The ousting of Ed Norton as Bruce Banner in Marvel’s The Avengers is already yesterday’s news even though many are catching up from the weekend fiasco for the first time this morning. Those who have been following along are already looking forward to who Norton’s replacement will be.
The first rumored actor to play Bruce Banner in The Avengers is as bizarre a choice as Robert Downey Jr. being brought back from a dark place to relaunch his creer in Iron Man. According to CHUD, Marvel may have already extended an offer to the man we last saw strung out on drugs and rapping in a puffy beard. Yes folks, Joaquin Phoenix is supposedly mulling over an offer to play Bruce Banner.
To quote Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige again, “The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts.” Phoenix’ resume speaks for itself, but this is also the same man who renounced his association with Hollywood and “retired” from acting already. Does he even want to come back to become the lowest paid superhero in The Avengers lineup, and if so, can Marvel keep the wild horse reeled in?
We’ll find out definitively in 14 days on July 24 when Marvel is expected to waltz out the entire The Avengers cast, including the new Bruce Banner, at Comic-Con.