Actor is reportedly ‘in late-stage discussions’ to take over Edward Norton’s role in the comic book supergroup. By Kara Warner Mark Ruffalo Photo: Mike Coppola/ FilmMagic Hot on the heels of Marvel’s big announcement Monday that Edward Norton would not be reprising the role of Bruce Banner in “The Avengers” comes a report that studio head Kevin Feige and company have tapped Mark Ruffalo to take over the role. According to Deadline Hollywood Daily , Ruffalo is “now in late-stage discussions between Marvel and his brand-new agency United Talent to play this key member of the Avengers ensemble.” Regarding the ensemble in question, which includes Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/ Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Captain America, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Feige’s statement seemed to hint that the production wanted more of a team player: ” ‘The Avengers’ demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble. … We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.” Whether Norton fit the bill is up for debate, but Ruffalo has often appeared in films as part of an ensemble or in various scene-stealing supporting roles (he was also an MTV Movie Awards nominee with “13 Going on 30” co-star Jennifer Garner for Best Musical Performance in 2005) and has a reputation within the industry for being very well-liked among his peers. When MTV News spoke with Ruffalo about the possibility of his taking on a comic book character or movie, the actor revealed he had been in talks to play Harvey Dent in “The Dark Knight,” calling it the “Godfather” of comic book movies. “[It] raises the bar on anything,” he said of “The Dark Knight.” “Nothing can touch it in that genre. It’s great filmmaking.” Ruffalo added that he wasn’t sure if tights or superhero garb were in his future, but that he’s open to the opportunity. “I don’t know if I’ll ever end up in that world,” Ruffalo told MTV News. “But I’d love to work with Christopher Nolan. He’s one of those directors you want to work with. He’s a great director.” What do you think of Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner? Let us know in the comments!
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