Norton Out as Hulk, Next Hulk Subject of Online Gambling
With the announcement that Edward Norton will not be continuing his role as the Incredible Hulk in the planned Avengers movie, online gambling sites are taking wagers on which actor will be chosen to take up the role. The speculation builds even as Norton and Marvel Entertainment feud over why Norton is no longer involved, although the Hollywood word is to be careful, as Marvel wouldn't like Norton when he's angry.Celebrity gossip magazines have already hinted that Joaquin Phoenix has the inside track to be the next Hulk, and the odds reflect the rumors. Phoenix is barely over even money to get the role, at 6-5.
Adrien Brody, who skeletal frame surely doesn't bring the Hulk to mind, is the second choice, at 9-2. Eric Bana, who has already been the Hulk in Amp Lee's earlier version of the story, is an 8-1 play to resume the role of Bruce Banner.
Considering the tone of Marvel's dismissal of Edward Norton, which implies that Norton was not willing to be a team player in a large cast, such choices as Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Johnny Depp may all be underpriced, even at 50-1.
But Matthew Fox, looking to extend his time in the sun now that "Lost" has wrapped for good, may be a decent value play at 10-1. And Simon Pegg may be the inspired choice, bringing a whole new comedic level to the Hulk, paying 20-1 if he is named to the role.
The Avengers movie may seem crowded for a feature film, but the selection of cult favorite Joss Whedon as director gives the movie some gravitas. Considering the popularity of comic book movies in recent years, the Hulk role may be highly coveted, making online gambling speculation even more intriguing.
