Sure, all you comics fanboys are scoffing at the notion of Edward Norton playing Bruce Banner in an attempt to reboot the Hulk movie franchise. Not because of any lack of talent on Norton’s part, but because the Ang Lee version was so underwhelming that the mere idea of another Hulk flick sounds like throwing good money after bad; nor does hiring as the director the guy best known for the Transporter movies — grimly efficient pulp thrillers that were not exactly rich in the operatic emotions that fuel the Hulk saga — inspire a lot of confidence.
Still, I have hope. First, Norton certainly has experience playing guys with split personalities (see Primal Fear, Fight Club, and, to a lesser extent, American History X, pictured). Second, the screenwriter is Zak Penn, who seems to be the go-to guy for screenplays from the Marvel-verse (he did a decent job with two of the X-Men films, an OK job on Fantastic Four, and a forgettable job on Elektra). Finally, I look forward to seeing Norton do rage. He’ll be the first Hulk to beat himself up (badum bum). And swag bags make him… very… angry…
What say you, PopWatchers? Does the prospect of Norton rockin’ the purple pants fill you with anticipation or make you turn a livid green?
¿Are ju kidding me meñ? Norton will be a GREAT Bruce Banner! He was out of site as the nerdy guy in Fight Club and the People VS. Larry Flynt, so he’s already got the nerd acting cred.
As for a new Hulk movie, anything beats the piece of junk that passed as a Marvel movie from a few years ago. Even the video game was bad (at least the Non Hulk parts were).
I think I am in the minority that actually liked “The Hulk” sure it had it’s problems but not as bad as the majority of comic brought to the screen (sorry, Lou Ferrigno wouldn’t have worked. I agree with EP Sato, Norton would be a great Banner. Excellent acting range. I hope it happens.
I’m one of the few that actually liked the Ang Lee version. But I get the feeling this one will be better. Norton’s a great choice.
I thought Ang Lee’s Hulk movie was at least visually interesting, in the sense that I enjoyed the comic-book take on the film. But do I want to see a re-do of the story? No. I’d rather not see The Hulk at all. Just a bad character, really. Give me an X-Men 4: The New Generation instead please. At least that’s a franchise where there’s money to be made.
Zak Penn?
Let’s correct a little history, shall we? The reason X2 rocked was Singer’s team: Dan Harris and Michael Daugherty, leaving Penn’s contribution and “story by” credit a little questionable. The Last Stand was sorely lacking the ethos of the source material that was so successfully fed with the first two, and I think that most fans of the books would concur. I have more harsh words for the film, but at this point,it’s no use. The dirty deed is done and it made millions. Which leaevs Elektra. THAT…is Zak Penn’s contribution to comic book films, and it shouldn’t be a check in the plus category for the new Hulk adaptation. Lighter-themed director famous for action: Good. Ed Norton: wow, they’re really trying here. Penn: meh. Who knows, maybe they can shoot the green lugger with a blue serum that makes him not the Hulk anymore. It was soooo riveting and original in The Last Stand. See I said I was done and I wasn’t. The pain and disappointment are still too close.
In my mind, the piano music that played when Dr. David Banner left whatever town the Hulk had just trashed is playing.
He is walking backward with his thumb out. He is leaving, as he should.
Da dada da. Da dada da da. Da dada da…
No more Hulk movies! That last one blowed. Or blew?
As long as Nick Nolte doesnt stumble onto the set of this movie i`ll see it
!
I liked Hulk as well, a bit flawed, but still enjoyable. I’ll give this new one the benefit of the doubt because of Norton’s participation. But it seems a strange combo. The director/writer duo suggests they will take it in a sillier, more action oriented direction, which seems at odds with the choice of Norton, who tends toward more serious fare. So who knows.
Ha Edward Norton must be pretty hard up for some cash. I love his movies but this is beyond a bad idea.
“I am Puny Banner’s gamma-fueled rage.”
LOVE it.
It’s continuing a great trend of casting people in big-budget comic book flicks that can, oh I don’t know ACT, and then building the character around their strengths. Christian Bale, Robert Downey Jr., now Norton…those are three of the best right there.
Didn’t care for the first one, but I’m fascinated to see what they do with this one.
LOVE it.
It’s continuing a great trend of casting people in big-budget comic book flicks that can, oh I don’t know ACT, and then building the character around their strengths. Christian Bale, Robert Downey Jr., now Norton…those are three of the best right there.
Didn’t care for the first one, but I’m fascinated to see what they do with this one.
Norton should have been banner to begin with, not that he would have saved that first movie.
The only way the Hulk will work as a movie is if they realize that it is supposed to be a monster movie….not some angst driven piece of drivel.
HULK MUST SMASH!
PS No Nolte! No Sam Elliot! After the last film I am surprised there is any sceneary left in Hollywood there was so much chewing going on!
I thought I’d never see the day that Mr. I-won’t-sell-out-for-my-art would indeed sell out.
Totally agree with respect to no Nolte. Can I also add, no gamma powered poodles.