The Hulk has clearly proven himself to be the most difficult "superhero" for Marvel to work out in cinematic terms, what with the unpredictable, werewolf-like nature of his character. Ed Norton eventually signed on for 2008's The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo assumed Bruce Banner's role in The Avengers), though there was - - at first - another name on the cards that might surprise you somewhat: Joaquin Phoenix. The more you think about it, the more right this one feels, though I can't say I'd prefer anybody over Mark Ruffalo now I've seen him inhabiting the Banner so darn well. But Phoenix is an incredibly accomplished actor, capable of huge dramatic heights - there's no doubt he would have been more than able to express all of the necessary inner angst that makes the Hulk the tragic character that he ultimately is. Marvel eventually lost interest in Phoenix, presumably because - at the time, anyway - he was involved in that downright bizarre fake documentary I'm Still Here, which served only to confuse Hollywood in its entirety and alienate the actor's fanbase. Not the kind of guy Marvel want to bring into a franchise as important as this, perhaps.