From IGN:

Avengers vs. Aliens?

Sources claim to know who Marvel's heroes will battle on the big screen.

May 20, 2010

by Phil Pirrello

Close Enconters of the Skrull Kind? Okay, now that we got that pun out of the way, the internet's neverending rumor factory thinks Joss Whedon's Avengers will battle an alien threat straight from the comic books.

The Skrulls, a race of very green humanoid aliens that can change their shape/appearance at wiil, will duke it out with Cap and Iron in The Avengers, according to ComicBookMovie.com.

CMB claims that sources "close to the production" believe that "The Skrulls will 'brainwash' and use the Hulk", similar to how Loki wielded the Green Guy in the comics. The sources go on to say that fans should not expect a full on invasion, a la Marvel's Secret Invasion - the Skrulls will operate more in a puppet master capacity, saving their big bad attack for a sequel.

But wait, there's more! Should this rumor pan out, the Skrulls won't be the only alien race joining the Avengers on the big screen. Their enemy, the Kree, may surface as earth's allies. *Mind = blown*

So this rumor is all sorts of interesting on many levels. If it is true, than it implies that The Avengers will be the most "comic-y" of the Marvel films, incorporating a storyline that bucks the grounded realism found in most of Marvel's movies.

With actor Kevin Pennington rumored to be in the running to play the Kree alien Noh-Varr in the movie, the Skrulls' role in Whedon's film inches closer to being a reality.

Currently, the Buffy creator is re-writing Zak Penn's original script and gearing up for a May 4, 2012 release date. And yes, we'll keep ya posted on further Avengers goodness.

Jeremy Renner to Play Hawkeye in The Avengers?

by superherohype.com

Jun 4th, 2010

Hurt Locker star may play the Marvel Comics archer

Jeremy Renner may be close to locking a deal to star as Clint Barton, AKA Hawkeye, in Joss Whedon's The Avengers, reports Heat Vision.

Since last year, rumors have persisted that Marvel has been after the star of The Hurt Locker to play the character, though official sources would not confirm that Hawkeye even has a role in the upcoming summer blockbuster, much less actor selection.

Renner talked exclusively with SuperHeroHype late last year, indicating that, while he'd love to join the Marvel Universe in some capacity, the film was too far off and, at the time, didn't even have a director. It appears that, with Joss Whedon now on board and pre-production moving forward, Renner may become an official member of the team yet.

Downey Jr. Does His Avengers Homework

by SuperHeroHype

Jun 5th, 2010

Spotted shopping for comics

It looks like Robert Downey Jr. gave one comic book store clerk a day to remember. The "Iron Man" franchise actor was spotted buying both "Iron Man" and "Avengers" comics in Hollywood on Wednesday (June 2nd). It appears he's doing his homework for when he brings his Tony Stark/Iron Man to the set of Marvel Studios' The Avengers, which he'll film after shooting Sherlock Holmes 2.

You can check out a bunch of photos of Downey Jr. at the comic book store at Just Jared!

Click on the thumbnails for bigger pics!

From IGN:

New Old Avengers Rumors

Casting buzz resurfaces for Ant-Man and Wasp.

June 23, 2010

by Jim Vejvoda

Everything old is new again when it comes to Marvel movie rumors.

ComicBookMovie.com claims that a source close to Marvel Studios has informed them that Firefly's Nathan Fillion "is in final negotiations" to play Dr. Hank Pym, a.k.a. Ant-Man/Giant-Man, in The Avengers. As you know, Firefly creator Joss Whedon is directing the film.

Furthermore, the site says that Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria will indeed play Pym's wife, Janet Van Dyne a.k.a. Wasp, as was first rumored in 2008.

"At this point, they may only be playing S.H.I.E.L.D. scientists. No word on whether any of their super powers will be seen in the first Avengers or not," according to CBM. "Their relationship has not been clearly defined either: simply co-workers and/or husband and wife are all still on the table."

The Avengers begins filming early next year for a 2012 release.

No Edward Norton for The Avengers?

by SuperHeroHype

Jul 10th, 2010

Marvel will allegedly go with an unknown for The Avengers

Edward Norton will not be reprising his role as Dr. Bruce Banner, reports HitFix, who say that Marvel Studios plan to cast an unknown in the part.

The report theorizes that a deal could not be made, despite Edward Norton wanting to join the ensemble cast that will include Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Chris Evans as Captain America.

Marvel Studios is planning a May 4, 2012 release for The Avengers.

From IGN:

A New Hulk for The Avengers

UPDATE: Marvel confirms Edward Norton will be replaced.

July 10, 2010

by Jim Vejvoda

Edward Norton will reportedly not be back as the Hulk for The Avengers, despite his self-professed eagerness to reprise his role as Dr. Bruce Banner.

According to HitFix, Marvel has decided to drop Norton and replace him with an unspecified unknown for the Avengers movie -- a lineup the studio is said to be planning to reveal at this month's San Diego Comic-Con.

The site says they're trying to determine "exactly how far apart the Marvel offer and the Norton camp are in terms of money, but even in early conversations, it sounds like a deal could be made here, and simply wasn't."

No exact reason was expressly given for Marvel's decision to not bring back Norton, but the star and Marvel had a notorious go-around while making The Incredible Hulk.

