Joaquin Phoenix Offered The Role Of Bruce Banner/The Hulk In 'The Avengers'?!?

This is starting to turn into a huge boxing match just over Bruce Banner and The Hulk. In the first round, it was announced that Marvel decided not to use Edward Norton as The Hulk in "The Avengers." We saw Marvel come out swinging in the second round with Marvel's President Kevin Feige releasing a statement that was described in his words on why Marvel decided against Edward Norton for the role. The third round gave us Norton's agent swinging back with a statement giving their side of the story of what all went down. The fourth round saw a quick jab by Edward Norton himself releasing a statement and his disappointment about not getting the role. You can read all the details by clicking here and now the fifth round is a comeback from Marvel and it looks to be a low blow but should only be taken as a rumor that Marvel has offered Joaquin Phoenix the role of Bruce Banner a.k.a. The Hulk in The Avengers.

According to CHUD:

Reliable sources tell me that Marvel has already put out an offer, and the actor they've spoken to is Joaquin Phoenix, believe it or not. Phoenix is taking time to mull over the offer and the bigger implications - Marvel may yet resurrect the Hulk franchise - but Marvel hopes to have him in place by Comic Con, which is when they want to announce their new Bruce Banner.

I'm going to leave this open cause I know the comments will fly but remember that this is currently on the rumor mill and shouldn't taken seriously until confirmed.