Marvel Making More Headlines

Since this last weekend Marvel news has been swirling about pretty frequently, well sorta. First we learned that Marvel would be replacing Edward Norton as the Hulk in the upcoming "The Avengers" movie through what most would say was a fairly nasty announcement. That was followed by retorts by Norton and his representatives which proved he knew how to take the high road. In the meantime, Marvel is chomping at the bit to get a replacement named in time for Comic Con and over 5,000 screaming fans in Hall H. We've seen rumors that Joaquin Phoenix might be the next Banner, but today Deadline is reporting that a new "name" is in late-stage negotiations to play Bruce Banner aka the Hulk. Read the full scoop plus another fairly substantial announcement coming from Marvel Entertainment surrounding their future below...

Deadline has reported that Mark Ruffalo is in the later stages of negotiations with Marvel to play the Hulk in "The Avengers." While Deadline says that Ruffalo would have been the furthest from anyone's radar to play the Hulk, those of us who actually read these comics instead would say, "That is genius!" Mark Ruffalo has the perfect quiet demeanor to play Bruce Banner. Which is exactly what an actor playing the Hulk is doing these days. Let's be straight, Ruffalo isn't going to play the green machine, technology will do that, he's gonna be the guy who has always tried to get the Hulk out of him. A troubled individual who is haunted by the monster within him. Ruffalo is perfect for that. Mark Ruffalo is also awkward enough that he doesn't look like a traditional superhero. Marvel has for generations now have made Bruce Banner more of a lab rat, then a muscle-bound hero, and Ruffalo fits that bill to the letter. If this news/rumor turns out to be true I'll be pretty happy. I loved Edward Norton as Bruce Banner and I think I can do the same with Mark Ruffalo attached.

In other Marvel Entertainment news, the studio has announced that both "Thor" and "Captain America: The First Avenger" will be in 3D. (Insert heavy eye-roll) I can hardly call this news anymore because it seems that every movie releasing now is coming out in 3D.

Like most of us, I'm already tired of 3D. For one, so many studios are rushing the format leaving the result to be sloppy. Secondly they are over-doing it with the 3D titles. Everything is coming out in 3D now. Even a outstanding movie like Toy Story 3 didn't need the 3D, sure it looked nice, but it was hardly necessary nor worth the extra money. Something else that I've noticed is the crowds during the trailers and time after time when they see that the movie is releasing in 3D, the sigh or react in a negative way. General audiences seem to also be waning on the overuse of the technology. It be one thing for a couple movies, but when half of the movies releasing are in 3D and cost more, its a tad frustrating.

Marvel has of course marketed the decision as a positive. "Thor" director Kenneth Branagh said he was even skeptical at first, but sees the possibilities. "It's another draft of the story that can reveal itself in a different way," Branagh said. "Captain America: The First Avenger" director Joe Johnston was also fairly vocal about his lack of appeal in the format. He said, "I think it tends to be overused and can be a little bit gimmicky." Thankfully we agree there, though it seems both directors opinions of the technology does not matter. Marvel has decided to use 3D and the directors ought to put on their happy faces about it.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has made it clear that both films have been or will be shot in traditional technology and that 3D would be done in post. He made sure to clarify that plenty of time will be spent working on the 3D so that it doesn't come across cheap as some of the more recent 3D films released. Feige said, "an unprecedented amount of time," will be used for 3D conversion in post production.

Last but certainly not least we get our first look at Odin, Thor and Loki from "Thor." The image reveals Odin, Thor and Loki in Asgard. For you non-Thor readers, Asgard is the celestial kingdom that Odin rules over. You can also see in the picture that Thor is actually holding Mjöllnir! Sorry that's Thor's hammer, for those of you new to the character.

I'm not sure how I like the look of our 3 gods in this official image. Truth be told it kinda scares me. The colors and suits are just a bit too rock opera for me. I'm sure they will resonate better with a moving picture and in context, but just this picture alone leaves me a little nervous. How will general audiences warm up to these characters? Stay tuned for more on "Thor," "Captain America: The First Avenger" and "The Avengers" as more news is sure to follow.

Source: Deadline | Hero Complex