Marvel sets 'The Hulk' release date

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Marvel Comics' superheros will take a stab at rescuing the Hollywood box office with a string of live-action films in development.

The comic book giant announced Tuesday that its latest reincarnation of "The Incredible Hulk" is shooting for a July 2008 release -- just two months after the scheduled release of "Iron Man."

Jon Favreau will direct "Iron Man," starring Robert Downey Jr. and Terrence Howard, but "Hulk" director Louis Leterrier has yet to set eyes on a leading man, Zap2It.com reported. Both films are expected to start production in early 2007.

Writers are on board to convert "Captain America," "Nick Fury," "Thor" and "The Avengers" to film, while writer/director Edgar Wright is at work on "Ant-Man."

Marvel said the "Black Panther," "Cloak & Dagger," "Doctor Strange," "Hawkeye," "Power Pack" and "Shang-Chi" are also being considered for the big screen.