EDWARD NORTON - EDWARD NORTON SIGNS UP FOR HULK 2

Hollywood star EDWARD NORTON is set to play the lead in the new film version of the INCREDIBLE HULK, reports claim.

Norton, 37, is set to take over from MUNICH star ERIC BANA, who played the role of BRUCE BANNER and the big green superhero in the first movie, HULK.

However, industry insiders have revealed that the two films will be quite different, with the new movie aiming to be closer to the original comics and less serious than the first.

"Edward Norton is a rare talent," said Marvel Studios' production president, according to Empire magazine

"His ability to transform into a particular role makes him the ideal choice to take on the character of Bruce Banner and the Hulk."

The original film was released in 2003, but despite a good start it failed to reach the heights of other Marvel film releases, such as SPIDER-MAN and X-MEN.

But the new film, which will see Banner return as the man trying to cure the condition which turns him into the Hulk, is likely to be more comic-book friendly on its release on June 13th 2008.