Edward Norton as the Hulk

As a longtime fan of the Incredible Hulk and Marvel Comics Group as a whole, I must say that 2008 was a very good moviegoing year for me. Robert Downey Jr. was brilliant as Tony Stark, possibly rivaled only by Edward Norton as Bruce Banner. Perhaps his turn in Fight Club prepared him to play the troubled Bruce Banner. I don't know how he did, and like most fanboys, I don't care. I was just thrilled to see it after 2005's Hulk.

Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning to all my favorite comic book sites saying that Norton would NOT be reprising his role. We have all heard the reasons, yet we believe that Norton is still the best choice to play Bruce Banner.

He has proven many times that he can work with an ensemble cast (The Italian Job, Fight Club) and has proven that he does not always have to play the largest role (The Invention of Lying). Though he may have been a little overzealous during post-production of The Incredible Hulk, isn't the mark of a great actor that he cares about his work, even after it is out of his hands?

As a fanboy --and fangirl community, we implore you to reconsider your decision. Mr. Norton has made it clear through many mediums that he would be thrilled to be a part of the Avengers. And we would be just as thrilled to see him there.