Marvel Studios announced today that Hollywood starlet Liv Tyler will join the cast of the highly-anticipated, new big screen adaptation of The Incredible Hulk. Tyler has signed on to play Betty Ross, the longtime love interest of Dr. Bruce Banner aka The Hulk. She joins two-time Academy Award® nominee Edward Norton who has already been cast in the title role. The film, which is being directed by Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2, Unleashed), and distributed by Universal Pictures, is scheduled to smash into theaters on June 13, 2008.
As Betty Ross, Tyler will take on the lead female role. Ross is a scientist and has been Bruce Banner’s key ally in the quest to rid him of the Hulk. Bruce’s condition has immensely complicated their longtime romance, and has finally forced Betty to try to put the past behind her. The new movie’s story unfolds when the pursuit for The Hulk – the world’s most misunderstood, primal force of fury – heats up, finding Bruce Banner on the run attempting to cure his condition before his pursuers capture him. This chase is something that Betty cannot ignore – sweeping her right back into Bruce’s life and the heart-pounding action that follows.
Tyler first came to the attention of Hollywood in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Stealing Beauty. Shortly thereafter, Tyler earned starring roles in several successful movies, including That Thing You Do!, and Inventing the Abbotts. Her featured performances in the blockbuster sensations Armageddon and more recently “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy further solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s hottest actresses. Tyler will next appear on the big screen in the upcoming comedy Smother and the horror thriller The Strangers.
“Liv is not only a classic Hollywood beauty, but an undeniable talent. Her roles in such blockbusters as ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and indie favorites like ‘Stealing Beauty’ have helped her develop a unique blend of dramatic and action-adventure experience that are perfectly suited for taking on Betty Ross,” said Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios. “We believe the chemistry between her and Edward Norton will explode on screen, adding another compelling dimension to the film.”
Filming on The Incredible Hulk is slated to begin in Toronto this summer.
The Incredible Hulk film is being produced by Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd and Kevin Feige and will be executive produced by Jim Van Wyck, David Maisel, Ari Arad and Stan Lee. Tyler is represented by David Guillod of United Talent Agency and managed by David Schiff of The Schiff Company.
Universal Pictures will distribute The Incredible Hulk film both domestically and in various international territories.
Source: Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
