I know a lot of you are on Norton's side for this, but anyone whose looking at things just the right way can see that the truth of the situation can clearly be read between the lines of the agent's statement. Let's examine them, shall we?
This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light.
Translation: I'm the guy's agent. I have to defend him whether he deserves it or not.
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.
Translation: Talks with my client began as far back as TWO MONTHS ago, and over those two months no progress was made in terms of a deal despite Marvel's obvious desire to hire my client... a desire we used to fortify my client's asking price and demands, and draw the negotiations out for several weeks.
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.
Out assumption that it was a financial decision is our admission that we were asking for too much and that by "accepting their decision", we were attempting to bluff a "walk-away" to get them to give us what we wanted... a gambit which we don't want to admit kicking ourselves for failing.
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.
Pander to the fans, *check*, and try to look like the victim, *check*.
Also? My weasely ass is hoping that we can get the lawyers in on this and use these statements as grounds to sue them for libel.
Be honest. That makes a hell of a lot of sense, doesn't it?