner's love interest, Betty Ross.

"Hulk" is shaping up to having one of the stronger comic book movie casts in quite a while as Hurt joins two-time Oscar nominee Edward Norton, who is playing Banner, Liv Tyler as Betty and Tim Roth as villain Emil Blonsky/the Abomination.

Zak Penn wrote the latest big-screen adventure of the green goliath, which Universal Pictures is distributing.