UPDATED: Marvel Studios sent a statement to HitFix confirming their earlier scoop that Norton will not be back for The Avengers. Marvel honcho Kevin Feige informed the site: "Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert [Downey], Chris [Hemsworth], Chris (Evans), Sam [Jackson], Scarlett [Johansson], and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks."

From IGN:

Norton's Agent Hulks Out

Oh, it's on now, Marvel!

July 11, 2010

by Jim Vejvoda

The fallout over Marvel Studios' decision to not bring back Edward Norton as the Hulk in The Avengers is shaping up to be a battle royale of superheroic proportions.

A day after Marvel honcho Kevin Feige confirmed rumors that the studio would be hiring a different actor to play the role in Avengers, Norton's camp shot back with an angry message to Feige over the nature of his comments.

In his message yesterday, Feige said in part: "Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members."

Now, Norton's agent at WME, Brian Swardstrom, exclusively told HitFix, ""This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.

We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige's mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige's statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel's fans."

Swardstrom also recalled the parties' attempts at trying to make a deal over the last few weeks and how it didn't come to pass.

The Avengers is slated to begin filming in early 2011 for a summer 2012 release.

From IGN:

Will the Hulk Walk the Line?

Phoenix reportedly offered Banner role in Avengers.

July 12, 2010

by Jim Vejvoda

Now that we know for sure that Edward Norton won't return as the Hulk in The Avengers, the question becomes who will play the green behemoth in the Marvel team-up film?

CHUD claims it's heard that Marvel has made an offer to Joaquin Phoenix to play Bruce Banner. The Walk the Line and Gladiator actor has flamed out in the last couple of years in a downward spiral of kooky behavior, rapping and substance abuse that may or may not have all just been part of a mockumentary (which still hasn't come out).

The site says that, should Phoenix accept the offer, he would be part of Marvel's lineup at this month's San Diego Comic-Con.

From IGN:

Norton Responds to Hulk Controversy

Hulk star releases a statement regarding his absence from The Avengers.

July 12, 2010

by Max Nicholson

In response to the controversy surrounding his absence from The Avengers, Edward Norton released a statement on his Facebook page regarding his involvement in the upcoming film:

I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and the Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. It seems it won't work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in "The Avengers." I will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that's why we love him, right?

It was revealed on Friday that Marvel was replacing Norton for the upcoming Avengers movie, and it was reported earlier today that Joaquin Phoenix is rumored to take his place.

Head over to Norton's Facebook page for the complete written statement.

Why bother using Robert Downey Jr then? Or any of the other actors for that matter. Just replace them if they don't care about any continuity at all!

This is really idiotic. Continuity be damned I guess. This will be our third different Bruce Banner in 3 movies .

Mark Ruffalo to Play Hulk in The Avengers?

by SuperHeroHype

Jul 14th, 2010

Is he Marvel Studios' replacement for Edward Norton?

We're guessing that Marvel Studios was hoping to announce this as the San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, July 24th, but Deadline is reporting that the studio is in "late-stage discussions" with Mark Ruffalo to play The Incredible Hulk in The Avengers, scheduled to hit theaters on May 4, 2012.

He would be replacing Edward Norton, who played Hulk in director Louis Leterrier's The Incredible Hulk. Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige and Norton both confirmed this week that he would not be returning for The Avengers.

They're going to get this wrong, I just know they are. I was okay with most of the cast so far, but of the options I've heard (Bana, Norton, Ruffalo, Phoenix) Norton was by far the best in my opinion. If Ruffalo is who I'm thinking, he's way too tall to be Banner. Banner is a little wimpy scientist guy. He should be short and nerdy. The embodiment of the brain to the Hulk's brawn.

From IGN:

The Avengers Settle Down

The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier is headed toward Manhattan.

July 14, 2010

by Tara Daley

Though recent news on The Avengers has been spotty at best, finally, Bleeding Cool reports something concrete, albeit minor about the Joss Whedon flick.

The film will shoot on location in the streets of Manhattan, and the filmmakers will most likely be hungry for many, many extras. What exactly will be happening in Manhattan is not yet decided, but one particular element is in development.

Various design companies have been hard at work, creating mockups of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, a process that began even before Joss Whedon signed onto the project.

Though the vision of The Avengers is still vague, this location development is good news. More substantial news is sure to come soon.

SDCC: Joss Whedon Confirms He's Directing The Avengers!

by SuperHeroHype

Jul 22nd, 2010

Opening in theaters on May 4, 2012

Joss Whedon 'officially' made it official that he is indeed helming The Avengers for Marvel Studios to attendees. Not a well-kept secret, Whedon said he remains in the outline phase for the movie and continues to rework the story that will bring together some of Marvel's top properties.

"The thing I love about it is how completely counter-intuitive it is," confessed Whedon. "These people should not be in the same room, much less the same team. The very definition of family."

He added that the The Avengers were some of his first comic books as a kid, adding that he first got the comic bug after his father, who was a writer for children's show "The Electric Company" - who did episodes involving Spider-Man stories - brought home Spider-Man art.

"It was like 'Sure, give your son Meth!,'" he joked.

Whedon also remarked that the writing process for The Avengers was unique due to the fact he knows many of the actors that will play the leads already, but challenging due to the mix and tone of existing movies (Iron Man, Hulk, etc...) that will be worked in.

"The first job I had outside of TV was a script doctor," said Whedon. "You have to blend in. I think it is easy to fall into the aesthetic of something you love. I will be respectful of the established tone... or seven!"