Joaquin Phoenix to play THE HULK in THE AVENGERS?!
Marvel has offered Joaquin Phoenix the role of Bruce Banner a.k.a. The Hulk in The Avengers!? I don't buy it, but that's the rumor according to Chud. I don't know, I guess crazier things have happened. Over the weekend it was announced that Marvel decided not to use Edward Norton as The Hulk in The Avengers, which is a bloody shame. Marvel President Kevin Feige issued a statement that was "mean spirited" toward Norton, and Norton's agent fired back with a statement giving their side of the story of what all went down, and now we are left wondering who will end up playing The Hulk. I never expected to hear the name Joaquin Phoenix pop up though! Isn't he supposed to be retired and focusing on his rap career? The word from Chud is this:
Reliable sources tell me that Marvel has already put out an offer, and the actor they've spoken to is Joaquin Phoenix, believe it or not. Phoenix is taking time to mull over the offer and the bigger implications - Marvel may yet resurrect the Hulk franchise - but Marvel hopes to have him in place by Comic Con, which is when they want to announce their new Bruce Banner.
This is just such a strange casting move if it's true! I just don't think this would be Phoenix's kind of movie, but apparently he's seriously considering it. It's also being reported that the actor that takes on the role of Bruce Banner will be the lowest paid actor in The Avengers movie, another reason I'm not sure why he would want to take it.
I think Phoenix is a great actor! But I just don't see him in the role of Bruce Banner, I don't think it makes sense, of course it didn't make sense when Marvel decided to throw out Norton either. I'm sure if this is true, and he ends up taking the role he will do some really good things with it. He'll give Banner a crazy amount of emotional weight.
If Phoenix decides to pass on the part then Marvel will make the offer to another actor quickly. It sounds like they want to fill the role before Comic-Con so they can bring the new Bruce Banner up on stage with the rest of the cast. I'm sure we'll find out soon what the deal is, and who will be playing The Hulk soon.
What do you think about the possibility of Phoenix taking on The Hulk?