Who Should Replace Edward Norton as Bruce Banner?

Who Should Replace Edward Norton as Bruce Banner?

Now that Mr. Norton has been dropped as the big green mass, who do you think should/could be his replacement?

Feature Opinion
By AverageCitizen99 - Jul 10, 2010 04:07 PM EST
Filed Under: Avengers

It has now been confirmed from the heads themselves, Edward Norton will NOT be returning as the mousy doctor with a temper for the Avengers. This has come as a shock to everyone, including myself. He was astounding as Bruce in the 2008 reboot, which had a surprise cameo by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man to solidify the film's status in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). Mr. Norton, despite his troubles with the 2003 and recent film, has shown passion for the character. Though there were signs of trouble between the powerhouse company and the actor when Edward re-wrote a draft of the Incredible Hulk treatment and wasn't given any credit for his reworking. Both sides had dismissed the rumors however. It was previously mentioned that Norton had a meeting with director Joss Whedon about what to do with the 2012 cross-over film and how they should prepare for it. Ed had even cleared out his schedule so he could be able to have room to do the film. Now MARVEL has dropped the ball and stated that they are letting go of the talented actor.



So what is there left for us to do? There is speculation. It was reported from the comic book studio that they are currently searching for a replacement for Mr. Norton and a name is likely to be announced in the coming weeks, possibly during July's Comi-Con weekend? Even though it pains me to say this, who do you all think should replace Edward Norton as Bruce Banner/the Incredible Hulk?

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Creature
Creature - 7/10/2010, 5:14 PM
The Idea of these independent movies is to have the same actors appear in the most anticipated of them all, "Avengers". Having any big player recast is ridiculous. Don Cheadle? I don't care. Edward Norton? Well, he is one of the big players and a great actor. Not pleased with this. But I personally want Carlos Bernard, as he is a relative unknown and looks like Banner:

comics56
comics56 - 7/10/2010, 5:32 PM
Aaron Eckhart could work as a lot of other actors. I didn´t care at all for Norton. But I hate when I see a different actor in a movie.
AverageCitizen99
AverageCitizen99 - 7/10/2010, 5:35 PM
@Creature
It's understandable. With Terrance's replacement it wasn't as big a deal because he was playing a minor character, but in Ed's case it is more troublesome because he was playing a major character. Carlos looks like a good choice by the way. I'd tell you all my suggestion but I don't think it would be met with that much sympathy.

@Kaboom
I know. Can't think of it either.

@comics56
I have that problem too.
sirawesome754
sirawesome754 - 7/10/2010, 5:40 PM
if norton is out then i say sharlto copley
ButtNakedSmurf
ButtNakedSmurf - 7/10/2010, 6:10 PM
if nortons out then im out. i have zero faith in this movie now. ill still probably go see it but i have mega low expectations
Wolverine1974
Wolverine1974 - 7/10/2010, 6:55 PM
I'll do it!!!!!!!!!! Hell if I fail they can always reboot a third or would it be a forth time. LOL!
AshleyWilliams
AshleyWilliams - 7/10/2010, 7:06 PM
Ed Norton.

Nah but seriously Billy Crudup or Patrick Wilson should be Banner now.
InTylerWeTrust
InTylerWeTrust - 7/10/2010, 8:36 PM
Sharlto Copley would be brilliant. Though maybe he'd find playing another fugitive on the run from the government a little type-casting.
InSpace
InSpace - 7/10/2010, 8:36 PM
sirawesome754@ That is a spectacular choice I now also want Copley
frigidgiantinthe716
frigidgiantinthe716 - 7/10/2010, 8:37 PM
seth rogen . . . ha just playing. its ed nortons role, stop messing things up marvel!!
maverickaim9
maverickaim9 - 7/10/2010, 8:47 PM
Billy Crudup, I cannot stress this enough.
conformist21
conformist21 - 7/10/2010, 8:48 PM
Ed Nort
a psudonym for Edward Norton
Unmasked
Unmasked - 7/10/2010, 8:51 PM
Wasn't there an article on Comic Book Movie about Matthew Mcconaughey wanting to be the hulk a while back????

Can me crazy, but I don't think we've heard the last of him wanting the role.


You've Been UNMASKED!
ScarletSpidey
ScarletSpidey - 7/10/2010, 8:53 PM
maverickaim9@ Yes! Crudup would be great. Just saw him in Stage Beauty. Amazing actor.
gibbyblaylock
gibbyblaylock - 7/10/2010, 8:54 PM
Jeremy Davies!

Magicfingers
Magicfingers - 7/10/2010, 8:59 PM
@Unmasked- NOOOO!!! Please God, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

My pick- Adrien Brody
StrangeCosmic
StrangeCosmic - 7/10/2010, 9:08 PM
This makes me want to kick a puppy.
continuezero
continuezero - 7/10/2010, 9:11 PM
Eric Bana would be perfect for this rol.....Oh wait...my bad...they already tried that...


Obviously No. 1 is Norton...there wasn't any flaws in his interpretation and it honestly felt like Banner came right out of the comics...but with no possibility of Norton I say look to Adrien Brody. He has the acting credentials to stand with the big boys here and he has the look. Although if it came down to it...I would not be against Bana reprising his role. He was one of the better parts of that Other Hulk Movie. Ang Lee is the one that messed that up...
kylemf88
kylemf88 - 7/10/2010, 9:17 PM
They just want someone cheap, lame!
TheNameIsBetty
TheNameIsBetty - 7/10/2010, 9:19 PM
Nobody.



