Marvel Studios has cast the actor as the Hulk's alter-ego nuclear physicist Dr. Bruce Banner. He will take over the role from Eric Bana, reports Variety magazine.
The storyline will see Banner, who is on the run from the US military, trying to cure himself of the condition that turns him into the giant green monster.
Co-producer Kevin Feige said: "The film will be a fun, high-octane event. We could not be more excited about this project." The latest movie is expected to be less serious and more in tune with the comic book series than 2003's 'Hulk', which was directed by Ang Lee.
'Hulk' opened strongly, but failed to match the box office takings of other Marvel films such as 'Spider-Man', 'X-Men' and 'Ghost Rider'.
Louis Leterrier, who previously worked on 'The Transporter', will direct the movie, while Zak Penn – who wrote the 'X-Men' sequels – will pen the script.
Filming is due to begin this summer, with a scheduled release of June 2008.