A few weeks ago, the president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige publicly smacked down Edward Norton. Norton had been in talks to reprise his role as The Incredible Hulk in The Avengers, the film that will be like the greatest hits of several of Marvel’s comic-book action stars. Negotiations between Norton and Marvel broke down, and Kevin Feige released a bitchy public statement about Norton, claiming that they were looking 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… We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.”

CB was Team Norton, because she thought Feige’s press release was super-bitchy and unprofessional. But I tend to think Feige probably had enough with Norton’s diva antics, which are legendary (as is the size of his ego). While Norton is unique in that he can back up his diva temperament and egotistic attitude with actual talent, Norton has spent decades being a pill to important people in the industry, and it’s surprising he only got called out on it now.

So, anyway – Marvel just announced their new Hulk. And it’s super-nice guy Mark Ruffalo! … the hell? I would never have pegged Ruffalo for an action guy, or for a comic book guy, but here it is:

Mark Ruffalo is the new Hulk, Marvel Studios announced when unveiling the cast of the 2012 sequel ‘The Avengers’ at Comic Con on Saturday.

The decision follows a dramatic dismissal of the previous Hulk, Edward Norton. Two weeks ago Marvel released a harsh statement announcing that Norton, who played Bruce Banner and his green alter-ego in the 2008 movie, would not be returning. The statement insisted the decision was not about money and suggested Norton was not a team player.

Norton’s rep called the statement “purposefully misleading” and described the decision as a financial one.

Eric Bana first played the Hulk in 2003.

Ruffalo joins an ensemble cast that includes Jeremy Renner, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sam Jackson, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth.

“It’s like Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet, a new actor gets a crack at it every year,” Ruffalo told the LA Times. “But really it’s all heady stuff. It’s exciting to be here. It’s great to be a part of all this.”

[From Huffington Post]

I think it’s an interesting, intriguing choice, for both Marvel and Ruffalo. Ruffalo has credibility as Mr. Indie Film, and has a CV full of delicate, moving, intense, beautiful performances – much like Tobey McGuire before Spiderman. This could be very interesting, or it could fail miserably. One thing makes me think it won’t fail though – Mark is a dedicated actor and a professional, and if he’s told he should train hard and be big and buff, he’ll follow through.

Mark on February 13 & June 17, 2010, and at Comic-Con with the rest of the cast on July 24, 2010. Credit: WENN.