Hulk Versus Abomination
Yes, Hulk 2 is on the move. As part of the upcoming slew of Marvel films slated to hit the silver screen in the coming years, Hulk has apparently been granted a sequel -- and despite being handled by Paramount, it isn't covered by the recent financial arrangements people are referring to as Marvel's "war chest," which makes it a riskier film for Marvel financially. The second Hulk film will attempt to remedy what Marvel insiders see as the major reason for failure in the first: People wanted a popcorn action flick with lots of "Hulk Smash!" and were given a study in anger instead. This time, Hulk will be an out and out hero complete with a love story and plenty of fighting.
And oh, what a baddie he is slated to fight, according to Marvel guru Arad. The choice? Abomination! Yes, Hulk will be going toe to toe with another crazy, thousand pound monster.*
*Yes, comic book nerds, I am aware neither of them are technically 1000 pounds. Hulk is 1040 (unless you are talking gray Hulk, and really, who talks gray Hulk?) and Abomination 980. Close enough.
Quote from: MacGuffin on April 30, 2006, 09:58:28 AM
The second Hulk film will attempt to remedy what Marvel insiders see as the major reason for failure in the first: People wanted a popcorn action flick with lots of "Hulk Smash!" and were given a study in anger instead. This time, Hulk will be an out and out hero complete with a love story and plenty of fighting.
...I really liked Ang Lee's
Hulk, despite its "failure." I thought it was a better and more "intelligent" superhero movie than
Batman Begins, which was supposedly so smart and so great, but which I found pretty just-barely-okay (despite really good actors, even the undeserving-of-Xixax-Award Cillian Murphy).
Since Lee's film frankly wasn't lacking in the way of love story or smashing (I remember it including plenty of both), I imagine this sequel will just be a bunch of dumb noise with not much of interest holding it together.
'Hulk' Sequel Could Leave Eric Bana Green With Envy
First installment's star says he hasn't been approached about in-the-works follow-up.
Source: MTV
Comic book junkies got their minds blown last week when Marvel Comics announced that it's sinking big bucks into a bundle of blockbuster superhero movies. Building on the cinematic success of characters like Spider-Man and X-Men, the gatekeepers have since begun transforming a slew of characters ranging from household names (Captain America) to obscure cult figures (Ant-Man) into popcorn-selling super-flicks.
One commissioned screenplay, however, is raising substantially more controversy than the others. It's the sequel to "The Hulk," the 2003 flick that reportedly grossed north of $130 million yet was considered a failure by many fans and critics. Internet debates have already begun to rage over the second installment, with some arguing that director Ang Lee's cerebral story line should be maintained and others insisting that the iconic character should be rebooted.
One person who hadn't weighed in on the issue was "Hulk" star Eric Bana — until now. Recently, the actor admitted that if someone else were allowed to take over his superhero role, it would leave him green with envy.
"Look, I'm really proud of it," the 37-year-old "Munich" star said, defending the flick many considered too smart for its own good. "It's actually one of those movies that people come up to me and say, 'I just saw it on DVD and wow, it's pretty incredible.' "
Such comments are all the more reason why Bana said he's happy to hear that a theatrically released sequel is in the works — even if Marvel hasn't approached him yet about starring in it. "No, they haven't," he said. "I don't know anything about it."
Acknowledging the fan gripes he also continues to receive three years later, Bana expressed hope that a sequel would offer him the chance to give fans something closer to the popcorn fare many originally hoped for. "I would like to see him take on a less serious tone," the actor said. "That's just me personally. I would probably like it to be a little lighter."
What that could mean is more punch lines and fewer existential quandaries. "It wasn't the kind of movie that had people standing and cheering in the aisles," Bana admitted. "I think maybe a lot of people wanted to do that."
Now, genetic scientist Bruce Banner is undergoing another transformation, this one at the hands of "X-Men: The Last Stand" mastermind Zak Penn. "I am familiar with his work," Bana said of the writer assigned to the sequel. "We'll have to wait and see [what Penn comes up with] ... I haven't spoken to anyone, so I really wouldn't have a clue."
The "Hulk" series will continue to hover in movie limbo in the meantime, sharing company with other financially successful-enough-to-maybe-deserve-sequel films like "The Sum of All Fears" and "The Scorpion King." Unlike those mixed successes, however, the Incredible Hulk offers a world-famous character who many say has yet to bring his A-game.
With the possibility of a second chance, then, Eric Bana will wait for the phone call that might allow him to tear through a few more pairs of pants. Or, if the decision is indeed made to pass him over, it could make Bana angry — and Marvel might not like him when he's angry.
"There are certainly many directions I could take it after the first one," the star speculated. "Whether or not I'll end up being involved is anyone's call."
"the flick many considered too smart for its own good"
How can that honestly be a complaint?? "Gee, I wanted to like it, but it just wasn't dumb enough for me." :yabbse-sad:
Marvel guru Avi Arad recently discussed a few of the upcoming Marvel flicks with Empire magazine:
Hulk 2 -- The Big Green's sequel will apparently feel like The Fugitive, according to Arad. It figures to be less of a study in anger (although that'll still be a big part of the story, naturally) and more of love story/action flick combo. Ergo, the major cast members in this one (aside from Bruce) will be Betty Ross and Abomination.
Quote from: MacGuffin on May 29, 2006, 12:06:42 PM
Hulk 2... will apparently... be... a[n]... Abomination.
Hulk Re-Smash!
Source: Cinema Blend
SciFMagazine has printed an interview with Marvel producer Avi Arad about all things comic and he had something interesting and worrying to say about the much-delayed but still upcoming "sequel" to Ang Lee's Hulk.
When talking about Marvel's film-making plans now that they are free from studio interference, Arad had the following comment when questioned about the new Hulk movie being recast;
"A lot of people are looking forward to the comic book version of the HULK. That's the one we are making, and I think it will be incredibly satisfying. It will be big and awesome and a big ride. 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."
Now bear in mind that this new Hulk will be created by the newly independent Marvel film department and not affiliated to Fox who were behind Ang Lee's much maligned but not-bad-aside-from-the-awful-climax movie. Arad is very specific to say that it's a "do-over". Also I don't know the specifics but I would assume that Fox still retains true sequel rights to the original movie, which would explain both the total recasting and the attitude of do-over.
The truth behind this will no doubt become clear in time however this might just qualify as the quickest turnaround time for a remake ever.
So wait.....Ang Lee-Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee-Hulk. ? ??? I just didn't know that. Sorry, I just didn't know. And it's funny to me.
Quote from: sheshothim on June 10, 2006, 05:57:59 PM
So wait.....Ang Lee-Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee-Hulk. ? ??? I just didn't know that. Sorry, I just didn't know. And it's funny to me.
Seriously... what was it like coming out from under that rock after all those years?
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdvdmedia.ign.com%2Fdvd%2Fimage%2FMEAN_GIRLS_16X9-3_1094843016.jpg&hash=a941526b15e5cfaf2315249c3334e9ce653285ae)
I love her. She's like a Martian!
