movies/tv The Hulk in Marvels Cinematic Universe

[El Duderino 879]

So I have been thinking about this all day and I can't find a clear answer, so I've decided to ask you guys.

 

"The Incredible Hulk" movie from 2008 starred Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, but "The Avengers" starred Mark Ruffalo as the same character. Now, I know why Ed Norton did not play Banner in the Avengers, I am not asking why there is just a different actor, but what has been bothering me is how both movies are canon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

 

In the universe "The Avengers" takes place in, the events of "The Incredible Hulk" also took place. There is even a scene after the credits in "The Incredible Hulk" where Tony Stark (A.K.A. Robert Downy Jr.) shows up.

My questions for you guys are: 

 

Is there a canon explanation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for why the Bruce Banner from "The Incredible Hulk" is not the same Bruce Banner from "The Avengers"?

 

If not, then do you have any theories?

[White 189]

It's simple, Bruce Banner did facial surgery, either to hide his indentity, or he is just the number one fan of Mark Ruffalo.

[Banul 3,831]

Not really, the audience is asked to suspend their disbelief and accept Edward Norton and Mark Ruffalo as being the same guy. You'll note that nobody ever says, "WOW HULK YOU SURE LOOK DIFFERENT". From the character's perspective, nothing changed.