'The Incredible Hulk' heading for Canada! Save yourselves!

[ALIASd]

'Hulk' Heading to Toronto for Flim Shoot

Monday February 26, 1:08 pm ET
Associated Press

'The Incredible Hulk' Heading to Toronto for Summer Film Shoot

TORONTO (AP) -- Torontonians beware! The Incredible Hulk is coming.
The city has been chosen as a principal filming location for the upcoming Marvel Studios production of "The Incredible Hulk."

"The Hulk" is to be directed by Louis Leterrier ("Transporter" 1 & 2, "Unleashed").

The film's executive producer Jim Van Wyck ("Lemony Snicket," "Armageddon"), shot in the city two years ago on the action flick "16 Blocks" and said he found the Toronto film community to be "exceptional," lauding the co-operation from the city and the province.

"The Incredible Hulk" is expected to begin shooting this summer for about four months. The cast has yet to be announced. Marvel Studios is a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment Inc., which publishes characters including Spider Man, X-Men Captain America and Ghost Rider.

The announcement gives a boost to the local film industry which is still suffering the after-effects of a six-week strike by Canadian performers. A tentative deal between ACTRA and producers was reached Feb. 21.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070226/hulk_...onto.html?.v=1

[FrumiousBoojum]

It's interesting that Ghost Rider is suddenly a character worthy of being included in a list of characters that Marvel has where, before last year, he was a rather minor character that wouldn't be listed. Though, don't think they ever did the same thing with The Punisher.

[ALIASd]

Originally Posted by FrumiousBoojum

It's interesting that Ghost Rider is suddenly a character worthy of being included in a list of characters that Marvel has where, before last year, he was a rather minor character that wouldn't be listed. Though, don't think they ever did the same thing with The Punisher.

Box office speaks loudly. 'Ghost Rider' has inexplicably made over $78 domestically in only 10 days,

Ghost Rider made the biggest splash with launches in France, with $3 million at 426 through local distributor SND, and in Germany, with a first-place $2.2 million at 363. The second weekend saw declines of 51% in Spain to $1.5 million at 417 -- still enough for first -- along with 38% in Mexico to $1.3 million at 403 and 46% in Australia to $1 million at 208.

The film also opened in first place in India with $820,000 at 250 for the 12th biggest launch in that market for a Hollywood movie. The Nicolas Cage starrer has lived up to expectations internationally, earning $39.4 million overseas and $118 million worldwide with openings coming next weekend in Japan and the U.K.*

'The Punisher' made over $58 mil total.

Or it's the Patricia Arquette curse: she's one of Nicolas Cage's former wives and 'Punisher' Thomas Jane's current wife...damn you 'Medium'!


*http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5259

[stinkerbell]

Too lazy to clickie, but is Eric Bana going to be in it? He was the only good thing about the other Hulk movie.... or is this a totally different thing, franchise, whathaveyou.

[FrumiousBoojum]

The first of the modern Hulk movies was a rather slow film...

However, Eric Bana wasn't the best thing in it. It was the editing -- loved the way that they turned the movie into a comic book in motion.

[ALIASd]

Originally Posted by stinkerbell

Too lazy to clickie, but is Eric Bana going to be in it? He was the only good thing about the other Hulk movie.... or is this a totally different thing, franchise, whathaveyou.

Ang Lee was able to draw him in last time, and he's since atoned beautifully by doing 'Munich'. The producers would probably have to try him extradited from Australia to have him return. They apparently haven't yet announced their stars.

[stinkerbell]

I hope he doesn't do it. I'd love to see a completely different Hulk movie.

And I like Bana too much to see him in another movie like the last one. While I thought it was kind of cool, most people thought it was a joke.

[ALIASd]

The Biz: Marvel Powers Up Iron Man, Incredible Hulk For 2008

Brandweek
February 26, 2007

MARVEL Entertainment is looking ahead to summer '08 with licensing programs for Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, the first two movies from its new self-financed and -produced film slate.

Partners include Hasbro and Hallmark.

