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Get ready, true believers! This summer may see the realization of everyone’s favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-man to the silver screen, but the real fun may be yet to come. More Marvel movie mayhem is on the way according to geeked out Internet sources.

The director of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Ang Lee, is apparently bulking up production of the Incredible Hulk, with Eric Bana of Black Hawk Down fame cast as Dr. Bruce Banner, the clothes tearing alter ego of the metaphorical green beast. Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly is set to play his love interest, with supporting roles from Sam Elliott (who surprised me in We Were Soldiers) and Nick Nolte (who I think has withered into a piece of celery).

But the feast de la resistance has to be Daredevil. This often unheard of Marvel staple is undoubtedly my favorite costumed vigilante. Frank Miller’s unbelievably gripping and realistic portrayal of this blind yet sensory enhanced “Man Without Fear” comes alive in the masterpiece series he created with David Mazzucchelli called Born Again. This wonderful work of novella art completely changed my outlook on the comic book genre, providing safe haven to my inner geek.

From the looks of it, plans to touch on Miller territory are well underway in the script. Jennifer Garner of the hit TV show Alias has been cast as Elektra, the femme fatale ninja assassin who falls in love with Daredevil’s alter ego, Matt Murdock. In a surprise move, Michael Clark Duncan, the black and buff actor from The Green Mile, has been cast as DD’s notorious arch rival, Wilson Fisk, a.k.a. the Kingpin of Crime.

In another casting decision, that I’ll have to admit makes some sense, the lead role of the guy in red tights has been awarded to Ben Affleck. Somewhat ironically, scenes from a fictional DD movie being shot appear in a recent movie starring Affleck, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (keen observers and bonus material DVD watchers will have already picked up on this). The writer/director of the irreverent but comic book loving movie, Kevin Smith, has already admitted to a cameo in the new film on his website.

Well, there’s nothing left to say but… Comic book geeks, our time is nearing! Lay down your shame and walk proud!! Hollywood accepts you!!

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 31st, 2002 at 12:47 am and is filed under film. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.