Marvel Studios has managed to snag Mark Ruffalo for the key role of the Hulk/Bruce Banner in the upcoming Avengers film to be directed by Joss Whedon.  Ruffalo, who is enjoying wonderful notices in The Kids Are All Right, is an “actor’s actor” with plenty of indie cred from performances in films like You Can Count on Me, The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Zodiac.  

Ruffalo replaces Edward Norton, who also has some serious acting chops, but who clashed with Marvel Studios over the final form of The Incredible Hulk film (see “Trouble on Planet Hulkywood”) in 2008.  Getting Ruffalo takes the sting out of the loss of Norton and testifies to the prestige level that Marvel Studios has attained that it can attract such serious top-drawer talent.

Earlier this month Deadline Hollywood reported that Ruffalo was in late stage talks to take over the role (see “Mark Ruffalo as Hulk”), and yesterday Deadline confirmed that a deal was in place.  Ruffalo is expected to be introduced during the Marvel Studios panel at Comic-Con.