With retail real estate so competitive among film-based properties—especially during the summer blockbuster period—Marvel is signing licensees that will take on both superheroic stories in order to get a full-season of shelf space at retail.

"What we're looking to do, from a strategic standpoint, is kind of 'own' 2008," said Paul Gitter, svp-consumer products for North America, Marvel Entertainment. "The goal is to go out to manufacturers and retailers, and create some continuity with both films from May through the back-to-school window."

Iron Man and Incredible Hulk licensees include Hasbro (master toy licensee), Hallmark (social expressions and party goods), Kids Headquarters (boys & girls apparel), Jay Franco (domestics), Mad Engine (T-shirts), Fruit of the Loom (underwear), Disguise (costumes), BBC (footwear), Berkshire (headwear and cold weather), Mega Bloks (construction toys) and Jakks Pacific (plug & play games), AME (sleepwear), Sideshow (collectibles), FAB (back-to-school & arts and crafts) and MGA (die-cast vehicles). Marvel is looking to add partners in other key licensing categories, such as food & beverages, consumer electronics and publishing. Licensees were given a directive to incorporate innovation into their products and urged to view their creations as components of a collection, not one-off items. Transformation also is a key element of both properties.

The strategy of signing licensees for both properties to "own" summer follows a successful run with Spider-Man on screens and at retail. Sony's third film in the franchise hits theaters this summer and Spidey has become a day-in, day-out business for Marvel.

Gitter hopes new film properties could turn in to perennials, too.

The Paramount-distributed, Jon Favreau-directed Iron Man (May 2, 2008) stars Robert Downey Jr. (as Tony Stark/Iron Man), Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The Incredible Hulk (June 13, 2008) will be distributed by Universal, but is not a sequel to the studio's Hulk (2003). The film is not yet cast.

http://www.brandweek.com/bw/magazine..._id=1003550005

[Melonballer]

The latest rumor suggests that Adrian Brody might be playing Bruce Banner in the next Hulk movie. From what I have read it sounds like they may be restarting the franchise, much like how warner Brothers restarted the Batman franchise. I think part of the reason Ghost Rider is doing so well is the time of year. Let's face it, there is not much out right now. But 300 is coming soon.

[ALIASd]

WOW! First Robert Downey Jr. in 'Iron Man' and now...

Norton to star in 'Hulk'

Marvel sequel to be released in 2008

Norton

Leterrier

By Michael Fleming
Variety
April 16, 2007

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.

Norton, who will next be seen starring with Colin Farrell in the Gavin O’Connor-directed New Line drama "Pride and Glory," is repped by Endeavor.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=13&cs=1

[sir clinksalot]

EDWARD NORTON!!! One of the better actors of our generation!!! Playing the Hulk!!!

Sweet!!!

I'm glad the Adrian Brody rumor wasn't true because I don't like him.

[Xharryb]

This is a really interesting direction to go with the casting. Considering what they've been saying all along about this film NOT being like the last one, I'm kinda surprised to see an actor chosen who would have fit in with the previous approach. Norton's great, and I'm sure they know better than us how well he'll fit with the new vision. It just seems odd that when they say they are going more action, less intellectual they would choose one of the more intellectual actors out there. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt for the time being though. We'll just have to wait and see.

[ALIASd]

I bet they've waited through his schedule and really fought to get him onboard, so the script can expect to receive the famous Norton touch-ups before and during production. He's also been known to live in editing.

Since the plot description sounds alot like 'The Fugitive' and they'll obviously be employing quite a bit of CGI again securing an actor of Norton's quality is key. I can't think of a better guy to show us his tormented inner life with such grand intelligence.

And 'American History X' has already showed us he's able to hulk out with visual effects - can't wait!

[Xharryb]

The new Betty Ross is..... Liv Tyler. It's probably the just the 10+ year crush I've had on her talking, but the news makes me happy.

[ALIASd]

Roth cast as 'Hulk' villain

Actor to play Abomination

Roth

By Michael Fleming
Variety
May 9, 2007

"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.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=13&cs=1