Marvel To Norton: Sorry But You're Kind Of A Jerk [UPDATE]
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?
· EXCLUSIVE: Marvel confirms they will hire new 'Hulk' for 'The Avengers' [HitFix]
· EXCLUSIVE: Edward Norton's agent responds to Marvel Chief's statement' [HitFix]
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Comments
wowsa. I like Norton but it sounds like he took a dump on the studio head's grandmother or something.
Smells like a real cheap shot by Marvel to save their behinds since people were so disappointed in the re-casting. So now they decide to slander an Actor just to make themselves look better? This shows an incredible lack of class on Marvel's part. Was really looking forward to all of the upcoming Films but now I feel that the Films will be tainted by Marvel turning into "The Big Machine". So, nice job Marvel. This statement leads me to believe that You are the a$$holes (money symbols are no accident) not Norton.
It's Hollywood. Everyone involved, and even not involved is an A$$hole.
I love how in Hollywood honesty is spun as slander. The statement was hardly malicious and this situation is definitely in line with Norton's MO as a difficult actor. Re-casting Norton certainly isn't the end of the world and the "disappointment" has been muted at best.
Life goes on.
Karma's a bitch, just like Marvel and Norton.
If my co-worker and I don't get along and I blurt out that my co-worker is a bit of a jerk and can't work well with others and I say this on the sales floor where all of the customers can hear that isn't honesty, that's poor taste & lack of class. I agree...life does go on and it's not a big deal. Unless You are Edward Norton (or any Artist for that matter) who are trying to do their job to the best of their ability and because he/they don't behave like good little money makers and do what they are told then they are shat upon and labeled "Difficult". We should all just shut our mouths and become the pathetic little McDonald's Actors that we so gladly consume today. But who cares anyway, right. It's just Hollywood.
Two words: Eric Bana.
hahaha
Norton was a fan of the comics and wanted to build the character gradually in the movie, hence why he insisted on rewrite. Marvel wanted green (skin) early in the movie so they could make green ($$$) early at the box office.
Given the quality of Norton's various films and some of the Marvel comic movies being mindless tripe (e.g. Fantastic Bore, Ghost Writher, etc.), I'll believe Norton over them.
While Norton's version of the Hulk was better than the Ang Lee version (as a Hulk comic collector) it wasn't even close to epic. Going with a better team player over Norton on a ensemble movie seems fine to me - especially if they bring Bana back as Bruce. If they could only fit in a Hulk movie between now and the Avengers that would introduce the permanent smart green Hulk - then they would only have to worry about a voice actor.
Norton's had a reputation for not being a team player for a while - this story is no surprise.
BRING BACK LOU FERRIGNO!!!
Someday they will learn they only hurt themselves changing actors every film, but the Punisher is doing great so maybe I am wrong.
No wait..... the Punisher so far has been lackluster in comparison to Iron Man and Spider Man.
I didn't think either of the Hulk films lived up to what they should've been with such a great character but it was neither Bana's or Norton's fault. Iron Man II was also vastly inferior to the first one so I would expect that Marvel will continue its downward slide.
Marvel doesn't likes Norton when he is angry...
"What kind of a colossal dick must Norton have been to Marvel"
You know how these things are. Somebody says something to somebody with no offense intended. Somebody else takes offense, and replies with some offense intended. Eventually it escalates into outright lies and slander, and sometimes even violence.
If you can get the two parties to sit down and tell their stories rationally, you might be able to piece together what happened, but that never happens.
We will probably never know what happened between Kevin Feige and Edward Norton. I am OK with that, as it is their business anyway.
As a lifelong Hulk fan, I'm disappointed. Norton and Downey were the main reasons I was excited for Avengers. I thought Ed did a great job, and in fact had great chemistry with Tyler. Bana is no slouch, but he was awful, though I attribute that more to Lee's direction. In any event, I think it IS about money. After several weeks of negotiation it breaks down? That's usually when personality enters the picture. Too bad for Marvel, the Avengers, and fans.
Can someone explain this phrase: "this is a nice little sally square back to Marvel Studios" to me?
I can't figure out whether it's "little sally" or "sally square" or "little sally square" that is the turn of phrase escaping me, but I have never seen these words strung together this way.
Well that makes a lot of sense dude.
Lou
http://www.privacy-tools.es.tc
Two Words: Publicity Stunt!! He is gonna show up at Comic Con pretending to be angry then Joss will calm him down and offer him the role in front of thousands of fans...
When the statement's second sentence is about how this is all "definitely not one based on monetary factors," you know that's exactly what it's about. (p.s. who uses the phrase "monetary factors" anyway? Sheesh.)
Your puns are so clever, the keep me coming back for more!
Actually they were very careful not to slam Norton.
My guess is that it was about money, to a degree. They can't and won't talk about details of the contracts but I would not be shocked if they were unhappy with the fact that Norton didn't take what they offered with a smile, as a 'team player'. Or perhaps demanded script approval (which no one else demanded) or some other non salary item that they felt was out of the norm.
So since they didn't agree with the demands, they simply moved on to someone newer who would be thrilled to be in the film and wouldn't raise a fuss.
As for the 'continuity' gripers. Norton was a replacement himself.
i don't care who they cast as Bruce Banner but i did like Eric Bana as Bruce. but all i care about is i hope they get the Hulk design right the edward norton hulk look fake but ang lee's hulk was just too tall
i think ang lee's hulk was the best hulk was great he was just too tall
he looked like he was really there 2008s hulk look like a video game too fake
Your editorializing kinda sukz. YOU may have created all of the bad vibes in your creation of this bogus article! Say what you will, Norton is a great actor and, jealous as you may be, may have had genuine insight into playing the role and not have been someone you could identify with: "kind of a jerk"
The Marvel dudes know what they need to do to make the movie work, so I get that, but clearly, if this was a reality show, Ed Norton's 'confessional' would contain the words "threw me under the bus" and Marvel's would show up on the "I'm not here to make friends" list.
How about Jim Norton instead? Bruce banner could be on a search to find a chin? Ramoooooonne!
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