It’s Official: Marvel To Replace Edward Norton in ‘The Avengers’ [Re-Updated]
Jul 9, 2010 by Chris SchraderDespite Edward Norton’s eagerness to play the Hulk in The Avengers, Marvel has officially dumped him in favor of an as yet unannounced actor.
[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
Around the web:
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Forgot to comment on the first part.
I’m not saying a film can’t be brainless action obviously it can and has been done. I’m saying it makes the film not as good as it could of been. The type of film guys like Nolan or Ridley Scott make will always be better than films tha Bay makes. While alot of people enjoy brailess action films and they can be fun they are not as good as a nice smart film. They will always lack in quality. Inception Is being praised as action packed and smart it also has a large cast. It shows that it can be done. At the end of the day a well made action packed intellegent meaningful film will always be better than Transformers or GIJoe.
Wow hating on Joss for his religious beliefs? Who cares if he’s talented he doesn’t believe In god a film can’t be good unless the guy behind the camera believes in god?
You’d really hate me because I’m just like Joss. Guess what though I’ll still watch a film from a Jewish guy, a Christian, a Muslim anything. As long as they make good films. I’m not predigest like you clearly are. You shouldn’t judge people based on race religioun or ethnicity. It’s just not right.
i wonder how many gibson dvds are were burnt, or thrown away this weekend lol. despite mels beliefs, rants, or whatever i’ll still watch his movies. same thing for joss, i happen to think he’s great no matter what
You can only sacrifice so much money.
I can’t picture norton being a bull to deal with especially it’s never been a problem until Marvel. Me If it was a creative clash i would side with the person who has the stories best intrest in mind and in this case I believe it’s Norton. Marvel wants money the film being good would be nice but first and foremost is the cash. If Marvel had the films best intrest in mind Evans would of never been cast especially not with never having read for the part.
There is a huge difference between what happened with Katty and what happened with Norton. Katty didn’t want to come back it wasn’t about Creative problems or money she didn’t want the job that simple. Norton wanted the job he took a price cut from his norm to play hulk in the first place. I’m saying at the end of the day Nolan had no choice Marvel did. Marvel followed up their poor choice with insulting Norton in a press release.
If still here because while I have strong opinions and come on strong I don’t personally insult people for fun and push their buttons with personal insults just to see how angry I can make them. You just enjoy bashing people who aren’t even talking to you for fun and after pissing them off you continue to insult and push them because you get your kicks from it. I’m very opinionated and quick to anger but I never attack people until provoked you set out to attack me for fun and even admitted to it. The fact that your an administrotor anywhere is shocking and sad.
All right that’s enough.
Daniel and Aknot, just drop it, please, or I’m going to start deleting comments.
Vic
Uh… Vic… Me and Dan have been good little boys (towards each other) and seem to have found nice ground when you posted this..
I don’t believe continuity is the primary issue here. I think the word or concept that’s critical is adaptation. You ever heard a song performed by one of you favorite bands on the radio and you simply love the song & musical arrangements. Yet, when you hear that same song performed live by that artists, you get a since that the singer and the band are have issues with congruency because what they are no longer able to hide behind the special effects offered by the studio. Vice-versa a song that you may not pay attention to on the radio once heard live, there is a whole new element to that song that can’t be heard on the radio. I guess my point is there are always going to elements that the die-hard comic book fans are going to keen to in terms of distinguishing what things are missing in the movie are underlying themes that the average movie connisoir is will not no anything about. Yet, how can you “adapt” the comic book medium in a way that it would provide the thought provoking, wow factor, but entertainment sequence that will well-rounded and universally recieved by the larger audience. Well we live our experience of movies through the actors. They are our connected-”ness” to the happenings in the movie! I don’t know maybe I have even made a case for “continuity” which is fine. Even so it falls back to the actor whether is the original actor or his/her replacement, they have to convincing enough to allow the audience to live the experience through the actor and not get stuck at, the “actor”. Where no matter what’s going on in the movie you’re just focused in on the actor!! Why do you think it took so long for the Batman franchise to get back on track after Tom Hanks, the audience lost it’s connection! Why do think there was such an uproar when Chris Evans was selected as Capt’n America, there was a concern about the connection (I hope he does fine). Why are we so captivated by who’s going to play what character in each new film, because we realize that the selection is key to bringing that character to life, on film (adaptation)!! So yea I’m disappointed to hear that my favorite character (the Hulk) lost and ID (Ed Norton) that brought his character to life!! So in truth I don’t know if I will watch it but I am truly a little less interested the the Avengers Project, but will see!!
“Why do you think it took so long for the Batman franchise to get back on track after Tom Hanks, ”
What Alternate Universe are you from?
