Edward Norton No Longer Aspiring To Roles In Superhero Movies Like THE AVENGERS

Edward Norton No Longer Aspiring To Roles In Superhero Movies Like THE AVENGERS

A disappointment for those hoping The Incredible Hulk actor would tackle another superhero role, Edward Norton has proclaimed his change of heart towards CBMs like The Avengers!

By DCMarvelFreshman - Aug 13, 2012 01:08 AM EST
Filed Under: Avengers
Source: Metro

The last we heard from Edward Norton regarding his infamous “Hulk” departure from Marvel's The Avengers, the actor stated he had no interest in seeing the film despite its success. And considering his The Bourne Legacy co-star, Jeremy Renner, stars in the superhero ensemble flick, it's no surprise Norton was questioned once again.

“I couldn’t do it for a variety of reasons – personal and professional,” he told Metro. “I had a blast doing The Hulk. I don’t mean to sound snotty but I don’t aspire to spend that much time in my life doing those types of films. I have a lot of other things I want to do.”

Further proving he didn't want to come off as “snotty,” Norton had nothing but kind words for The Avengers actor Mark Ruffalo and his take on The Incredible Hulk in a separate interview, via BBC.

“Hulk is kind of one of those things where - at least three people had played it before me. And now Mark Ruffalo has done it. And Mark's an old friend of mine, a great actor and great guy. And we both thought it was the greatest. He has kids and they love it. It's so fun because Hulk is maybe like Hamlet; lots of people can play him and do their own interpretation.”




Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures “Marvel’s The Avengers”--the super hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel super heroes Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, & directed by Joss Whedon from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble on May 4, 2012. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. In addition to "Marvel's The Avengers," Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Iron Man 3" on May 3, 2013!; & “Thor 2” on November 8, 2013.

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loki668
loki668 - 8/13/2012, 1:39 AM
Ooooooooh! And here I am with absolutely no [frick]s to give about his decision. Oh the apathy!

Lord Loki has spoken
CoolantTech
CoolantTech - 8/13/2012, 1:40 AM
Cant blame the guy thats just his personal preference, but all this mess about him bitching on movie sets, thats just no good...
musashi
musashi - 8/13/2012, 2:01 AM
He must get sick of journalists asking him about being the Hulk
SageMode
SageMode - 8/13/2012, 2:02 AM
Sour grapes from Norton. He just got to beside himself, and that's why he's not involved.

Plus, his Banner was pretty one dimensional with no personality whatsoever.

Ruffalo was excellent in the role. I'm glad it turned out this way
HULK2099
HULK2099 - 8/13/2012, 2:12 AM
Im gonna miss him
Himura
Himura - 8/13/2012, 2:13 AM
To the people hating on Norton, are you aware of how he got screwed over because of The Incredible Hulk? I'd be pretty pissed off too if I didn't get the credit I deserved.
EarOne
EarOne - 8/13/2012, 2:14 AM
sure...NO hard feelings..THAT's why he still hasn't seen THE most successful film of this year, if not this decade so far...

c'mon, just admit you're pissed at marvel..even a little. i'd be more sympathetic. but, to say that he's okay with how things turn out, but not wanting to have anything to do with anymore cbm and staying away from marvel's biggest hit..he's just in denial and self-contradicting himself.

Norton's just gotta let go and move on...meaning just go watch The Avengers and REALLY accepts that he made a bad call by not reprising Banner. period.
EarOne
EarOne - 8/13/2012, 2:16 AM
and yeah...as much as i like Ruffalo's turn as the green grumpy giant..ENOUGH with the hamlet thing and stuff bout how his kid dug banner and hulk as a misunderstood soul. Ugh..!!
Coloso
Coloso - 8/13/2012, 2:24 AM
@Vegakingblade Norton was far from blameless for not being brought back by Marvel. While Norton did a good job as Bruce, Ruffalo to me was a revelation as the new Hulk.
AmazingFantasy
AmazingFantasy - 8/13/2012, 4:02 AM
Norton [frick]ing rocked as Banner, better than Ruff.



Oh I said he was better than Ruff...



Cross
Cross - 8/13/2012, 4:28 AM
hahaha! Marvel had the last laugh. He must feeling like a total idiot. You really think a studio like marvel will bend over for him? I'm so glad they dropped this little whining "actor" or else we would have never gotten the greatest hulk and banner that is mark ruffalo.
batfan175
batfan175 - 8/13/2012, 4:33 AM
i wouldn't want him to continue starring in these blockbusters anyway. You have to grow up at some point and aspire for something greater. It's always good to see some actors going with independent films instead of big tentpole releases.
bigdaddy73
bigdaddy73 - 8/13/2012, 5:08 AM
All Norton did was rip-off Bill Bixby character. Nothing special the CGI was and always all be the star when playing the Hulk. It's the HULK not Banner.
jessepostal
jessepostal - 8/13/2012, 5:25 AM
i don't think you can blame Norton or marvel because we don't know what exactly happened,they both have their story's and it's down to he said she said. The guys got a ton of talent as an actor and i liked him as banner,and he carried his movie. I don't think you can compare the two when Ruffalo had ten minutes of screen time,in a movie with so many other huge characters.
Aiiwolf
Aiiwolf - 8/13/2012, 5:37 AM

@ Batfan175

Exactly, I couldn't agree more. But, MAJORITY of the people on this site, are IDIOTS.

