No Edward Norton for The Avengers

[flemm]

He also did a small cameo in the Ricky Gervais movie The Invention of Lying.

Realistically, there had to be some point of contention, with money or the size of the role being the most likely ones, or some combination thereof. If Norton was willing to do a cameo for peanuts, why wouldn't Marvel have said yes? Most likely he wanted more money or a more substantial role than the studio was willing to provide (and perhaps he deserved either one or both).

TiH was a fantastic adaptation of the character and a sequel should of been a lock.

I thought it was pretty damn good as well, to the point where I imagine the TPTB at Marvel must be quite concerned. I have difficulty imagining a reboot of the character that would be substantially better at capturing the essence the comic and presenting Banner and Hulk in a compelling way, yet it was not much of a success.

 

[Reverend]

From Marvel's statement, it looks as if they're not-so-subtly implying that Norton was being difficult or uncooperative in some fashion. Of course we'll probably never know what the real beef was but it's certainly not the norm for a major company to put out that kind of undiplomatic statement unless they have a really good reason.

 

[Yassim]

"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.

Not an uncreative prima donna like Norton.
Wow. WTF, Marvel?

Make whatever decision you need to make, but the name-calling is really out of line. Isn't it bizarre they call one of the most widely respected actors "uncreative"?

 

[T'Baio]

...plus the excellent TiH CG model...

Umm...what?

I loved Norton's Incredible Hulk, but the CG was one of the worst things about it.

 

[barnaclelapse]

Edward Norton will not be reprising his role as Dr. Bruce Banner, reports HitFix, who say that Marvel Studios plan to cast an unknown in the part.

The report theorizes that a deal could not be made, despite Edward Norton wanting to join the ensemble cast that will include Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Chris Evans as Captain America.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67821

That's too bad. Recasting the role is dumb though, it'll be better not to use the Hulk.

I don't know. I think an unknown would be fine. It's not like Norton was the definitive Hulk or anything (at least he wasn't to me).

 

[Silent_Bob]

He also did a small cameo in the Ricky Gervais movie The Invention of Lying.

Realistically, there had to be some point of contention, with money or the size of the role being the most likely ones, or some combination thereof. If Norton was willing to do a cameo for peanuts, why wouldn't Marvel have said yes? Most likely he wanted more money or a more substantial role than the studio was willing to provide (and perhaps he deserved either one or both).

I'm not so sure if money or size of the role was the issue at all. If the behind the scenes gossip about The Incredible Hulk is to be believed, Norton actively opposed changes and decisions he felt would harm the film, he didn't just go along with whatever the suits wanted.
I can imagine that after that experience Marvel would rather cast someone who will just do as he's told without kicking up a fuss when they decide to make a daft change or edit out a vital scene.

 

[M'rk son of Mogh]

^^
Agreed. His contract for the Avengers was sorted out with Incredible Hulk anyways, money wasn't the problem, or at least, the smallest factor.

I'm also wondering if Mr. Whedon has a hand in this. Working with someone like Norton (who was RIGHT, by the way, about the changes he wanted for Hulk, but the boss hates hearing they're doing something wrong from one of the groundlings!) might be something he's trying to avoid. With both of those egos clashing, someone would have to win and at this point it seems the director is more important than the actor. Which is a shame.

 

[Out Of My Vulcan Mind]

I'm also wondering if Mr. Whedon has a hand in this.

Whedon and Norton reportedly got on very well when they met about the film and were enthusiastic about working together. Of course things could have taken a later turn that's unknown to us, but it sounds like it was more of a clash between Feige and Norton more than anything else.

 

[flemm]

I'm not so sure if money or size of the role was the issue at all. If the behind the scenes gossip about The Incredible Hulk is to be believed, Norton actively opposed changes and decisions he felt would harm the film, he didn't just go along with whatever the suits wanted.
I can imagine that after that experience Marvel would rather cast someone who will just do as he's told without kicking up a fuss when they decide to make a daft change or edit out a vital scene.

Could be, obviously we're just speculating on the basis of not much. Possibly they felt it was simply one creative ego too many to be involved in the project. Possibly Feige is just being an asshole. That said, while I enjoy Norton's work and his performance as Banner, I don't think we can rule out that there might be some good reasons to prefer not having him involved in Avengers.

 

[captcalhoun]

i'm still going to see it.

 

[Caligula]

I am Jack's complete lack of surprise. I figured that one reason or another would keep Norton out of the project, but with SO MANY other people to look forward to in the cast I'm really not broken up over it.... despite how much respect I have for Edward Norton as an actor. I still believe the movie will do just fine despite his absence.

 

[Stone_Cold_Sisko]

Wow, Marvel's statement is a pretty big "fuck you" to Ed Norton. These things are usually handed with more finesse, at least in PR terms.

You know as much as I am enjoying the new Marvel movies... this isn't the first time I've gotten that "unprofessional" feeling from Marvel Studios. It's a little off-putting. Its like they know they have desirable franchises and they are using it as a license to be dicks.

Btw, what this means: "actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members." is that they don't want someone who wants to be creatively involved. Its imo a pretty clear reference to Norton fighting hard to have the 45 minutes of deleted scenes be put back in.

 

[Aragorn]

Ask Mickey Rourke or Samuel L. Jackson how unprofessional Marvel has been. Or Terrence Howard if you believe his side over theirs.

 

[Temis the Vorta]

Maybe they can get Ralph Kramden.

Took me a second...

I really want them to rethink this decision and cast Norton as Banner.

Rhodey getting replaced I can deal with. Especially since I've never really clicked on Terrance Howard... but come on...

I'm surprised at how distracting it was not to have Terrance Howard as Rhodey. Don Cheadle is a terrific actor, but he's just too dour or something for that particular role.

"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.

Not an uncreative prima donna like Norton.
Wow. WTF, Marvel?

Make whatever decision you need to make, but the name-calling is really out of line. Isn't it bizarre they call one of the most widely respected actors "uncreative"?

Stupid, stupid, stupid. It's so obviously a lie that why even bother? If they want an excuse, imply that Norton wanted too much money or screen time, and walked away when he didn't get what he wanted. That I could believe. But not creative or professional as an actor? Bullshit.

i'm still going to see it.

Me too. But I'll throw popcorn at the poor schmuck they recast for the role.

Well there's a question. Is there any actor who in theory would be acceptable as Banner now?

 

[JacksonArcher]

What about Sharlto Copley (District 9)?

 

[Nerys Myk]

Me too. But I'll throw popcorn at the poor schmuck they recast for the role

I thought you were all about the hotness of the actor involved.

 

[Harvey]

This really sucks. If Marvel is trying to create a coherent movie universe for their comic book properties, they're surely approaching it oddly. I suppose this means we'll never see the longer version of The Incredible Hulk, then, since they seem intent on spiting Norton?

 

[Temis the Vorta]

Me too. But I'll throw popcorn at the poor schmuck they recast for the role

I thought you were all about the hotness of the actor involved.

I will hold my fire for Timothy Olyphant.

 

[JacksonArcher]

This is getting ugly.

 

[Saul]

Well he is right, there was no need for Marvel to make a statement such as that. Just saying they wanted to go in a different direction is enough but what they said is adding salt to the wounds and puts the film in a bad light. If the rest of the cast go to comic con now the whole thing will be overshadowed by this.