Edward Norton is no longer playing the Hulk in Joss Whedon’s ‘The Avengers’. Instead Marvel has opted to go with an unknown. Word on the street is that Norton was just a pain to work with on ‘The incredible Hulk’. The studio had this to say, “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.” Norton’s agent of course responded harshly saying that Marvel’s announcement was “misleading and inappropriate”. Norton had this to say on his Facebook page:
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 my 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
Marvel has already been pretty brazen with their dealings with actors by lowballing salaries. Now they obviously have no problem switching out actors, big or small. Do you think this was a good choice by Marvel?
I Think it was a Dum thing marvel did to Edward Norton picture deal contract to turn norton down for another actor.