Norton's Film career and Resume speaks for itself...He's probably one of the greatest actors alive. Whether he bitches or whines, it is irrelevant.
superotherside
superotherside - 8/13/2012, 5:38 AM
Doesn't matter IMO, he did a good job in TIH, but like everyone they can be replaced with a new actor. You just have to make sure that it's quality actor you go after to do the new part.
SAT
SAT - 8/13/2012, 6:07 AM
I liked him as Bruce, but he has been reppaced, ppl need to understand that, it's not Ruffilo's fault, Goodness, its like everyone hating on Andrew Garfield cuz he was cast as Peter in TASM. What was Ruffilo supposed to say? "Sorry guys, I dont wanna be in possibly the biggest CBM ever, I wldnt want to offend ppl who liked Edward Nortan, even though he's gonna be replaced regardless of if I take the role..." If you dont like Ruffilo in the role, dont see the Avengers. I personaly liked both, so I'll watch TIH & the Avengers:)
MarvelSpidey
MarvelSpidey - 8/13/2012, 6:16 AM
DAMN IT! He was physically the best Banner!! Bruce is supposed to be skinny and weak, like in Avengers :EMH!
MisterFixit
MisterFixit - 8/13/2012, 6:22 AM
Most likely he has not even seen TIH nor at the cinema or on dvd
SimyJo
SimyJo - 8/13/2012, 6:22 AM
Norton just didn't do it for me as the Hulk in The Incredible Hulk, I much prefer Ruffalo's more likable and vunerable interpretation.

I can't think of anyone better for the part, apart from maybe an Ultimates Hulk with Steve Buscemi as Banner.
Pathogen
Pathogen - 8/13/2012, 6:31 AM
Norton is a great actor, love him, but his Banner was bland. Too athletic and "asshole" for what I'd come to expect in the character. For those of you that think he's the best Banner, maybe you should read more comic books.

Ruffalo is a good actor as well, and to me he was IT as Banner. (yes...i loved Bixby as well, but c'mon, we have to grow up sometime). Mark portrayed him with a soft, unassuming and even timid personality, but you could always see in his eyes a sharp awareness, or even a holding back...and it got out more and more as his character came more and more to the forefront, until that scene where he just bad-assly turns around and into the hulk.
Think about it guys. You'll know I'm right.
MisterNiceGuy
MisterNiceGuy - 8/13/2012, 6:35 AM
butthurt much?
TheAbomination
TheAbomination - 8/13/2012, 6:52 AM
Would've loved to have seen Norton mix it up with the others in the Avengers.
mctrinket
mctrinket - 8/13/2012, 6:53 AM
This reminds me of those guys that like to tell themselves they have no luck with women because said women are intimidated by them.
coolcalrissian
coolcalrissian - 8/13/2012, 6:53 AM
I doubt he spends sleepless nights thinking about 'lost opportunities' in some summer blockbuster/comicbook movie.

He doesn't sound pained at all. He congratulated his friend and is moving to roles that challenge him. If anything he sounds relieved.
AutobotCommander84
AutobotCommander84 - 8/13/2012, 6:58 AM
It's Marvel's fault that he dropped out of Avengers. He was promised some creative control over the film and when the time came to cut the film, Norton and Louis Leterrier said that they felt it'd be best if they kept the extra hour or so of footage but obviously, Marvel prevailed. Louis Leterrier seems to not really care any more about that footage since he clearly wanted to do more Marvel movies including Avengers. But Norton still seems to not want to let it go.
nikgrid
nikgrid - 8/13/2012, 7:06 AM
Norton was the best Banner. Ruffalo Slept walked through the role, whereas I felt pity for Norton's Banner. Norton's Banner had a slight frame and looked like a man hiding from the army, Ruffalo's Banner looked like a Banner hiding from the Army in a McDonalds.
siggisuperman
siggisuperman - 8/13/2012, 7:15 AM
I am a fan of Norton but I felt that Ruffalo did a much better job as Banner. I can't put my finger on it but the moment I laid eyes on him in the movie he had me. Norton was really good at portraying Banner's fear of the Hulk, but I think Ruffalo nailed it in portraying how Banner makes other people fear The Hulk.
RamonSuarez
RamonSuarez - 8/13/2012, 7:27 AM
These are three pretty clear cut points in my mind.

1.) Norton was dreadfully mediocre as Bruce Banner.

2.) Marvel came out like a boss in the end.

3.) Norton was right about one thing - Ruffalo's Hulk was indeed the best version of the character.
Fogs
Fogs - 8/13/2012, 7:30 AM
I think his Banner was great.

But I was really surprised when I thought "What if it was Ruff on TIH", instead of "What if Norton was in Avengers".

@siggisuperman - Nice description, guess you nailed it there.
Bodwulf
Bodwulf - 8/13/2012, 7:37 AM
These are the two best Banners.
Secrets
Lowell58
Lowell58 - 8/13/2012, 7:40 AM
I don't think either Marvel Hulk/Banner was done better than the other. Norton's character carried a whole movie, while Ruff's stole one. They were both done well, I think, and I really enjoyed both interpretations.
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