Quote from: sheshothim on June 10, 2006, 05:57:59 PM
So wait.....Ang Lee-Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee-Hulk. ? ??? I just didn't know that. Sorry, I just didn't know. And it's funny to me.
ang lee is renowned for his multi-genre filmography. in fact, doing a 180 from project to project is the one thing you can rely on him to do.
sense and sensibility --> the ice storm ---> crouching tiger ---> ride with the devil (western) ---> HULK ---> brokeback ---> billy and the cloneasaurus
you just don't know the most basic thing about ang lee. and that's invalidating to me.
Quote from: Pubrick on June 11, 2006, 12:11:31 AM
Quote from: sheshothim on June 10, 2006, 05:57:59 PM
So wait.....Ang Lee-Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee-Hulk. ? ??? I just didn't know that. Sorry, I just didn't know. And it's funny to me.
ang lee is renowned for his multi-genre filmography. in fact, doing a 180 from project to project is the one thing you can rely on him to do.
sense and sensibility --> the ice storm ---> crouching tiger ---> ride with the devil (western) ---> HULK ---> brokeback ---> billy and the cloneasaurus
you just don't know the most basic thing about ang lee. and that's invalidating to me.
Uhm, what's Billy and the Clonesaurus? I may need to come out from under a rock as well.
Why dont they just say it... The first Hulk sucked and made a lot less money for them than any other superhero movie... so they need to make it right.
Even Tim Story's Fantastic Four did better than Hulk. Thats pathetic...
I just hope they dont bring Ratner for this one...
Quote from: kal on June 11, 2006, 01:27:46 AM
Why dont they just say it... The first Hulk sucked and made a lot less money for them than any other superhero movie... so they need to make it right.
Even Tim Story's Fantastic Four did better than Hulk. Thats pathetic...
I just hope they dont bring Ratner for this one...
Are you really using box office results as a defense to why Hulk was bad?
Quote from: The Gold Trumpet on June 11, 2006, 01:35:24 AM
Are you really using box office results as a defense to why Hulk was bad?
wait, you're surprised that kal thinks of everything in terms of money?
there's more space under that rock than i thought.. :ponder:
(i'll let someone else respond to your previous question)
Haha, I never noticed his posts outside the NBA thread.
Sometimes I think that Kal is really just a fake username and it's someone's inside joke.
GT, Billy and the Clonesaurus is an adaptation of Seymore Skinner's novel of the same name... it was panned by the critic A. Nahasapeemapetilon, but you might really like it... especially if they get Bruce Willis to play Billy.
Quote from: RegularKarate on June 11, 2006, 03:00:44 PM
GT, Billy and the Clonesaurus is an adaptation of Seymore Skinner's novel of the same name... it was panned by the critic A. Nahasapeemapetilon, but you might really like it... especially if they get Bruce Willis to play Billy.
Many thanks. I'll research it.
Quote from: RegularKarate on June 10, 2006, 06:09:13 PM
Quote from: sheshothim on June 10, 2006, 05:57:59 PM
So wait.....Ang Lee-Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee-Hulk. ? ??? I just didn't know that. Sorry, I just didn't know. And it's funny to me.
Seriously... what was it like coming out from under that rock after all those years?
Well you know, I got kinda sick of living somewhere so cramped. I have long legs and all. It was just uncomfortable anymore.
Logical answer. Not being a smartass, I SWEAR.
HULK remake casting news and film's name
Source: Cinescape
Loyal scooper Lizard wrote in with an update on the remake of HULK.
He said, "Well, here's what I found out : Universal isn't really doing it. It's going to be done through Marvel (independently, or close too) and it's called "Incredible Hulk". Bana is definitely not doing it - his contract was with Universal, and so on - so they're going to get a new Hulk. They're not going to be auditioning, but merely 'going out' to names. Should've guessed. Apparently the following guys could be either in consideration or in talks for the role : Dominic Purcell, Brendan Fraser, Adam Garcia. Typical bunch of names, if you ask me."
Penn's plans for Hulk sequel
Source: Moviehole
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."
He had me at "should have been combined with animatronics", then lost me at "split screens were distracting".
since when do the screenwriters get to decide HOW special effects will be done? is that standard practice now? plus, he wouldnt be involved if it couldnt be better, uhh yeah, like x3?
Arad on the next Hulk movie
Source: Moviehole
According to a scooper on the Superhero Hype Boards, Marvel magnate Avi Arad talked to SFX Magazine about his plans for the new "The Hulk" movie.
Arad confirms in the interview that the sequel/remake/restart will be bringing back a couple of original characters from the first film, and that he's still going to have a chat to Eric Bana about reprising his role as the green guy.
"...there will be a lot more of the relationship between Bruce and the Hulk. By now Bruce has more knowledge and we want to accentuate the love story", Arad says of the script. "...This will still be a movie driven by relationships.... But because we don't have to get into what brings about the Hulk, we can get right into a story and his relationship with Betty and General Ross. And Abomination."
Asked about whether Bana is returning – especially interesting considering the rumours flittering about at the moment – Arad said "Maybe. We'll talk".
Though Arad has been suggesting this is a bit of a "do over", signalling a possible remake and complete casting overhaul, this new information suggests it might be more of a continuation or sequel [to the first film], than at first thought.
Quote from: Pubrick on June 11, 2006, 12:11:31 AM
Quote from: sheshothim on June 10, 2006, 05:57:59 PM
So wait.....Ang Lee-Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee-Hulk. ? ??? I just didn't know that. Sorry, I just didn't know. And it's funny to me.
ang lee is renowned for his multi-genre filmography. in fact, doing a 180 from project to project is the one thing you can rely on him to do.
sense and sensibility --> the ice storm ---> crouching tiger ---> ride with the devil (western) ---> HULK ---> brokeback ---> billy and the cloneasaurus
you just don't know the most basic thing about ang lee. and that's invalidating to me.
from film to film, ang lee does seem to do 180s but the interesting thing about lee is ALL of his films have the same basic theme. this theme is just retold through different genres. that's what i like about his style. that's what makes him brilliant!
Quote from: sheshothim on June 11, 2006, 04:36:09 PM
Well you know, I got kinda sick of living somewhere so cramped. I have long legs and all. It was just uncomfortable anymore.
Logical answer. Not being a smartass, I SWEAR.
so--
she's a girl
she likes star wars
she has long legs
she's logical.
this is like, the dreamgirl for every nerd.
Leterrier on 'Hulk' duty for Marvel
Source: Hollywood Reporter
Action director Louis Leterrier has signed on to helm "The Incredible Hulk" for Marvel Studios. Avi Arad, Kevin Feige and Gale Anne Hurd will produce the movie, which will return the monstrous superhero to his comic book roots.
Arad and Feige first met with Leterrier two years ago and were struck by his passion for the Marvel Comics universe. It was that passion that shone through recently when -- after approached to gauge his interest in directing a new Hulk movie -- Paris-based Leterrier went back to his studio and, with the help of an artist, storyboarded two action sequences and developed a take on the monster.
