Looks like stringbean Edward Norton has been signed by Marvel Studios to play Bruce Banner (and the big green guy) in The Incredible Hulk (which is the sequel to the 1996 Ang Lee directed film Hulk).

Louis Leterrier is set to direct the drama that begins with Banner on the run, trying to avoid capture long enough to cure the condition that turns him into a misunderstood green menace. The role definitely marks a return to mainstream films for Norton, who has mostly been doing the indie circuit recently with Down in the Valley, The Painted Veil and The Illusionist. Time to come back to the big bucks!

Norton takes over a role played by Eric Bana in the last film, and we hope to see something more in line with the comic series and TV show this time. They’ve got the talent – as Stan Lee is exec-producing and the script being written by Zak Penn (he helped whip up two X-Men flicks, Fantastic Four and Elektra for Marvel – so we have high expectations!

The movie starts shooting this summer in Toronto with a June 13, 2008 release date. We can’t wait!