Trivia about The Avengers * Joe Carnahan was in talks to direct the film before Joss Whedon got the job. * Edward Norton was originally set to reprise his role from The Incredible Hulk (2008) but negotiations between him and Marvel Studios broke down. Norton was replaced with Mark Ruffalo . * Jeremy Renner was said to be taking archery lessons for his role as Hawkeye. * The film is the first Marvel film to be distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. * Before Mark Ruffalo was cast as Hulk, Joaquin Phoenix was rumored for the part. * Morena Baccarin, Jessica Lucas, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Cobie Smulders screen tested for the role of Agent Maria Hill. Smulders was eventually cast. * Lou Ferrigno returns as the voice of the CGI-made Incredible Hulk. His voice was ble