So, with only hours before the Marvel movie panel there’s a report from Deadline that the deal is done and Marvel are hoping to haul Ruffalo in front of the waiting world when The Avengers gather at Comic Con.

This would bring the nasty saga of Marvel’s Hulk casting to a close with the third actor to play the character in a decade. I guess we’ll see…

Previously on HeyUGuys…

Comic Con is the place to stand up and champion your latest movie, quash or confirm rumours, or show off your latest hired gun to the gathered faithful, and Marvel know well the power of San Diego

So far we’ve traversed the Edward Norton/Marvel poppycock parade and we know that the name of Mark Ruffalo was thrown into the rumour hurricane and all eyes are now on Comic Con to see if a surprise guest makes an appearance this weekend concerning the forthcoming Avengers film.

Joss Whedon confirmed what we all knew (and hoped) to be true, that he’ll be directing the film for Marvel and The Wrap are stoking the fires and talking up the supposedly furious negotiations between Marvel and Ruffalo’s people going on behind the Comic Con curtain.

To unveil a new Hulk at Comic Con, and particularly if it turns out to be Ruffalo, would be a great coup for Marvel and go some way in regaining some credibility after the notorious statement from Kevin Feige regarding Norton’s future in the Marvel universe. According to the report above there’s a sticking point regarding the number of films Ruffalo would be signing up for, but time is not on Marvel’s side.

It won’t kill the film if Ruffalo (or whoever) isn’t announced at Comic Con, not by a long shot,  but there’s a golden opportunity to put their new man front and centre in front of the fans.

So, while there’s absolutely no confirmation there’s plenty of potential to excite fans, and that’s what Comic Con is all about…