Caffeinated Clint
Update #2 Norton’s agent, Brian Swardstrom of WME, tells HitFix that Feige’s statement is full of falsities. “This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light”, says Swardstrom, adding ”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.”
Read more: Edward Norton’s Agent Says Marvel’s Statement About Hulk Recasting is “Misleading, Inappropriate” | /Film http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/07/11/edward-nortons-agent-says-marvels-statement-about-hulk-recasting-is-misleading-inappropriate/#ixzz0tQYx20TY
Read more: Edward Norton’s Agent Says Marvel’s Statement About Hulk Recasting is “Misleading, Inappropriate” | /Film http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/07/11/edward-nortons-agent-says-marvels-statement-about-hulk-recasting-is-misleading-inappropriate/#ixzz0tQYkI9rH
Update! Marvel’s Kevin Feige has confirmed the HitFix rumour, telling the site that they will be announcing Norton’s replacement in the coming weeks (I’m guessing, he will be unveiled at Comic Con). Despite the article’s insistence that an “unknown” will be playing Banner, Feige says they’ve actually cast a name. Hmm, wonder if David Duchovny got another look-in? He did, after all, come pretty close to snagging the role from Eric Bana, when Uni were casting Ang Lee’s “Hulk”. But then, so did Jeff Goldblum. Both guys are likely too old now, I guess? Probably some youngster donning the purple shorts.
20th Century Fox smartens up, Marvel puts money over merit ? Wonders will never cease!
Sorry to say, you can forget about Edward Norton reprising the role of Bruce Banner (from “The Incredible Hulk”) for “The Avengers”. Though Norton was keen to join Robert Downey Jr, Samuel L.Jackson, Chris Pine, Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson in the Joss Whedon-directed superhero blockbuster, Marvel has reportedly refused to pay the actor’s [understandably] stout fee.
HitFix says Marvel has decided to cast an “unknown” in the part. That actor will likely be unveiled at Comic Con in a couple of weeks time.
The Hulk is believed to be the ‘villain’ of the film, so it’s a sizable role.
Now, look, I understand that “The Avengers” is already shaping up to be quite an expensive endearing – what with the price-tags of actors like Downey and Jackson, and the astronomical visual and special-effects requirements – but considering the money that Marvel are likely to make on the film, let alone have made on their past films, you’d think they could find a few million to rehire Norton!?
Norton’s absence likely won’t hurt the film’s chances at the box office, but it will irk fans; and it’d be a real shame to have to have someone else fill the part – especially after setting up the “Avengers” crossover in “Incredible Hulk”! And witnessing how splendid a job Norton did as Banner first-time around! (He nailed it. As far as I’m concerned – now granted, I’ve never read the comics, I’ve only ever watched “The Incredible Hulk” series – I thought he really embodied Banner; his performance, wonderfully tragic). But shit, gotta say, I’m sick to death of seeing new actors play Banner – I mean, this new chap (whoever this “affordable” sap is) will be the third to play the comic book hero. And lets be honest, they likely won’t find anyone as good as Norton. Na-ah.
If they’re going to do “Avengers”, Marvel should do it properly. Pay Norton his wage. The film will be better off for it in the long run.
