Ed Norton OUT of The Avengers

[gantz]

In news I had hoped would never eventuate has

Marvel have chosen to go with another actor, basically destroying the amazing continuity they established Marvel Studio's to do!

And worse, they (Kevin BLOODY Fiege) released a press release, which is basically defamation towards Mr. Norton. It was a rude, blatant lie on their behalf, which most fans around the world have condemened as basically childish and completely the wrong way to go about a situation like this.

"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."



The reply form Ed's Agent :

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.


And of course, Ed's say:

As most of you know, I don't like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience's fullest enjoyment of the 'magic' that films can have. But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and the Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So here goes: It seems it won't work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in "The Avengers." I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone but it hasn't turned out as we all hoped. I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be a part of the Hulk's long and excellent history. And I really can't thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you've sent me way about what Louis and I tried to do in our turn with the legend. It means a lot to me. I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been a fan of every incarnation. I'm really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that's why we love him, right?

Sincerely,
Edward Norton



So it would seem, really that either Marvel plan to not actually have Banner appear in The Avengers and to only have Hulk, or this is the beginning of them becoming a typical movie studio with likenesses to that of Sony or Fox.

This has diminished a lot of hope I had for The Avengers (Joss Whedon please dont make it Black Widow and The Female Avengers featuring some dudes lol) but with what seems to be them not at all worried about non fans and the confusion this will cause them ('Oh hey is that some other guy that can turn into a Hulk?' 'nope thats the same guy, kind of.' 'well thats just stupid!') guess we'll have to wait for Comic-Con

Sorry for the rant guys, but I prefer to post this kind of stuff with more like minded, mature(?) people than some of the other social networks I am apart of.

[5FDP]

That is disappointing. I'm a big fan of Ed Norton ever since I saw American History X and Fight Club. The latest Hulk movie was meh (but better than the one with Eric Bana), but it would have been nice to have him join the cast of The Avengers for consistency sake.

[Sharky]

do they really need bruce banner in the movie.... apart from a scene at the end where he is lying face down smoking in a crater........i imagine hulk will be pure smashing no time for puny banner....

[gantz]

another problem being that in TIH, it was Ed's likeness they used for The Hulk, him now being out, well Hulk now look different?

Probably, which will just add to the confusion

[1AZRAEL1]

I saw that, I was dissapointed as well. It would be good if they contiued to use the same actors, makes for a better movie IMO. In some way, I can't look passed the fact they replace actors. Rachel in the last 2 Batman movies was difficult, but those movies were awesome anyway

[Gutsman Heavy]

Idiots! Norton is the greatest actor of this generation!

[1AZRAEL1]

Mark Ruffalo to Play Hulk in The Avengers?

[5FDP]

Mark Ruffalo to Play Hulk in The Avengers?

Who?

[1AZRAEL1]

Who?

That's what I thought. I think they did say they wanted to go with an unknown, which is silly IMO

[Bartrim]

Mark Ruffalo isn't an unknown. He has mainly worked on romantic comedies
(Rumour has it, Suddenly 30) He was also in Zodiac too. He is a decent actor. I'm happy with this choice (Not happy that Norton got the boot but as far as a sub goes I think he'll do the job)