The script is being penned by Zak Penn, whose credits include Marvel's "X2: X-Men United" and "X-Men: The Last Stand."
Ari Arad and Michael Helfant are exec producing the movie, which Universal Pictures will distribute domestically and in international territories.
Casting will begin shortly.
Leterrier established his action credentials with the Jason Statham flicks "The Transporter" and its sequel, "Transporter 2," which opened at the top of the boxoffice last year. He also directed the Jet Li movie "Unleashed."
"His movies have humor and character depth set against fantastic action, and these aspects will be explored to the fullest extent in 'Hulk,' " said Feige, Marvel Studios' president of production.
Leterrier, repped by ICM, will be formally introduced Saturday during a Marvel Studios panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego.
Hulk, created in 1962, remains one of the biggest characters in Marvel's stable and rivals Spider-Man in terms of pop culture iconography and mainstream appeal.
"People want to see the green guy again," Feige said.
Quote from: MacGuffin on July 05, 2006, 01:50:55 AM
Dad story was bad. Fight with tanks good. CG good,
Got a flash of Phil hartman as frankenstein when I first read that. Oh, phil, how much I miss thee.
Anyway, this movie sounds very promising, and from The Hulk is one of my fav. superhero's. Him and the flash. Definitely going to see what they are going to do this time around. The hulk that Ang Lee did was decent but knock your socks off, great.
Abomination Officially The Incredible Hulk Villain
Source: Superhero Hype!
Even though former Marvel Studios chief executive Avi Arad let the cat out of the bag earlier this year, The Incredible Hulk director Louis Leterrier made it official today at the San Diego Comic-Con that Abomination will indeed be the villain for the follow-up.
"He's capable of amazing feats," Arad said previously, describing the former Yugoslav spy who has mutated into a 980-pound freak of terrifying strength and unpleasant demeanor.
Comic-Con 2006: The Incredible Hulk Panel
New director Louis Leterrier lays the smash down on the green one's sequel.
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."
this will be shit. you will all see how brilliant HULK was.. one day. bana knows. fuck this movie worse than that other movie i hate, oh yeah, fantastic 4 2. fuck this more than that.
Quote from: Pubrick on February 16, 2004, 02:15:27 AM
HULK, [is] so future/now that [it] will remain unappreciated for at least another decade.
From Blade to Hulk?
Prison inmate may replace Bana.
Dominic Purcell (Prison Break) is rumored to be taking over from another Aussie thesp, Eric Bana, in the title role of the next Hulk movie (referred to as both Hulk 2 and The Incredible Hulk).
Purcell was asked about the rumors today during an interview on New York radio station WPLJ. Purcell's stammering, non-denial response speaks for itself, suggesting that perhaps he has at least had discussions with Marvel Entertainment and Universal Studios about the project.
If the rumors prove true then it would not be Purcell's first appearance in a Marvel film. He played Dracula/Drake in Blade: Trinity.
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.movies1.yimg.com%2Fmovies.yahoo.com%2Fimages%2Fhv%2Fphoto%2Fmovie_pix%2Fgolden_globes%2Fgolden_globes_2006_arrivals_photos%2Fdominic_purcell%2Fglobes3.jpg&hash=fd41e8adbbb25583ac5b703e4ad9ba89edaf603a)
Director Louis Leterrier on The Incredible Hulk!
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.
Here is a list of Leterrier's answers to questions asked by the fans:
Q: Can you confirm the method for which the Hulk will be presented?
We're studying every method and we'll pick the best method for every shot. It's important to make the Hulk tactile in this one. As an audience member I love to be confused and not know if it's CGI, animatronic, make-up (loved Davy Jones in Pirates... all CG!!!).
Q: Can you confirm if Dominic Purcell is in talks for a role in your movie, and possibly what role that is.
Let me show you something...
ITW: Hello Louis Leterrier.
LL: Hi.
ITW: I hear you've been asked to direct Indiana Jones 4.
LL: Huh...
ITW: INDY, you're so lucky!!!
LL: Huh, well, I love these films but...
ITW:That's going to be amazing. Good luck"
... and a day later every one says that LL is directing the next Indy.
Listen to Dominic Purcell's interview again.
Q: Will you get Statham a role in this film if not Abomination perhaps someone in the military.
He's Betty...
Q: We know the budget is not over 180 million per the terms of the merril deal but do you have an estimate yet? Zak said it was quite a bit.
It's enough. Listen, I made Transporter 1 for 17M$, Unleashed for 20M$ and Transporter 2 for 22M$ (this one could have used a couple of extra bucks, sorry about some of the vfx's). I'm used to small budgets. This one's very big in Hollywood standards and huge compared to my first films. I'm going to put every penny on screen.
Q: Is Bana officially eliminated from contention or is he still a possibility?
He's not out.
Q: How far are we away from a casting announcement and a release date?
Nothing's set.
Q: Is this a sequel or not? There has been alot of confusion over this. Sometimes yes, and other times no.
It's a hard question to answer. You have to be the judge of that when you see the film.
Q: Is Lou Ferrigno really in the running to voice Hulk? (I hope not)
I've only met Lou once and I was star-struck. Who do you think should do the voice?
Q: Avi & Zak have said they liked the action in the first film (desert battle), do you also share this opinion? And plan to live upto/top it?
There's only one way out of this one and it's up...
Q: Ang sometimes used interesting wipes to go between shots, although you don't need to, will you slip a few in during editing for people like me that loved that?
Too early to say.
Q: Was the distancing from the first movie (even as a sequel) at Comic-Con more of a way of getting attention of those that were dissatisfied with the first film rather than condemnation of the first film itself?
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.
Q: Will you also be checking out Ultimate Fighter matches to get a feel for the influence on Hulk's fighting style in the first film (assuming you aren't familiar with that already)? Or will there be no consistency in this regard? Speaking of consistency, will there be any?
I'll surround myself with the best fight choreographers. It's going to be special.
Q: Has there been any talk of doing an online video blog from behind scenes of the film as many movies are doing these days?
I don't know. I'm not very photogenic.
Q: Has there been talk on where this will be filmed (U.S., Canada etc)?
Too early to say.
Q: Are you focused on casting an unknown or well known actor for Abomination? Or are you open to either?
Open to both.
Q: If there is some sense of continuity between films is there a chance will Harper return (even if it's just a cameo)? Are you expecting rewrites for Zak's first treatment?
Zak's turning in the best screenplay I ever read. I'm serious.
Hulk's Big-Screen Return Set
The Incredible Hulk is coming.
Marvel Studios and Universal Pictures have officially announced the big-screen return of The Incredible Hulk. Undaunted by the ho-hum 2003 film adaptation starring Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly, the studios are plotting a new installment that's now set for a Summer 2008 release. Marvel announced today that The Incredible Hulk, as the sequel is called, will hit theaters on June 27th, 2008.
The Incredible Hulk, billed as an "action-packed adventure," 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.
