UPDATE #2: Norton has issues an official statement on the matter on his Facebook page:
UPDATE: Let the battle begin! Brian Swardstrom, who represents Norton, issued the following statement regarding Norton’s departure:
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.
We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige’s mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige’s statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel’s fans.
ORIGINAL: It appears Marvel will be moving in a different direction – again – with the role of Bruce Banner/Hulk. Hitfix.com reported over the weekend that an inside Marvel source has broken the story that Marvel has chosen to recast the role for the Avengers film coming in 2012. Of course, this is normally something for me that would be thrown right to the “Rumor File”, but they also claim to have received confirmation from Marvel’s Kevin Feige himself:
“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.”
Ever since talk of the Avengers movie started there was a lot of speculation as to whether or not The Hulk would be in the film, and whether or not Ed Norton would reprise the role – especially after all the rumors of turmoil on The Incredible Hulk set between Norton and the writers, Norton and the director, Norton and Marvel, Norton and the coffee guy, etc. . . Of course, all these conflicts were denied by both, the studio and Norton – but who really knows? So, now it looks like after all the speculation, the Hulk will appear in the Avengers film, but it won’t be Norton playing his human counter-part. Why? Well, we have Marvel’s official statement above, but could there be other reasons? Norton is a pretty outspoken guy, so it wouldn’t surprise me if we perhaps get an “official statement” from him in the coming days.
I think it’s too bad they are recasting the role of Bruce Banner, especially since last time he was asked about it Norton seemed to be pretty interested in reprising the role with the ensemble cast that will be making up the Avengers. It’s a pretty major role to be recasting with perhaps an unknown instead of Edward Norton. But, all well?