[QUOTE]And who says that those in power never listen to the common man? Yesterday we reported that Marvel Studios was allegedly going to go with a new actor to play Bruce Banner/the Hulk in their big action ensemble, The Avengers. Edward Norton had previously played the tortured scientist/purple pants enthusiast in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, but got into a bit of tiff with Marvel execs over his script and the focus of the movie. But late last night Marvel Studios released a statement to HitFix explaining away the whole situation.
And for a Hollywood statement, it’s a remarkably candid document:
“We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.”
Wow. There was no, “We had separate visions” or “We enjoyed working with Ed Norton and wish him all the best,” or any other typical Hollywood breakup boilerplate. What kind of a colossal dick must Norton have been to Marvel for them to publicly announce that they’re only looking for easy collaborators and actors who work well with others, and that ain’t you, babe? The “this isn’t about money at all, by the way” proviso is just salt in the wound.
Color me disappointed that Norton won’t be reprising his role as Bruce Banner; I thought his Hulk was an underrated superhero flick and he had the perfect demeanor and build for puny Banner. At least Marvel is now saying that a “name actor” will be filling the role now, rather than the complete unknown rumored yesterday. As an astute commenter wrote yesterday, they could always cast Eric Bana just to complete the circle.
UPDATE
Damn, this is getting contentious. Norton’s agent, Brian Swardstrom of WME has just responded with the following statement:
“This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.
We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige’s mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige’s statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel’s fans.
Well, spoiler alert for anyone going to the Marvel panel at ComiCon — looks like you’re gonna get a glimpse of the whole cast together. Photo-ops aside, this is a nice little sally square back to Marvel Studios. It was ballsy of them to flat-out call Ed Norton uncooperative but sometimes ballsy will get you a punch right in the kisser.
Of course, this might all just be the greatest amount of pre-production character work ever done. After all, the whole reason why the Avengers were founded was to hunt down the Hulk and ultimately, isn’t that what’s going on right now?[/QUOTE]
[url]http://www.movieline.com/2010/07/marvel-to-norton-sorry-but-youre-kind-of-a-jerk.php[/url]
somehow I REALLY doubt that Norton actually did anything to be dropped aside from wanting more money than they were willing to give him.
I was sad when I heard this.
Yeah, Norton did a hell of a better job than Bana did, he was pretty much perfect for the part.
Plus, Norton is an amazing actor even if Banna did do a better job.
I disagree, Bana seemed like a horrible Bruce Banner.
Well this is just great. A new actor for every recent iteration of the Hulk.
[QUOTE=Lambadvanced;23305009]I disagree, Bana seemed like a horrible Bruce Banner.[/QUOTE]
I worded that wrong. I know Norton did a better job. I meant if Banna HAD done a better job, I still would rather had Norton.
They should make the hulk Jason Statham.
Both Hulk movies were decent... neither were great. The newer one is a LITTLE better than the first. The first is a bit more satirical with hulk than this newer grittier one.
Edward Norton is great... but I really couldn't give a shit about this Avenger crap.
most authentic hulk: [img]http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/080612/ferrigno-hulk_l.jpg[/img]
Just because it's the original, that doesn't automatically make it the best.
[QUOTE=Habsburg;23305144]They should make the hulk Jason Statham.[/QUOTE]
But he would make a terrible scientist guy.
[QUOTE=Lambadvanced;23305193]Just because it's the original, that doesn't automatically make it the best.[/QUOTE]
I didn't say it was. Just saying its the most authentic depiction :v:
the new movie was a little TOO like how I thought it would be, the depiction of hulk the bana one was a bit naff to be perfectly honest, decent movie though.
[QUOTE=POLOPOZOZO;23305201]But he would make a terrible scientist guy.[/QUOTE]
[B][I]EPINEPH-WHAT?![/I][/B]
/caps
I bet Norton's pretty pissed. Brace yourselves, you guys
Fuck, I thought Norton did a really good job. I doubt that the next person to take up the mantle will be as good as Norton, but i'm prepared to be made wrong.
Yeah, I was pretty disappointed to hear this as well. I liked both Eric Bana (Bana = Banner lol) and Edward Norton, but I ultimately prefer Norton's performance. I would have loved to see him play the in a Hulk film one more time, but what can you do?
According to IGN Edward Norton's agent or something 'Hulked out' and responded to Kevin Feige's reasons to drop him.
[URL]http://movies.ign.com/articles/110/1105320p1.html[/URL]
Kevin Feige's resoning:
[URL]http://movies.ign.com/articles/110/1105188p1.html[/URL]
And I just saw now that Norton responded to the events:
[URL]http://movies.ign.com/articles/110/1105562p1.html[/URL]
Norton is a great actor, but he was pretty shit as the Hulk. Bana did a much better job.
This disappoints me.
[QUOTE=TAU!;23314893]Norton is a great actor, but he was pretty shit as the Hulk. Bana did a much better job.[/QUOTE]
You're almost 100% alone on this.
I never really followed the Avengers much... is Spider-Man going to be in this movie at all? I have doubts since there are issues with who would play the role but he's still one of the most iconic Marvel heroes.
im happy with this. hes a great actor but not for the hulk.
Norton has told me about viruses before. He must play the hulk.
It sucks to see that the incredible hulk movies has to go through some incredibly stupid shit. Now with The Avengers? They should just drop anything that has to do with the hulk along with The Avengers.
dropping Edward Norton was a grave mistake on their part.
[QUOTE=DrKinkyKinkles;23315672]I never really followed the Avengers much... is Spider-Man going to be in this movie at all? I have doubts since there are issues with who would play the role but he's still one of the most iconic Marvel heroes.[/QUOTE]
From what I understand it's just going to be: Iron Man, War Machine (not sure as part of the initiative or a side character (probably the former)), Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Giant Man, Wasp, and I think I'm forgetting some or one.
Oh god, apparently they want Joaquin Phoenix to fill the role.
[QUOTE=Lambadvanced;23320312]Oh god, apparently they want Joaquin Phoenix to fill the role.[/QUOTE]
Everytime I here his name, this:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuO75_hJgCQ[/media]
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