Kevin Feige, President of Production for Marvel Studios, 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."
Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2, Unleashed) is directing the movie which will supposedly take the franchise back to its roots. Marvel makes their case for the flick saying it will feature a "well-developed storyline with incredible action and fun."
X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand screenwriter Zak Penn is writing the screenplay.
There's no word yet on what actors might appear in the movie, but the press release circulated today mentions that casting is currently underway.
Who May Be The Next Hulk?
Oscar winner rumored for the role.
He has investigated the death of Superman, famously kissed Storm live on TV, and battled King Kong. Now the Oscar-winning actor has been linked with a monster of a role.
Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor for The Pianist, has been linked to the title role, a.k.a. Dr. Bruce Banner, in The Incredible Hulk, according to Ain't It Cool News.
While IGN continues to investigate the rumor, one key Marvel source advised us, "The role is not yet cast." Obviously, that is neither a confirmation nor a denial.
Brody's reps at CAA were coy, giving us a "no comment," adding that it was too "premature" at this stage to respond to the rumor. Make of that what you will.
Louis Leterrier is directing The Incredible Hulk for Universal, which aims to release the follow-up to Ang Lee's 2003 film on June 13, 2008.
Norton to star in 'Hulk'
Marvel sequel to be released in 2008
Source: Variety
Edward Norton has been set by Marvel Studios to play Bruce Banner in "The Incredible Hulk."
The Louis Leterrier-directed drama will be distributed by Universal Pictures, with an opening set for June 13, 2008.
It is a decided return to the mainstream for Norton, who recently has starred in such indies as "Down in the Valley," "The Painted Veil," and "The Illusionist." Pic will shoot this summer in Toronto.
Norton takes over a role played in the Ang Lee-directed "Hulk" by Eric Bana. Though that film opened strongly, it didn't fare as well as other Marvel efforts, including "Spider-Man," "X-Men," "Fantastic Four" and, most recently, "Ghost Rider."
Marvel Studios, which has a $525 million credit facility obtained through Merrill Lynch, made "The Incredible Hulk" its second film under that arrangement, and seeks to make a sequel that is less self-serious and more in line with the comic series and TV show. Leterrier directed the action-filled "Transporter 2," and "Unleashed."
The new pic begins with Banner on the run, trying to avoid capture long enough to cure the condition that turns him into a misunderstood green menace.
"Edward Norton is a rare talent and one of the most versatile actors in the business," Marvel Studios production president Kevin Feige said in a statement. "His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to take on the character of Bruce Banner and the Hulk. Edward is perfectly suited to bring one of the most popular and important Marvel icons to the bigscreen in a new and exciting way."
The script for "The Incredible Hulk" was written by Zak Penn, who had a hand in crafting two "X-Men" films, "Fantastic Four" and "Elektra" for Marvel.
"The Incredible Hulk" is being produced by Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd and Marvel's Feige. Jim Van Wyck, David Maisel, Ari Arad and Stan Lee are exec producing.
Wow. I did not see that coming.
Better. But I still wont see this.
I'll see it now. This could be a good challenge for Norton. Movie star performances aren't just toss away roles for great actors, but indicative of their range. Few actors can transition from dramatic to romantic and then to the movie star role. One actor who could do it with excellence was Jack Nicholson. Many of his early films just catered to his personality. He wasn't yet an actor, but he was a force onscreen that everyone agreed was alluring. Then when he honed that skill, he evolved that personality to a genius performance in Batman.
When Philip Seymour Hoffmann did Mission Impossible 3, he played the archetype enemy very well. I hadn't seen him do an out and out performance like that. He had a grace to his role that was captivating and almost mythical of the larger than life movie bad guy. I could see him doing better roles than that, but I don't think any good actor should make a career out of it. Paul Newman wasted twenty years of a very talented career by being a movie star, but a break every once in a while is never a bad thing.
The worst thing Norton could do is try create a methodically honed dramatic performance. He will have his character focus on nuances that a camera would never capture in a blockbuster action film. I hope he simplifies his performance to the classical standard that works well in this kind of film.
Quote from: polkablues on April 15, 2007, 11:44:00 PM
Wow. I did not see that coming.
Quote from: The Gold Trumpet on April 16, 2007, 02:05:43 AM
I'll see it now.
i didn't think there was anything that could make me interested in this film.
but apparently i was wrong.
:bravo:
The great thing about the casting of Ed Norton is that he's always been willing to battle his directors if he doesn't like the direction the movie is going. Sometimes it's to no avail, like "The Score", but still. I wonder if Louis Leterrier knows what he's getting himself in for...
:yabbse-undecided:
Ew. Count me out, thanks.
The New HULK Movie will have a GREY Hulk!
Source: Collider.com
Over the last few days I've attended a few junkets and seen a lot of movies. While I have a ton to post and write up, this bit of news has to be posted right now.
At the Spiderman 3 junket earlier today I was able to ask Avi Arad some questions about the new Hulk movie and he basically let it slip that the new Hulk will be GREY, not green.
Frosty: With the Hulk coming next year you have to be far along with the script and I'm curious what can you tell us about the story and are you going to incorporate any of the CGI that you developed for the first film or the effects?
Avi: None. No. It's a new Hulk, new direction, new size, new color, new attitude. 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.
Frosty: Any truth to a grey Hulk?
(When I asked that question he seemed almost taken aback, like he wasn't ready for it even though he had just said "new color") Then, after a pause, he said, "We'll see, I don't know."
While no one in the room followed up with any questions about will the Hulk have Bruce's intelligence or be just the angry monster...at least we got something cool.
So here is the best part - if you want to listen to this part of the interview where Avi talks new Hulk click here (http://media.collider.com/collider_audio/Spiderman_3_Audio_Interviews/spiderman_3_audio_interviews_avi_arad__grant_curtis___laura_ziskin_collider.com_s.mp3). He also talks about how they got Edward Norton to play the role and how Edward originally turned down playing the Hulk in Ang Lee's version.
Avi Arad is channeling joel silver in the level of shit he's taling in that interview.
apart from unwittingly revealing that there'll be a new colour (dumb), i don't believe when he says that ed norton turned down HULK. the offer must not have been serious. leterrier is more appealing to an actor than ang lee? avi arad you are talking shit. yeah so he says norton wasn't ready, and that the x men and spiderman movies made actors of "this calibre" think more seriously about doing comic book movies.. uh they were already huge when HULK came out, and hardly masterpiece showcases of an actor's craft. more appealing to their pockets maybe.
dude's drunk. norton just needs a hit bad.
The Hulk Isn't Grey After All!
Exclusive: Avi Arad fills us in
Source: Empire Online
You know this 'The Hulk may be grey in the new Incredible Hulk movie' business that's been floating around the internet for the last couple of days? Well, as it turns out, he won't be. Move along, nothing to see here!
How do we know this? Well, just this afternoon we spoke exclusively to Avi Arad, ace comic book movie producer and the guy whose casual mention of a 'new colour' at a round table in LA sparked a net-geek frenzy on a scale rarely seen, and he confirmed it. Simple.
