BREAKING NEWS: Marvel made it official: Mark Ruffalo will play The Hulk in The Avengers.

Rumors of Ruffalo being cast in the role have been floating around since mid-July when it became public knowledge that Edward Norton who starred in the Incredible Hulk in 2008 was to be replaced by a yet-to-be-named actor. But the rumors were confirmed during tonight’s Marvel panel at San Diego Comic-Con, along with confirmation that Oscar-nominated actor Jeremy Renner will play Hawkeye.

The role will be a huge departure for Ruffalo, who is mostly known for his work in dramas such as Shutter Island and his breakout role in the 2000 Oscar-nominated indie You Can Count on Me.

The Avengers, which is expected to hit theaters on May 4, 2012, will be directed by Joss Whedon, and will star a number of superheros played by Robert Downey, Jr., Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson.