UPDATE 12-07-10
According to HitFix the news is indeed true and Edward Norton is out of The Avengers. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige has confirmed as much in an exclusive letter. In his message he said that the reasons are not financial, but hints that Norton isn’t a team player and they want someone who is! Read HitFlix’s story on the matter here:
http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-motion-captured/posts/exclusive-marvel-confirms-they-will-hire-new-hulk-for-avengers?m=p
This may be dissapointing to some, but if Norton is as much of a prima donna as everyone says he is – is it really surprising?
Marvel have proved themselves to have a take no crap kind of attitude already, when they replaced Terrence Howard with Don Cheadle on Iron Man 2.
The Avengers is going to be one of those kind of projects where there is no room for ego. Since Edward Norton is such a huge star, you’ve got to admire them for making what could be a very risky decision. And who knows? Maybe the film will benefit as a result.
This also sends a clear message to other actors thinking of taking on a Marvel hero – no one actor is bigger than the character they play. Act like a jerk, no sequel for you. Plain and simple.
So the question is now, who will be the new Bruce Banner? I have a hunch it’ll be Nathan Fillion. He’s had a succesful working relationship with writer/director Joss Whedon in the past – and Whedon will probably want a familiar and friendly face on set. He has the acting chops for the role, and is also a huge comic fan in real life. So it’s a no brainer.
Joaquin Phoenix’s name has also been mentioned. Although last I heard he went mad, grew a beard and recorded some truly awful hip hop tunes. Let’s pray if he gets the gig – he’s not asked to contribute to the soundtrack,
Anyone out there who is dissapointed or upset about this news, look at it this way: It’s only a comic book movie, and who knows? The new guy may be the best onscreen Banner ever. And as long as Lou Ferrigno gets a cameo, who cares right?
Expect an announcement soon.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE FOLLOWS
Despite the critical and commercial success of Louis Letterier’s The Incredible Hulk – and Edward Norton expressing interesting in reprising the role of Bruce Banner in the upcoming Avengers, it seems Marvel Studios going for an unknown for the part.
This news will come as something of a dissapointment to many fans. Edward Norton gave an acclaimed performance in the title role and is easily the best on screen Banner since Bill Bixby. Plus it would’ve been wonderful to see him act alongside the likes of Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Hemsworth (Thor) aswell as Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Scarlett Johanssen (Black Widow) and Don Cheadle (War Machine).
Why is Marvel dragging their heels on hiring him again?
Is he too expensive? Hopefully that isn’t the reason. The film is going to be a giant blockbuster no matter what. Surely they won’t want to cut corners on what is arguably, the most ambitious superhero movie ever made?
Or is this sour grapes because of his rumoured difficult behaviour on the set of The Incredible Hulk?
In any case, Edward Norton is one of the most critically acclaimed actors of his generation and his presence amongst the already impressive cast could only be a good thing.
Fingers crossed that an agreement can be reached before cameras roll. Cinema history is going to be made in 2012. Marvel have already made the right decision with writer/director Joss Whedon. Let’s hope they don’t fumble the ball with this Norton issue.
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