"It was a joke!" laughs Arad, in town to talk up Spider-Man 3, which opens on May 4. "Here's what it was. There were 30 people around a table, and they said 'is there going to be a grey Hulk?' And I was thinking about it and I said, 'who knows?' It was one of those moments. I had just got back from Japan and I was trying to talk about Spider-Man and this guy was pushing me on The Hulk so I thought I'll be coy. I don't know what colour it is, and all of a sudden it's headline news."
But Arad did mention a new colour – so will the eponymous star of Louis Letterier's movie, due out in 2008, still be green? Or orange? Or pink with yellow stripes?
"It's a different shade of green," confirms Arad. "But the colour is not like the old Hulk. And no, there's no grey Hulk."
Talk of a grey Hulk had led to fevered speculation that this version of Ol' Green/Greyskin would have some intelligence, and even be able to speak, much like the grey Hulk in the comic books. However, not content with debunking one rumour, Avi swiftly shot down another.
"He'll be instinctive, like a primal creature. That's what's interesting. There's no smarts. My dog is the gentlest animal out there, but he hates the plumber. He won't fight with anybody, hates the plumber!"
Of course, The Hulk will be taking on a bigger foe than The Plumber in The Incredible Hulk, namely The Abomination, but Arad is adamant that Marvel and Universal are heading in the right direction with the movie, particularly the casting. Last week's news that Edward Norton – indie darling and star of resolutely uncommercial films, for the most part – had signed on to play Bruce Banner. Especially when it was further revealed that he had actually turned down the Ang Lee version, in 2003. So, why the change of heart for Norton?
"I think we have a much better story," reveals Arad. "I think he likes Louis Leterrier. It's a very different movie, one of my personal goals was to make another Hulk movie where Hulk is heroic, lovable, the real Frankenstein story. That's what we set out to do. To me, I was stuck – literally – if it wasn't Ed Norton. I was sitting, thinking 'he has to make it happen'."
Arad also mentioned that the casting of "an amazing" Betty – Banner's love interest – should be confirmed within the next couple of days. Keep 'em peeled, people!
Hulk Villain Talk
Scripter says Abomination won't be called Abomination.
Writer-director Zak Penn is at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York this week to promote his new movie The Grand, but during his visit the man who helped write such films as X2 and X3 also proved willing to talk a bit about his various upcoming superhero movies. First off, he acknowledged today that rumors placing the Abomination as the villain in the next Hulk film are true... sort of.
"On The Hulk, one of the big discussions has been -- God, I hope I don't get in trouble for this -- the villain is going to be this character from the comics, the Abomination, who will not be called the Abomination out loud in the film because it's a silly, silly name," laughs Penn, who wrote the film. "It just is; it's so hard to work in. 'Hey, what should we call that guy?' 'He's an abomination!'"
In classic Marvel Comics continuity, the character was an Eastern Bloc spy who, like the Hulk, was transformed into a green-skinned, ultra-strong monster after getting a blast of radiation. Penn is fairly tightlipped about details regarding the film version of the character, but he does reveal a bit about the film's technical approach to him.
"It's definitely not all CGI," he says of the character. "Marvel will release casting when it happens. I don't even actually know right now. I'm sure it will come out soon. ... But one of the things we talked about with the effects people, who had done X3 as well, is that when this guy transforms, he's not used to having these properties. Like he's much heavier, and we talked about how when he walks down the sidewalk, his weight destroys the sidewalk and he's tripping. [It's all about] the humanization of these kinds of superhero characters, showing the effects physics may actually have on [them]."
Penn says that he just finished his third draft of the script a couple of weeks ago for director Louis Leterrier (The Transporter) and star Edward Norton and that the production end of things is more or less "off and running." And as for comparisons to Ang Lee's Hulk film from 2003? Penn seems fairly frank on that matter.
"I think that Ang Lee is a fantastic director and there's incredible, incredible stuff in the first movie, but I don't think that it captured the things that are interesting about the Hulk," says Penn. "One of the things that appealed to me as kid about reading The Hulk is in no way is the Hulk a superhero story. It is simply not. Spider-Man is a superhero. He puts on a costume and he fights crime. The Hulk is a Jekyll and Hyde, Frankenstein horror comic. That's what it is, period. He's a man cursed with turning into his repressed id, that's it. And to me, that's a very powerful idea. Cronenberg's The Fly is one of my favorite movies ever made, literally I think it's a fantastic film. And to me, that [Hulk] film was not made -- the first Hulk was not that film. It was not about the torment of being a person who cannot afford to feel anxiety in modern culture, which is to me the strength and power of The Hulk movie. Other things were done, they did some cool s--t, whatever, great in its own way. But we didn't make that movie and Marvel wanted to make that movie and they still want to make that movie and now we are."
The casting of Norton as Banner has Penn as excited as many fans, apparently.
"Ed Norton playing that role," laughs Penn. "Fight Club is kind of about a guy who's a lot like Bruce Banner. So I think that's the goal, to go back and make that Hulk movie that didn't get made. And as to why now as opposed to later ... it has more to do with Marvel as a company and the fact that they started their own studio, etc., etc. I think if they had made that movie and failed, we wouldn't be making the sequel."
Quote from: MacGuffin on May 03, 2007, 11:22:26 PM
"[the first Hulk] was not about the torment of being a person who cannot afford to feel anxiety in modern culture
...
Marvel wanted to make that movie and they still want to make that movie and now we are."
yeah i'm sure that's exactly what marvel wanted. this guy reminds me of mickey rooney talking about Radioactive Man..
Rooney: Well, I hope you're all satisfied. You bankrupted a bunch of naive movie folks
-- folks from a Hollywood where values are.. different. They weren't thinking about
the money. They just wanted to tell a story, a story about a radioactive man,
and you slick small-towners took 'em for all they were worth.
Green light for Tyler as 'Hulk' flame
Source: Hollywood Reporter
Liv Tyler will star opposite Ed Norton in Marvel Studios' "The Incredible Hulk," signing on to play Betty Ross, the longtime love interest of Dr. Bruce Banner/the Hulk. Louis Leterrier is directing the movie, which is being produced by Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd and Kevin Feige.
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.
Jennifer Connelly played the character in the 2003 movie "Hulk," directed by Ang Lee.
Filming on the new "Hulk" is slated to begin in the summer in Toronto. Universal Pictures is distributing.
The film is being executive produced by Jim Van Wyck, David Maisel, Arad and Stan Lee.
Wow. Remember when that musical came out that was based on "8 1/2", and the Marcello Mastroianni character was being played by John Stamos? This is like that.
Roth cast as 'Hulk' villain
Actor to play Abomination
Source: Variety
"The Incredible Hulk" will be matched against the oversized adversary Abomination, and Tim Roth will play the villain's alter ego, Emil Blonsky.
Roth joins Edward Norton and Liv Tyler in the Louis Leterrier-directed drama, which is being financed by Marvel Studios and distributed by Universal Pictures on June 13, 2008.
