Marvel Studios' master plan to link their heroes from independent films, will eventually lead to their most anticipated film of all, "The Avengers." And while the main Avengers Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America), and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) are all confirmed, Edward Norton's return as Bruce Banner, The Incredible Hulk, has been a mystery... until today.
Update 3; Monday: Edward Norton has released a statement on his FaceBook page addressing the dispute.
As most of you know, I don't like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience's fullest enjoyment of the 'magic' that films can have. But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and the Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So here goes: It seems it won't work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in "The Avengers." I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone but it hasn't turned out as we all hoped. I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be a part of the Hulk's long and excellent history. And I really can't thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you've sent me way about what Louis and I tried to do in our turn with the legend. It means a lot to me. I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been a fan of every incarnation. I'm really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that's why we love him, right?
Sincerely,
Edward Norton
Update 2; Sunday: Norton's WME agent Brian Swardstrom has issued a response (via
HitFix).
"(Feige's) offensive statement ... 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 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 ... 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."
Update; Saturday: Marvel Studios has confirmed Norton's departure, sending out to following statement...
"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."
According to Drew McWeeny, of HitFix, "Marvel Sources"
the studio has decided they are going to cast an unknown to play Bruce Banner in "The Avengers."
Ever since Marvel and Norton's fallout over
The Incredible Hulk situation, it was questioned whether Ed would return for a potential sequel and "Avengers." The studio's president Kevin Feige has been skeptical saying "it all depends on scheduling," when asked on the subject of Norton's return. Mcweeny says that Norton may have dropped out himself, but that would be a surprise considering Edward's stating in numerous interviews that he would be glad to play Bruce Banner again.
Mcweeny also includes that according to these same sources,
Whedon (who is heavily being titled "The Avengers" director)
has been meeting the cast, laying out his plans for the film, and so far everyone seems incredibly excited by what they're hearing. One of the people whom Whedon has met with was Norton. Both Whedon and Norton reported their enthusiasm back to Marvel, and according to some calls I made today, it sounds like Norton was making serious plans with his agency to keep his dates clear. And then nothing. Marvel made a decision to hire an unknown, and they informed Norton they won't be using him in the film. And that is evidently that.
With the San Diego Comic-Con starting in a few short weeks, Marvel Studios is expected to reveal loads of info on their upcoming films including "Avengers." Until then, we can only hope this isn't true.
The Avengers supposedly begins production February 2011 with the Hulk as a character, Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Chris Evans (Captain America), and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) confirmed, and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Nathan Fillion (Ant-Man), and Eva Longoria (Wasp) rumored. The film hits theaters May 4, 2012.
DCMF - Though this is still rumor, McWeeny has been to the set of Marvel's upcoming
Thor, so he obviously has some inside connections. And recasting Banner may confuse
The Incredible Hulk general audience because Downey(Tony Stark) is IN the movie along with Norton. And that's about as direct a continuity as you can get. But with so many characters to deal with in one film, I wouldn't be surprised if Norton left due to Hulk getting more screen-time than Banner. I always thought a solo "Hulk" movie would be used to focus on Banner being a fugitive, while The Avengers would focus on what civilization sees, The Hulk. What do you think?