Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has reportedly been approached to play the Incredible Hulk in the forthcoming Avengers movie.

The Shutter Island star has reportedly been approached by Marvel Studios to take on the role of Bruce Banner and his superhero alter ego in the forthcoming comic book blockbuster The Avengers.

Edward Norton was dropped from the film and Ruffalo was brought in. According to a source, Ruffalo is in “late-stage discussions between Marvel and his brand-new agency, United Talent, to play this key member of The Avengers ensemble”.

Earlier this week, Walk the Line star Joaquin Phoenix, who claimed to be retiring from acting in 2008 to pursue a rap career, was also linked to the role.

Norton was dropped from the 2012 movie earlier this week, with the president of production, Kevin Feige, fuming over the actor’s attitude.

“Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors but rooted from the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members,” Feige said.

However, Norton’s representative hit back claiming that his client had been in discussions to return to playing the part but Marvel pulled out even though both parties were about to make a deal.

“This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, an inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light,” said the representative.

In The Avengers, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L Jackson are all expected to reprise their roles previously featured in the other Marvel movies including Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America