While Roth's deal is still being negotiated, he becomes the latest piece in a reinvention of a franchise, following the self-serious Ang Lee-directed "Hulk."
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.
"The Incredible Hulk" is being produced by Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd and Marvel's Feige. Jim Van Wyck, David Maisel, Ari Arad and Stan Lee are exec producing. Zak Penn wrote the script.
Roth stars this fall in "Youth Without Youth," the Francis Ford Coppola-directed drama for Sony Pictures Classics. He also stars with Naomi Watts in "Funny Games" for Warner Independent Pictures.
Bana talks The Incredible Hulk
Source: Moviehole
Now that he's come out and said it himself, I can tell you Eric Bana was against doing a "Hulk" sequel from day one. He liked the experience of doing the first film, but didn't really feel there was anywhere to go for the character if they'd done a direct sequel to Ang Lee's film.
The big guy talked to Australia's Herald-Sun newspaper about the upcoming redo/remake/sequel "The Incredible Hulk" today; noting that he was never keen on playing Bruce Banner again, whilst giving new Hulk, Edward Norton, the thumbs up.
Bana, back in town for the premiere of his new Aussie film "Romulus, My Father", ssays "If it came up in the right amount of time I might have [done it] but, you know, in an ideal world it has not been a bad thing for me. I think it's even better that they've got a new guy and better again that they've got someone of the calibre of Edward Norton.
"You know, I can't wait to see it. And I suppose if they had've come back in the right amount of time I wouldn't have been doing films like Munich".
Bana says he only ever really wanted to do the first one.
"I never went into the first one thinking I was going to do three films. I don't think the word franchise, or the word sequel. To me it always appeared as a one-off opportunity".
HULK 2 : Movie SYNOPSIS
Univesal Pictures has released a synopsis for The Incredible Hulk, the Marvel Studios film it will distribute next year.
Source: ComicBookMovie
Here's how the film is described:
"The explosive, action-packed adventure in one of the all-time most popular superhero sagas unfolds with a cure in reach for the world's most primal force of fury: The Incredible Hulk. We find scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) living in shadows, scouring the planet for an antidote. But the warmongers who dream of abusing his powers won't leave him alone, nor will his need to be with the only woman he has ever loved, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler).
"Upon returning to civilization, our brilliant doctor is ruthlessly pursued by The Abomination (Tim Roth) -- a nightmarish beast of pure adrenaline and aggression whose powers match The Hulk's own. A fight of comic-book proportions ensues as Banner must call upon the hero within to rescue New York City from total destruction. And on June 13, 2008, one scientist must make an agonizing final choice -- accept a peaceful life as Bruce Banner or the creature he could permanently become: The Incredible Hulk."
Production of the film -- written by Zak Penn and directed by Louis Leterrier -- is expected to start next month in Toronto.
Sounds like fun... but why the fuck everyone wants to destroy NY? Leave NY alone, it has been dealing with some REAL destruction attempts. Lets focus on destroying other places with lots of people.
Hurt hurtling to 'Hulk' cast
Source: Hollywood Reporter
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.
The film is being produced by Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd and Kevin Feige, while Jim Van Wyck, David Maisel, Ari Arad and Stan Lee executive produce. Shooting is slated to begin this summer in Toronto.
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the incredible goomba
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A don't-show-Hulk campaign? He can't look that different from the first film. Then again I'm having a hard time imagining a Norton Hulk.
Universal's 'Incredible Hulk' bulking up with Nelson
Source: Hollywood Reporter
Tim Blake Nelson has joined the 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.
Nelson will play a scientist named Samuel Sterns. In Hulk lore, Sterns, aka "The Leader," is one of the Hulk's major antagonists, a menial worker in a chemical research plant who is bombarded with gamma radiation. He emerges from his accident not only green-skinned but also superintelligent, with an oversized brain.
Nelson joins a strong comic book movie cast that includes two-time Oscar nominee Edward Norton (Banner), Liv Tyler (Betty Ross), Tim Roth (villain Emil Blonsky/the Abomination) and William Hurt (General Ross, Betty's father).
Zak Penn wrote the latest big-screen adventure of the green goliath, which Universal Pictures is distributing domestically June 13, 2008.
Quote from: Pubrick on June 21, 2007, 04:45:23 PM
the incredible goomba
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i almost forgot about that movie... damnit.
i cant imagine norton as hulk and i hope that the hulk changes a little from the first... it looked like scooby doo cgi
Comic-Con: 'Hulk' Smashes At Marvel Panel
Source: MTV
Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee may be fond of breaking out his catchphrase "'nuff said," but when it came to the first-ever Marvel Studios panel, there was plenty of big news to talk about.
First up was "The Incredible Hulk," Marvel's relaunching of one of their most popular — if theatrically flawed — characters. Director Louis Leterrier, Marvel honchos Avi Arad and Kevin Feige, producer Gale Anne Hurd and actors Edward Norton and Liv Tyler greeted the crowd of 6,500.
"We are not going to have a Hulk who is three different sizes in this movie," Hurd remarked, referencing the recent Ang Lee flick. "This is a part one," Feige added. "This is the start of a whole new saga."
"I came into this and rewrote the screenplay," revealed Norton. "I was a Marvel kid. I had subscriptions to a lot of the comics...I loved the early incarnation of The Hulk, and then the television show as a kid."
"I was also a huge fan of the show," grinned Tyler, who burst out laughing when a woman dressed as her "Lord of the Rings" character asked a question. "I used to watch it with my mother all the time."
Ultimately, though, the stars said the film will be quite different than the Bill Bixby show — and a first-ever photo of the newer, darker, more furious-looking Hulk seemed to agree. "A lot of people gave me funny looks when I said I was thinking about doing it, Norton said. "It's kind of an honor, and it's kind of hilarious, and it's kind of exciting."
i was not a fan of ang lee's hulk, and at this moment i'm not a fan of marvel stories. But isn't the marvel universe big enough to adapt anything else? it's gonna be very embarassing for humanity when all the good reviews for this movie start coming and the critics say that they 'finally got it right' with this movie, that it was 'worth the wait', the smartest blockbuster of the summer.
it might be a bearable movie. but the idea behind it is feels so evil and repugnant , i don't think i'll ever pay to see it.
Quote from: MacGuffin on July 29, 2007, 01:09:37 AMUltimately, though, the stars said the film will be quite different than the Bill Bixby show — and a first-ever photo of the newer, darker, more furious-looking Hulk seemed to agree.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=15YeV8QNPFM
Norton shows muscle on 'Hulk'
Source: Los Angeles Times
A few weeks ago, a minor controversy sprung out of Marvel's "Incredible Hulk" panel at Comic-Con that had a lot of fans both scratching their heads and pointing their fingers. And no, it wasn't griping about Liv Tyler being cast as Betty Ross or fears that the Hulk was going to CGI-fly again. As with most mini-scandals, it turns out to have been both more and less than it first appeared to be.