Now go home. No Avengers. No movie. No, nothing.



....go home...movies over... :'(

*sniff* no Ed Norton...

To: Person(s) in charge of movie:
Have you ever seen American History X? Good movie with ed norton...

Result: In the Avengers. Bam.


AAARRRRGHGHGH
rodsvilaca
rodsvilaca - 7/10/2010, 9:22 PM
ALEX O'LOUGHLIN.
Livasnaps
Livasnaps - 7/10/2010, 9:25 PM
"No Norton?!?!?!" WHAAARRRGARBL

Yes, Ed is one of my favorite actors, but seriously...this is no reason to "abandon all hope" or "lower expectations" for The Avengers. There are tons of quality actors already on board. Would he have made it better? Absolutely. Will the movie be RUINED (!!!!!) because he's not in it?

Absolutely not. Stop freaking out.
RockNRollCC
RockNRollCC - 7/10/2010, 9:26 PM
Adrien Brody, Billy Crudup, or Jeremy Davies.

but i'd much prefer ED NORTON or EDWARD NORTON!
Nightwing09
Nightwing09 - 7/10/2010, 9:27 PM
BRODY
AverageCitizen99
AverageCitizen99 - 7/10/2010, 9:34 PM
Alot of great suggestions from you all. :)
So far Adrien, Billy and Sharlto have been mentioned more than once. I could more see either Sharlto (looks a little like Ed) or Adrien (similar look and physique) take over for Norton. Both are very talented and could do very well next to the other big three of the Avengers.

@Wolverine1974
Good luck! But please don't make them reboot it again, LOL. ;)

@Unmasked
Now that you mention it, around the time the Incredible Hulk was being promoted or during the whole Cap casting speculation Matt did say he was more interested in doing Hulk than Cap. As much as I like his enthusiasm I can't see him as Bruce. Now that word is out I guess he might make himself more vocal this time around.
W4RDude87
W4RDude87 - 7/10/2010, 9:34 PM
I agree with whoever said Jereamy Davies or Adrian Brody, both would work well as a replacement for Ed Norton.It sucks that Edward Norton is not returning as Bruce Banner.Why the Frick! do big name actors need such big pay checks, and have to argue over $ all the time?
Creature
Creature - 7/10/2010, 9:42 PM
Billy Crudup owned Dr. Manhattan but looks like a long lost brother of Jim Carrey.
GoldenClaw
GoldenClaw - 7/10/2010, 9:44 PM
HEY MARVEL!!!
HOW ABOUT YOU GET.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................??



?
?
...

EDWARD NORTON!
UncleDrew
UncleDrew - 7/10/2010, 9:57 PM
THIS WAS A STUPID DECISION FOR MARVEL!!! ED NORTON IS THE HULK AND THEM SAYING THAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR AND WHO EMBODIES THE CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT OF OUR TALENTED CAST MEMBERS IS BS!!!
HERE IS MY CHOICE KYLE CHANDLER OF FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS FAME, HE IS A GREAT ACTOR AND SOMEONE I THINK COULD BE A GOOD HULK.
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fanboy76
fanboy76 - 7/10/2010, 10:03 PM
honestly Im a norton guy....sad day in the marvel movieverse for us fan boys and girls. he was just awesome. He embraced Banner to the tilt. That being said and you need a good name to fill those big green feet.....Sharlto Copely from district 9....or however his name is spelled
Armyshot
Armyshot - 7/10/2010, 10:08 PM
Ed Norton sucks I say Patrick Wilson or Jeremy Davies!
Jaxim
Jaxim - 7/10/2010, 10:18 PM
Eric Bana. He was fine int he 1st Hulk movie. It wasn't his fault that the script and the director sucked. If we can't have Norton than we should at least have some consistency and have an actor who already played Banner.
Ven0m
Ven0m - 7/10/2010, 10:20 PM
EDWARD [frick]ING NORTON THATS WHO SHOULD [frick]ING PLAY BRUCE BANNER!!!! [frick] MARVEL [frick] THIS!!!!... AHHHH!
The4thWall
The4thWall - 7/10/2010, 10:21 PM
Why Marvel?! WHY?! if i have to choose, i join the Adrien Brody train
McLovin
McLovin - 7/10/2010, 10:22 PM
I still have the utmost confidence in Marvel. Norton is a tremendous actor and did an amazing job as Banner, but it's not the 1st time he was difficult in a movie set. He is the quintessential pre-madonna and showed similar issues while filming the Italian Job.

I have no doubt he wanted to be more involved in the movie and as such, probably made demands of Marvel they were not willing to negotiate. I have a feeling he would have wanted Banner to have a bigger part than the Hulk, when we all know that would not be needed. I would have loved to have him as part of the Avengers movie, but oh well. Life goes on and I won't loose any sleep over it.

So far, the only casting choice Marvel has made which I am still not 100% behind is Chris Evans. However I am reserving my judgment for Cap and Avengers until I watch them, but will continue to remain hopeful until then.
DDD
DDD - 7/10/2010, 10:24 PM
Adrien Brody is the best idea I think.

Billy Crudup is a strong second.

Patrick Wilson would be better as
Reed Richards!

Eric Bana is Namor!
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