Jeremy Renner isn't playing Jason Bourne, but he's taking over the Bourne franchise for Matt Damon in The Bourne Legacy. Renner's also not the first actor or actress to become the new face of a franchise. Here are 10 other franchise recasts:

Bruce Banner - Eric Bana/Edward Norton/Mark Ruffalo: Bana signed for three Hulk films, but was replaced by super fan Norton when Marvel re-acquired the rights. Norton re-wrote The Incredible Hulk and starred in a hit, but was unable to come to a deal when a role in The Avengers was available. Ruffalo filled in, and was given positive reviews.

Ra...

The Avengers has again made U.S. box office history after becoming the first film to rake in $100 million during its second weekend.

The Marvel action epic, which boasts an all-star cast of Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Scarlett Johansson, smashed records after hauling in a massive $200.3 million in its first three days of release, besting Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, which grossed $169 million when it hit theaters in July.

And the superhero blockbuster continued to impress for the second week in a row with earnings of $103.2 million, fending off competition from Joh...

After months of unparalleled hype, The Avengers is set to hit theaters in just a few short days. For anyone who has seen Marvel's slew of superhero movies over the past four years, it's the culmination of an epic journey like no other.

And for those who haven't seen all of Marvel's movies… well, that's what we're here for.

Yes, in order to help you get ready for the movie event of the year, we've put together a comprehensive guide to "The Avengers." So whether you're a hardcore Marvel Zombie or a hero newbie who doesn't know your Pepper Potts from your Cosmic Cube, don't worry, because w...

Wanna be prepared for the Thursday night midnight arrival of the much anticipated "Avengers" in movie geek style? Welcome to the Avengers Marvel Superhero Marathon!

That’s right folks! Out in glorious Westwood, California at the famed Regency Bruin Theater we’re celebrating the arrival of the Joss Whedon helmed action yarn with a big screen recap of all the flicks leading up to "The Avengers" for one night May 3 only starting at 11:00am!

What? All five flicks of "Iron Man," "Iron Man 2," "The Incredible Hulk," "Captain America" and "Thor" not enough? Not even getting a preferre...

Edward Norton has urged his fans to back a campaign calling for the protection of marine life in the Antarctic.

The Incredible Hulk star has filmed a video message in support of the Antarctic Ocean Alliance, outlining the dangers of over-fishing in the southern polar region.

In the clip, he says, "People are a part of nature and everything in our lives and civilization are built on, rely on, healthy eco-systems in the planet. It's about making sure that what we enjoy today is here for other people to enjoy tomorrow. Most populations of fish are in decline. We're fishing our way down the...

Props and costumes featured in Iron Man 2 are set to go under the hammer as part of a Marvel superhero auction.

Film fans will have the chance to bid on a number of items from the superhero sequel, including suits worn by Robert Downey, Jr. as entrepreneur-turned-crimefighter Tony Stark, as well as the catsuit Scarlett Johansson donned to play Black Widow Natalie Rushman.

The Propworx auction, which is being run on Liveauctioneers.com in conjunction with Marvel Studios, also features dresses worn by Gywneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts and the Whiplash suit worn by Mickey Rourke, which is expe...

A stuntman was severely injured while filming new action film The Avengers in Arizona on Friday.

Jeremy Fitzgerald was shooting scene, which required him to fall from building, when he caught his foot on the way down, slammed his head against a brick wall and cut open his scalp, according to TMZ.com.

The brave daredevil decided not to halt filming and head to hospital for stitches - he went straight back to work after a large bandage was applied to his bloodied head.

An on-set spokesperson tells TMZ.com, "He was fine. He slid briefly along the side of the building. He got right back up a...

Edward Norton has hit out at movie bosses for publicly ruling him out of starring as The Incredible Hulk in The Avengers, branding their announcement last year "unprofessional and very dishonest."

Norton was expected to reprise his role for the superhero blockbuster, due in theatres in 2012, after playing the green monster in 2008's The Incredible Hulk but after negotiations, executives at Marvel Studios announced he would not be taking on the part again.

A statement from President of Production Kevin Feige read, "Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead...

A New York judge has thrown an ongoing $1 billion copyright lawsuit against comic book legend Stan Lee and Marvel Entertainment bosses out of court for a second time.

Lee was taken to court in 2009 by Jose Abadin and Christopher Belland, the shareholders of Stan Lee Media Inc. (SLMI), which was declared bankrupt in 2001. They claimed Lee had harmed their interests by signing away all his rights in the Marvel Entertainment brand and the copyright to characters including Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four and X-Men to the company in 1998 - a year before they became sharehol...

SYNOPSIS: Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior, is sent down to Earth has punishment for reigniting a reckless war. But after a dangerous villain from his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth, the hammer-wielding Thor will learn what it takes to be a true hero in order to save mankind.