When it was revealed that Edward Norton, who had been cast as the scientist-gone-green Bruce Banner, had also written the script, it surprised and confused a lot of folks who thought that Zak Penn had written the screenplay. Penn, who has worked on half a dozen Marvel movies, including the last two "X-Men" installments, "Elektra" and, as one of his first Marvel assignments a dozen years ago, what eventually became the first, Ang Lee-directed "Hulk," had actually spent a year writing the screenplay before Norton became involved.
At first blush, it looked like just another case of a screenwriter getting disrespected while a movie star with a reputation for aggressive involvement in scripts had bullied his way into writing this one.
"Both panels were excellent for Marvel Studios," says Marvel Studios president of production Kevin Feige, who was also there presenting "Iron Man." "I think the only bit of bungling on my part was not clarifying Zak's role up there in front of 7,000 people, which I then tried to clarify in some round tables I did 20 minutes later after the 'Iron Man' panel."
Of course, nothing prevented Norton from speaking up about Penn, and it didn't help that the actor, by many accounts a very smart guy (and a closet comic book geek), had long since acquired a reputation for stepping on writers' toes when it came to script revisions.
Widely credited with doing substantial uncredited work on "Frida" for then-girlfriend Salma Hayek (who was the film's producer and star), Norton had also shown up on the set of "Red Dragon," for example, with new script pages not only for his character but for Dr. Hannibal Lecter as well. Other people on the film describe director Brett Ratner fighting with Norton over the issue, and Anthony Hopkins reportedly expressed his comfort with speaking the original lines written by Ted Tally, an Oscar winner for his adaptation of "Silence of the Lambs." (Norton's publicist maintains that Ratner asked him to write new pages.)
In the case of "Hulk," after another writer's treatment was declined in early 2006, Marvel hired Penn, who wrote three drafts over a year. By spring 2007, Penn was about to go off to promote his movie "The Grand," but the studio and the director, Louis Leterrier ("The Transporter"), still felt that the screenplay needed work.
When Norton came in to meet about starring as Banner in April, the film had already been greenlighted and there were just three months before shooting was scheduled to begin, just after Independence Day. But Norton had well-established (if underground) writing experience and strong ideas about how to separate the film from any confusion over its connection to the 2003 Ang Lee version by casting it in a more distinct, starting-over vein like "Batman Begins" or "Casino Royale."
So Norton's initial deal included payment not just for his acting services but for his writing talents too, with his draft contractually stipulated to be turned around in less than a month. As it turned out, Norton delayed work on another screenplay job to do "Hulk," and he continues to tweak the script as principal photography hits its halfway point outside Toronto.
Meanwhile, Penn is writing a big-budget version of "The Avengers" and yet another potential "X-Men" spinoff.
As for Norton's writing services, now that he's finally gone "legit" as a paid double threat, other filmmakers may come calling. "Yes, he is that good a writer that I would definitely work with him on another movie that he wasn't starring in," says Feige.
'HULK' DIRECTOR SPEAKS
In an exclusive interview, director Louis Leterrier discusses Ang Lee's film and why he chose the villains he did for 2008's 'Incredible Hulk'
Source: Wizard Magazine
Best known for street-level martial arts flicks such as "The Transporter" and "Unleashed," director Louis Leterrier gamma-irradiates the big screen on June 13, 2008, with the release of "Incredible Hulk." Starring (and written by) Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, the titular alter ego of the Green Goliath, along with Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, "Incredible Hulk" acts as a fresh start for the monstrous hero from Marvel Studios after director Ang Lee took a stab at the franchise in 2003.
"It's a fresh start because I saw there is a real fan base for Ang Lee's movie," said Leterrier of Lee's ill-received "Hulk" in an exclusive interview with Wizard. "I didn't want to offend [those fans] in any way, and also I like the movie. It was very interesting. [But] it was weaker ground to build a big franchise upon so we decided to scrap it and establish it from bases that are more comic book-based and TV show-based."
"Incredible Hulk" will still feature several elements from the Ang Lee film such as General "Thunderbolt" Ross (played by William Hurt) and his hunt for Banner. But the development of other antagonists takes place in the film, as well. Heading for those comic book roots, Leterrier pit Hulk against someone very familiar to comic book fans.
"Obviously, General Ross is the villain, so he had to be in it," added Leterrier. "But the Abomination, Emil Blonsky, was who Marvel wanted to put in this chapter—the first chapter of our new saga—because he's the most famous. He's an enemy that can actually threaten the Hulk. It's very important for me that there is a danger. When Bruce Banner is Hulk, I didn't feel in Ang Lee's 'Hulk' that there was any threat. He was invincible. So with Abomination there's actually a monster that can, you know, kill him when he's in the Hulk form."
Played in human form by Tim Roth, Blonsky isn't the only new character. Look for Doc Samson (played by Ty Burrell) and Samuel "the Leader" Sterns (played by Tim Blake Nelson) when the film powerbombs into theaters next summer.
First Images from The Incredible Hulk!
Source: Cinematical
Universal has released the first official images from this summer's The Incredible Hulk as part of their 2008 film preview. Though we don't yet get to see Edward Norton's transformation from Bruce Banner into that big green dude (I imagine they're saving that one for the trailer), we do get to see these two shots of Norton as Banner dealing with this whole gamma radiation issue. Here's the caption that goes along with both of these photos: "EDWARD NORTON stars in this new beginning as Bruce Banner, a scientist desperately hunting for a cure to the gamma radiation that poisoned his cells and unleashes the unbridled force of rage within him-THE INCREDIBLE HULK." The film hits theaters on June 13, and is rumored to be debuting its first trailer during the Superbowl.
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all i can say at this point is
Quote from: JG on December 11, 2007, 11:10:00 PM
i love paul dano's ed norton's chin hair... i really did do love dano's norton's chin hair though.
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Trailer Preview here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_S1dOnOztg)
oh my god trailer trailers.
Ed Norton And Marvel In 'Hulk'-ing Feud
Source: Deadline Hollywood
The Incredible Hulk trailer is on its way. It debuts Wednesday night at 9:56 pm on all the MTV channels and Spike TV and VH1. It gets shown Thursday at ShoWest. And it plays this weekend in front of Universal pics in the theaters. (But it's also being teased on YouTube now.) I'm told the pic's producer-screenwriter-star Edward Norton helped get the trailer ready last week and loves it.
But does he also love the movie? Not yet.
I'm told that's because Norton and Marvel are clashing over how to cut the pic. Insiders say Norton was "promised tremendous involvement and access" after Marvel invited him into the core team to rewrite Zak Penn's script. Says one insider, "There's a lot of posturing going on between Edward's camp and Marvel over how you edit the final version." Sources also tell me that, starting last night and continuing at least throughout today, the actor will be holed up with Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel, Marvel Studios president of production Kevin Feige, and director Louis Leterrier to try to "reach an amicable resolution" to this $150+ million film feud.
