More Hulk Movie Rumors And Clarifications

For a company that doesn't comment on rumors or speculation, Marvel Studios or at least their directors and actors are doing an awful lot of commenting on recent Hulk movie rumors. After Joss Whedon called Planet Hulk movie rumors nonsense earlier this week, he has now opened up to Deadline with more clarification on what he thinks in regards to a new Hulk movie. Joss Whedon said, "The Hulk is the most difficult Marvel property because it's always about balance. Is he a monster? Is he a hero? Are you going to root for a protagonist who spends all his time trying to stop the reason you came to the movie from happening? It's always a dance. I don't think the first two movies nailed it, but I don't envy them the task. It was easier to have him in a group than to build everything around him. I don't think there would be any problem getting a movie together that had enough Banner, even if there was also Hulk. But if he was only Hulk for the entire movie I think Mark [Ruffalo] at some point would go, why am I here? I would be less inclined to pursue a storyline where the Hulk is only ever the Hulk. Mark [Ruffalo] and I loved the Hulk and went over and over the concept of rage and how it should manifest, and that part of it was fascinating to both of us. But when it comes time for the Hulk he has to put on the silliest damn pajamas you ever saw, a tiara made of balls, and a bunch of dots on his face and growl around like an idiot. The real heart of the experience ultimately becomes playing Banner. And people fell in love with Banner because I think Mark has you from the first time he shows up." While Whedon doesn't mention the Planet Hulk movie rumors directly in his clarification on a Hulk movie, the statement that he would be less inclined to pursue a storyline where the Hulk is only ever the Hulk is a clear reference to Planet Hulk. Whedon definitely seems to pointing out that if a Hulk movie does move forward that it's going to be one that heavily incorporates Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner. Of course, some might argue this doesn't necessarily rule out Planet Hulk, because Marvel Studios never follows the comic books exactly in their movies. There could always be some new spin on Planet Hulk that heavily incorporates Banner. In addition to Joss Whedon, Mark Ruffalo has also recently spoken out on the prospects of a Hulk movie. Earlier this week, Ruffalo denied that a stand alone Hulk movie was in the works, but he has just issued a clarification. Via his official Twitter account, Mark Ruffalo said, "Just to be totally clear. I did not say there was not going to ever be a stand alone Hulk film. I said there wasn't one in the works now."