Are 'The Avengers' on their way to San Diego Comic-Con?

Will the Hulk join Captain America, Thor and Iron Man on stage in Hall H on Saturday?

Credit: Marvel

Marvel may end the movie portion of San Diego's Comic-Con with the official debut with Earth's Mightest Heroes.   A report this afternoon indicated the long rumored recruitment of Mark Ruffalo to play Bruce Banner, also known as The Incredible Hulk, in Joss Whedon's "The Avengers" was close to being finalized.  HitFix contacted Marvel Studios' reps who issued a "no comment" to the signing.

Ruffalo would replace Edward Norton who played Banner in 2008's "The Incredible Hulk."  The two parties had quite a following out that was chronicled exclusively on HitFix almost two weeks ago. 

Rumors have been flying that Marvel wanted Ruffalo signed so he could appear on stage alongside the rest of "The Avengers," during the company's "Thor" and "Captain America: The First Avengers" panel Saturday evening.  With Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Chris Evans (Captain America) already in attendance, only Robert Downey, Jr. (Iron Man), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), possibly Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) and Ruffalo would be needed to have the entire super hero team appear on stage.  Neither Marvel or distributor Paramount Pictures have confirmed that is the plan.

Look for continuing coverage of this story including interviews with the cast of "Thor" tomorrow and Sunday on HitFIx.