Some insiders blame Marvel for not accepting Norton's POV about the movie. "There's a problem. Marvel won't listen to Norton about the cut," one source claims. Some blame Norton, known to be prickly. (Remember his problems with Paramount over The Italian Job and with director Tony Kaye over American History X?) "Never let an actor write a script," one insider commented. "Marvel made a mistake letting the wolf into the hen house."
But I say that, after Ang Lee's troubled The Hulk left audiences cold, The Incredible Hulk needs Edward Norton's warm support if the pic's gonna have any street cred. Some fear things blowing up to the point where Norton might not publicize the movie. And Marvel is petrified that the new Hulk may be judged "prematurely and unfairly." (Or that bloggers will start claiming the Hulk franchise is cursed.)
Right now, Marvel is said to be about 4 to 5 weeks away from locking the movie for its June 13th release by Universal whose top execs haven't yet seen it ("though some marketing guys have been working off a rough cut that's in pretty good shape," I'm told). "At this stage you always have discussions about what's in the film and what's not going to be in the film. Everyone's very passionate, and Edward is very opinionated." Said another source, "There is a very healthy exchange of ideas going on. Discussions now are even more heated. But some of Ed's best movies have had this exact dynamic to them. Everyone's in the process of figuring it out and working it out. But I expect it'll all get resolved pretty quickly."
The Hulk franchise is cursed.
Trailer here. (http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1583143&vid=215625)
I trust Norton enough to believe there's a great film to display here. But, judging by this preview... this ain't it.
Maybe I was expecting too much.
stupid.
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoviesmedia.ign.com%2Fmovies%2Fimage%2Farticle%2F866%2F866368%2Fthe-incredible-hulk-20080414010125119-000.jpg&hash=0161ace4021d073f3d4b6287980efdeaf2bcb56e)
New Trailer here. (http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/theincrediblehulk/)
that was just like the evan almighty trailer. dumb and showed you everything that happens in chronological order.
New Trailer here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOivEZGFpEY)
Spoilers
I went into this knowing there would a version 70 minutes longer on DVD.
This does feel like a studio cut. The only elaboration are with the action sequnces. The first 20 minutes of the film show Norton relating to life in Brazil, but the development between him and other characters is meaningful to just introduce a chase scene. It has little do with actual characterization. All that developed is a few comments about Norton's isolation and his good guy persona.
Then the movie adjusts to the love story arc. There is a problem between Norton and Tyler and whether they will reunite after being separated. She moved on and got a new boyfriend. The film even has a few scenes to make us wonder, but things work out pretty quickly to bring them back together. Even Tyler's current boyfriend is discarded in a conveniant and quick plot ploy. The reunited couple go on to face predictable struggles.
The last 20 minutes is a battle between Hulk and others. It felt long and boring because there was little anticipation. There are three major action sequences through out the movie and each one is pretty long in itself. A lot of the story in between is just a very generalized soap opera.
I'm curious about the longer cut so I'll watch it when it comes out.
Yep, this is a pretty disconnected film. There's no real tension (or chemistry) in the romantic subplot, and the film never explores what it is like for Bruce Banner to carry the burden of being The Hulk. It moves perfunctorily from one scene to another. The movie is pretty bland, actually.
Don't make me Ang Lee. You wouldn't like me when I'm Ang Lee.
some minor spoilsSo I really liked this, the references to future villians and the old show didn't take me out of the movie although I'm getting tired of the stan lee obligatory cameo, of all those references the best was tony stark himself.
The fight at the campus was great and intense, the last one was ok but too over the place.
So this along Iron Man are the best so far.
Quote from: The Gold Trumpet on June 13, 2008, 11:38:53 PM
I went into this knowing there would a version 70 minutes longer on DVD.
Where did you read that? If they do release that I'm really eager to see that cut.
If you read it in this thread I totally missed it.
Apparently I misspoke. An old news source said there would be such a longer cut on DVD, but to save face and not give in to Edward Norton's demands, the studio will only have deleted scenes on the DVD. The original idea was to do so to show Norton's vision of the film on DVD but as the feud became more public I think it was scrapped.
Edward Norton needs to work with bigtime directors to whom he won't feel superior. When he was in Fight Club he didn't pull any of this shit, nor with Spike in 25th hour, but he has carefully avoided working with directors that won't put up with this from the get go. Back when he was working with relevant directors he was actually making relevant movies, of course you don't hear stories of Norton messing up with Woody Allen's screenplay or Milos Forman's vision of Larry Flynt. If he wants so badly to have control why doesn't he just directs again? Way mor exhausting than just rewrite something and act like a fucking child?
Quote from: Alexandro on June 19, 2008, 01:55:36 PM
Edward Norton needs to work with bigtime directors to whom he won't feel superior. When he was in Fight Club he didn't pull any of this shit, nor with Spike in 25th hour, but he has carefully avoided working with directors that won't put up with this from the get go. Back when he was working with relevant directors he was actually making relevant movies, of course you don't hear stories of Norton messing up with Woody Allen's screenplay or Milos Forman's vision of Larry Flynt. If he wants so badly to have control why doesn't he just directs again? Way mor exhausting than just rewrite something and act like a fucking child?
I think because directing summer blockbusters means taking two years out of your life. The production concerns are more detailed and it would hinder Norton from doing anything else. But even if he did direct this film he never would have got the cut he wanted. The studio has little confidence in this project to give it over to someone's artistic vision. The Dark Knight, yes, but not Incredible Hulk redux.
I'm one of the many few who liked Ang Lee's Hulk. It felt like a comic book come to life; a lot of that had to do with the editing. Here, I'm glad to see they kept the emotional center, but it's become a standard comic action flick. It's not bad; I was actually engrossed in the film, but it's lacking any depth of the characters. If people were put off by the bad cgi of the first one, they are not going to feel any better about the special effects in this one.
It was alright. The fight scenes between the two hulks was fucking awesome but everything else is forgettable.
Norton bugs me. I hate his acting style of, "I don't know, it's just (pause) Nevermind. Okay, I mean (pause). Forget it. (pause) Okay, wait (looks away). Just.......ya know (pause)......be careful."
Fuck you, Norton. Spit it the fuck out and stop wasting my time.
Quote from: Stefen on October 23, 2008, 07:00:14 PM
Norton bugs me. I hate his acting style of, "I don't know, it's just (pause) Nevermind. Okay, I mean (pause). Forget it. (pause) Okay, wait (looks away). Just.......ya know (pause)......be careful."
Fuck you, Norton. Spit it the fuck out and stop wasting my time.
haha, bugs me too.
another candidate: Nev Campbell. the halfway nervous, sad eyebrows thing she does with everything. hate it.
wow, doing impressions with words. I digs.
what about jason biggs doing straight man, "what...what do you mean by that zany thing you just said/did?!"
I saw this on HBO and I was as captiated as I could be for a superhero movie, not that I can really compare it to 'The Dark Knight' which I really loved. Edward Norton on many levels makes this film a cut above. Its not completely conventional and I give it that. Ah Hell- its wonderful.