I’m sorry Michael Keaton.
I was just messing btw. Keaton wasnt bad Actually I tohught you were referring to Shumacher.
Wow. Everyones ignoring the Daniel F and Intelliq fight…….guys lets just get along allright??? I know how it feels to get angry trust me,but almost nothing gets me angry……but i understand both your point of views……
Vic
wow,u literally have to read every comment huh?!? Your jobs cool!!!!! Great job,other ppl just let ppl fight in other forums,i like the way u step in,u choose your words wisely,well done;.)
REMEMBER: This is Vics baby. We should treat it tenderly. It’s not the Bob and Tom show. More like Oprah.
~OH, I forgot…..Vic is the MAN! Believe it!
Ricky18,
I have a full time job in addition to running this site (and Game Rant). I try to at least scan every comment, yes, and keep an eye out for when things get out of hand. There are 300-400 comments a day here so it’s a lot to keep up with.
As IRONMAN2YOU stated, I want to keep this place friendly and open, I don’t want people feeling intimidated nor do I want a negative atmosphere. I just wish that some people would maintain a less confrontational attitude – we’re all movie fans here, even if we disagree with each other sometimes.
Vic
Booooooooooooooooooooooooo! Norton could be MORE amazing….THIS IS STUPID. Still pisses me off.
im not ignoring it rick, lol im just here chuckling…and i think daniel is doing the same as he writes his retorts lol
Vic
Well youre doing your job;.) Youre the man,like ironman2you said!!!!!!
can we all play nice now lol.
Yep we can;) well ive always played nice lol!!!!
Thanks for stepping in and all Vic but Aknot and I were pretty civil the fight was between Intellq and I
i found it amusing lol
Ah, so I got one of the names wrong.
Still too much heat on the site for my taste.
Let’s all try to be civil to each other.
Vic
TYPECASTING!!!!
meh its ok to have a reminder every once and a while.
I hope this is a publicity stunt
agreed….this seems like a VERY elaborate publicity stunt..Now Joaquim Phoenix is rumoured to be involved?? what i find funny is that Marvel would drop Norton who is supposedly “hard to get along with” for someone who up to recently had “retired” to do some faux-documentary with casey affleck about him being some wannabee rap star..wtf..its also interesting that this situation starts exactly 2weeks before the big one in San diego..seems a bit like a coincidence??
300th comment!!!! There it bothered me seeing 299 lol!!!!
So disappointing. And please, the studio is saying the Edward Norton does not meet the caliber of the other actors? Seriously? It’s Edward-effing-Norton for Pete’s sake. He’s very one of the best best actors in Hollywood. He brought something wonderful to The Incredible Hulk and I find it intensely sad that he won’t be in The Avengers.
Its a mistake on Marvals part
I was really looking forward to see Edward Norton interacting with Robert Downey Jr. I think their chemistry would have been epic. Kind of like Heath Ledger and Christian Bale. I find the contrast in their characters’ natures very appealing. I just hope Marvel reconsiders its decision. My heart is kind of broken now.
Still blows it’s not Edward. He was Bruce he looked and just became him.
Still stinks it’s not Edward. He was Bruce he looked and just became him.
@ Wendy
Sorry, but you’re gonna have stop trolling & learn to let go.
I Love Edward norton as an actor. He’s outstanding. He’s been replaced by mark rufulo, who is also an outstanding actor, not an unknown by no means. It will take some getting used to, norton was amazing as Bruce banner and I hope marvel ultimately regrets there decision. Good luck to mark, hope they don’t recast him after a go at the hulk.
Norton Not In Avengers SUCKS!
Just saw ‘Immortals’ and the preview for this was on it. At the very end some strange guy turns into the hulk. Ruined the whole thing for me. I wanted the cast and characters from each movie that I watched and loved to meet up, that was the whole point. Might as well replace him with Charlie Sheen, just to make it more rediculous. Won’t be paying to see this one.
I would pay to see Charlie as the hulk
I would pay to see Charlie sheen as the hulk
Que sera sera
This would be the third time the hulk actor was changed in less than ten year, regardless of which studio made it. It doesn’t make me feel at ease knowing the actor can change next time. Makes me wonder who’ll play hulk in avengers It upsets me a bit. I’m an Iron an fan. If they changed that actor I’d be pissed. Anyways, I can’t wait for this movie!
I’m sad Norton won’t be coming back. The Hulk that came before him was boring, and Norton brought a while new life to the role. Despite my disappointment, I’m looking forward to seeing how the new guy will do. I’m not going to go into this thinking the guy will do bad just because he’s not Norton.