STARRING: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Ray Stevenson

DIRECTOR: Kenneth Branagh

GENRE: Action/Adventure and Adaptation

RELEASE DATE: May 20, 2011 (Wide)

Mark Ruffalo hopes there are no hard feelings with his Hulk predecessor Edward Norton, insisting his pal's public exclusion from "The Avengers" wasn't "a great way" to kick off the project.

Fans were left stunned when Marvel Studios bosses announced last month that Norton, who played Dr. Bruce Banner and his monstrous alter-ego in 2008's 'The Incredible Hulk," would not star in the upcoming superhero movie.

A statement declared he would be replaced by an actor who "embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members."

Ruffalo was confirmed as the new Hulk ...

Mark Ruffalo confirmed reports he'll go green and mean as the Hulk as he joined the cast of "The Avengers" at Comic-Con International on Saturday.

Over 6,000 fans gathered at a Marvel Studios presentation at the San Diego, California comic book convention and just as the discussion was concluding, Samuel L. Jackson appeared onstage to introduce The Avengers cast.

He brought out special guests Clark Gregg, Scarlett Johannson, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans.

He then introduced Iron Man Robert Downey Jr., who brought with him the rest of the cast, including Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo a...

The 1981 mythological fantasy adventure "Clash of the Titans" is resurrected in this remake from "Incredible Hulk" director Louis Leterrier.

The joint Legendary Films/Warner Bros. production focuses on Perseus (Sam Worthington), the mortal hero made to carry out a series of quests by the gods in order to win the hand of the imprisoned princess Andromeda (Alexa Davalos).

Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Mads Mikkelsen, and Gemma Arterton co-star.

The ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. But the war between the gods themselves could destroy the world. B...

Mark Ruffalo is in talks to replace Edward Norton as the Hulk in the upcoming The Avengers movie, according to a report.

Norton, who played Dr. Bruce Banner and his hot-headed monstrous alter-ego in 2008's The Incredible Hulk, was set to reprise his role in the 2012 star-studded blockbuster - but he has been taken out of the running by executives at Marvel Studios.

President of Production Kevin Feige publicly announced on Sunday that Norton would be replaced by an actor who "embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members."

The announcement has spar...

Edward Norton has broken his silence after learning he won't be reprising his role as The Incredible Hulk in upcoming movie "The Avengers," insisting he's "sad" to have disappointed film fans with his departure.

Norton, who played Dr. Bruce Banner and his hot-headed monstrous alter-ego in 2008's "The Incredible Hulk," was set to reprise his role in the 2012 star-studded superhero blockbuster - but he has been taken out of the running by executives at Marvel Studios.

President of Production Kevin Feige publicly announced on Sunday that Norton would be replaced by an actor who "embodies the...

Edward Norton is set to join the cast of offbeat TV comedy Modern Family. The Incredible Hulk star will guest alongside Elizabeth Banks in an upcoming episode of the hit new show, and series regular Eric Stonestreet insists Norton is a natural comedian.

He says, "He's a funny actor and the part they wrote for him is really funny."

The episode featuring Norton, a long time pal of "Modern Family" star Ty Burrell, is expected to air in America in November.

See more photos of Edward Norton here!

Image © PR Photos

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)

It was only a few weeks ago that we celebrated Marvel's birthday, and just the other day a huge news story caused whiplashes for comic book fans everywhere. Disney bought Marvel Entertainment Inc for around $4 billion dollars. It has caused uproars and a whole bunch of hilarious photographs showing famous Marvel comic characters dressed up like Mickey Mouse or as a Disney Princess. Technically this means Disney will have control over the company, but people are focusing more intensely on what this means for the Marvel movies and animation.

"Logald Duckerine" © =saiyagina

There are p...

Today is the 70th anniversary of Marvel comics, and I thought as a geek it would only be fair to dedicate this week's column to them. All over the country there are going to be parties for Marvel so if you'd like to find one in your area, check their website for a list of participating locations. There will be special Barnes & Noble meetings too in specific cities where famous Marvel writers, editors, and artists will appear for Q&A sessions and sign autographs.

Marvel Comics was founded by Martin Goodman, and it was originally called Timely Publications in 1939. He was already publishi...

Before we get started on the Mega Oscar Diary, let's go to a few random ramblings from the cadre of pre-shows around the dial:

-Philip Seymour Hoffman's hat probably came with a matching set of fingerless gloves.

-Those who were unable to see the Los Angeles CW affiliate's pre-show missed this exchange.

-The CW's Female Host: What is the role you'd love to do next. If you could do anything following 'The Wrestler' what would it be?

-Mickey Rourke: (Slowly eyes her up from head to toe with a knowing smile and walks off.)

-I know a lot of people care about fashion, ...

Bruce Banner has been traveling the globe in search of the antidote that will allow him to break free from his primal alter ego, but both the warmongers who long to exploit him for their own gain and a horrific creature known as The Abomination are determined to stop him from achieving his noble goal in The Incredible Hulk. Also on DVD: The Strangers.

Iron Man writers Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby recently told MTV News that the Hulk could be the villain in The Avengers movie slated for release sometime in 2011.

