[UPDATE: Marvel Studios is officially recasting the Hulk for The Avengers movie - Edward Norton is out. Check out the end of the article for details.]
Since its inception, Marvel Studios has deliberately and carefully been building towards a unique and ambitious cinematic event- The Avengers. From the very first tease offered in the post-credits scene of Iron Man, fans have been salivating over the idea and watching with cautious optimism as piece after piece falls into place.
The Avengers was always going to be a challenging project for creative and logistical reasons but the glue holding it together was the excitement of seeing not only the iconic characters on screen together, but also the familiar faces of the actors we’ve come to associate with them — which makes this latest development appear to be the first major misstep Marvel has made with the project.
Evidently, when The Avengers assemble on May 4th, 2012 – it will be without Edward Norton as the Hulk. According to HitFix:
Marvel made a decision to hire an unknown, and they informed Norton that they won’t be using him in the film. And that is evidently that.
It’s widely known that Norton has had something of a troubled past with the studio but this decision wasn’t made because he declined to be a part of the film. In fact, Norton wanted to play Bruce Banner again. He even recently met with Avengers director Joss Whedon and was reportedly so excited by what he heard that he told his agency to keep his schedule open.
Prior to that meeting, his only stipulation was that The Avengers had to push the Banner character forward in some way. Norton may have a reputation for being difficult to work with but in the case of The Incredible Hulk and The Avengers it’s important to remember that what he was fighting for was his character and the story. He’s a huge fan of the comics and this stuff matters to him and he knows it matters to fans.
Passion is only part of the equation unfortunately- there’s also the financial aspect of this situation. We know Marvel initially low-balled Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson for their involvement in Iron Man 2 and with a project as immense and intimidating as The Avengers, they’re no doubt looking to cut costs wherever they can.
While details of how exactly the negotiations between Marvel and Norton fell apart are unclear, I can’t help but wonder if the studio felt the actor might just be more trouble than he’s worth.
Norton’s performance was hands down my favorite part of The Incredible Hulk so this news is particularly troubling to me. There’s just absolutely no way I can see an unknown actor bringing the same weight and authority to that role. I understand the pressure to control costs, but the true value of this property is not in its budget or box-office gross- it’s the innovative execution of something that’s never been attempted before. As the HitFix article so perfectly sums it up:
“Avengers assemble” is more than just a nifty slogan for a ball cap. It’s a call to arms for a one-of-a-kind movie event. Please… treat it that way. The rewards will be worth the effort.
UPDATE:
It’s official, Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige has released an official statement – confirming the studio is in fact ditching Norton and recasting a more “collaborative” Hulk-worthy actor for The Avengers:
“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.”
RE-UPDATE:
Norton himself has responded to Marvel’s announcement with this note on his Facebook Page:
How do you feel about The Avengers minus Edward Norton? Is this a big mistake on Marvel’s part or do you think it’s possible that an unknown can deliver in the role?
I guess this goes against the rumored plans to have Norton appear on stage as part of the Marvel presentation at San Diego Comic-Con.
Source: HitFix
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Though mark Ruffalo did a very good job being Bruce Banner in the Avengers, I couldn’t help but think throughout the film Edward Norton could have delivered the lines better. He is a astounding actor and should have been castes the role instead of replaced. Mark Ruffulo is a great actor, but Edward Norton really made The Hulk, The Hulk.
The best hulk on top of that
They to give that role back to Edward Norton
That was a HUGE MISTAKE!Edward Norton should have played in the role of Hulk in the Avengers,not Mark Ruffalo.The movie would be much better with Edward in the role of Hulk.If there is a second movie with the avengers in the future,Marvel must bring Edward Norton back because he is the real Hulk.Are you reading this Marvel? Bring him back!
I’ve seen the 2 Hulks and after the second I couldn’t figure out why I’d gone since it was as disappointing as the third. It made me dread the Avengers movie as I couldn’t imagine how the character would fit in.
The I saw Avengers and OMG, was the Hulk ever the best unexpected surprise that there was. He was handled brilliantly and now I’d actually look forward to his inclusion in future movies.
Marvel, you made one of the best decisions ever here if Norton would have tried to force you to do anything other than what you did with the character!
-_- Its People Like You That Fu*c Movies Up, Y Change the Character In the First Place ? If That was the Case, Jus Use Mark Ruffalo 4 Every Hulk Movie Then
Although I don’t think The Incredible Hulk was a fantastic movie, Ed Norton’s performance is the reason I’ve seen it more than once. And although Mark Ruffalo was great, Ed Norton is still a better actor, in my opinion, and I will always believe that he should’ve been in the Avengers. And anyone commenting on this who says “the other guy” or “the unknown actor” in regards to Mark Ruffalo clearly shouldn’t be commenting because he is very well known to those who know movies. And considering he is only 2 years older than Ed, age really had nothing to do with why one would be better than the other. And of course it was about the money, we see it all the time. That’s why Don Cheadle is in Iron Man 2 instead of Terrance Howard, they want what they deserve and companies aren’t willing because they want to make as much money as possible.
Although I wasn’t thrilled with The Incredible Hulk, Ed Norton’s performance was fabulous, per usual, and that is why I have seen the movie more than once. And although Mark Ruffalo was great in The Avengers, his performance did not live up to Ed’s. Also, Mark Ruffalo isn’t an “unknown actor” and should not be referred to as “the other guy” because he is famous enough to be recognized by those who know movies well. And the fact of age was in no way considered in deciding who would be better since Mark is 2 years older than Ed. And of course it was about the money! That’s why Don Cheadle played Rhodey in Iron Man 2 instead of Terrance Howard. Businesses these days are all about making the most profit possible and cutting costs, the movie business is no different. This is simply my opinion, and I don’t mean to offend anyone.
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