“I hope ‘The Avengers’ embraces that,” Fergus said of having the Hulk as misunderstood baddie. “You don’t want like 10 super-badass good guys fighting together. Where’s the fun in that? Let’s break it off a little. Friends or colleagues who become enemies is always an interesting thing because you know it’s based on love and friendship and that’s always the worst thing to have turn bad — is someone you actually care about and ...

It will be one "dark knight" this October as Spike TV presents the third annual "SCREAM," a celebration of the best in horror, sci-fi, fantasy and comic genres.

Taping on Saturday, October 18 from The Greek Theater in Los Angeles, CA, "SCREAM 2008" will premiere on Spike TV Tuesday, October 21 (9:00- 11:00 PM, ET/PT). Show host, presenters and musical performers to be announced shortly.

"We're incredibly honored to have the support of such luminaries in the creative community to help determine the nominees for 'SCREAM 2008,'" says Casey Patterson, senior vice president, event prod...

Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in Batman Begins sequel The Dark Knight has been named the summer's best movie villain.

The late actor, who died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in January, won 95 per cent of the votes in a poll conducted by Moviefone.com-- easily beating off competition from Cate Blanchett's villainous Indiana Jones soviet agent foe.

The Aussie actress' Irina Spalko came in second with two per cent of the vote.

Iron Man's nemesis Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) tied with The Incredible Hulk's Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) and The Mummy: Tomb of ...

Actress Liv Tyler hopes to follow in the footsteps of her rocker father Steven Tyler by launching a singing career. The Incredible Hulk star plans to fulfill a lifelong ambition of singing onstage - just like her Aerosmith star father.

And she hopes to make her stage debut in a New York musical.

She says, "I would love to do a musical - like on Broadway. That's like the dream of my whole life.

"I always wanted to be a singer. Or get to sing. I haven't been able to do that, and I would love to do that."

- Liv Tyler Photos

(This news article provided by World Enterta...

(Hollywoodchicago) – With only three short words comprising the film’s enigmatic title, “The Dark Knight” also boasts three epic claims to fame: the role of a lifetime for the late Heath Ledger as the hauntingly deranged Joker, one of the best films of 2008 and one of the greatest superhero films of all time.

In a year when Hollywood has the superhero woody comparable to when westerns where the greatest thing since sliced bread, “The Dark Knight” not only fares well against blockbuster competition with films like “Iron Man” and “The Incredible Hulk” but also manages to rise above chart...

(Hollywoodchicago) – Hellboy is plugged as the world’s brawniest, kitten-loving superhero. While that paradox is supposed to be both funny and action packed, “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” from famed writer and director Guillermo del Toro falls flat on the funny front and instead winds up on the funny farm.

Amid a superhero-laden 2008 with true blockbusters including “The Dark Knight” (opening on July 18, 2008), “Iron Man,” “Hancock,” “The Incredible Hulk” and “Punisher: War Zone” (opening on Dec. 5, 2008), “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” had just as much potential but reveals only semi-b...

(Hollywoodchicago) – With superhero films as hot in 2008 as psychedelics were in the 1960s, the new blockbuster superhero film “Hancock” fits in with the label but without any of the ancestry.

While 2008 superhero films such as “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “The Dark Knight,” “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” and “Punisher: War Zone” (along with “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” coming in 2009) are all based on previous stories with a previously ravenous fan base, “Hancock” with an alcoholic and listless Will Smith and Charlize Theron – who hides a surprise bombshell – literally comes from n...

"I was such a late bloomer. I had no boobs and looked so young. None of the guys ever liked me. I had two gorgeous girlfriends, and I felt guys were always trying to be my friends so they could pursue them." Anna Faris was desperate for male attention as a teen.

"I grew up in Georgia, so I grew up around guns. There were many guns in the house. No one ever got hurt." Saving Grace star Holly Hunter reveals her dangerous Southern roots helped build her tough-girl persona.

The success of animated robot movie Wall-E has given top studio Pixar it's ninth successive U.S. box office numb...

Liv Tyler has laughed off rumors she is dating her Incredible Hulk co-star Edward Norton, insisting their relationship is "strictly platonic".

The newly-single actress prompted speculation when she raved about Norton's buff physique while promoting the new movie. She claims she found love scenes intimidating: "because his body looks so much more beautiful than mine!'"

Star magazine goes a step further, with sources alleging they are already an item. However Tyler's representative insists their friendship "is and has always been platonic".

Tyler split from her rocker husban...

Original Hulk Lou Ferrigno is planning to cash in on the 70s TV show's memorabilia, which has been gathering dust in his attic.

The 56-year-old bodybuilder collected everything available when he appeared as The Incredible Hulk on TV from 1978 to 1982 and, with the success of the latest movie adaptation, he feels sure it's time to sell up.

Ferrigno, who appears briefly as a security guard in the new Hulk movie and gives the angry green giant his voice in the film, says, "I think it might be time to sell it. I have the largest collection of Hulk memorabilia in the world - everything...