Over the weekend we reported on rumours that had surfaced, which suggested that despite Ed Norton being increasingly keen on returning to play Bruce Banner/Hulk in the upcoming Avengers movie, Marvel had decided to end negotiations and go and find someone else for the role.
Well, now what seemed like a simple story of a company passing on a actor is turning into a major, as while Marvel Studios is renowned for saying little publicly until weeks after it’s already generally known, they did decide to comment of this story, releasing a statement saying “Our decision [to recast the role] 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.
Unsurprisingly many saw this is a very pointed comment towards Norton, and highly unusual in an industry where behind the scenes tensions are normally kept behind the scenes. There were undoubtedly plenty of reports of problems with Norton on the set of The Incredible Hulk, with the relationship devloving to the point where there were question marks over whether Norton was doing the absolute minimum his contract allowed in terms of promoting the movie.
Marvel’s comments led Norton’s agent, Brian Swardstrom of WME, to talk to HitFix (which originally broke the story of Norton not returning), releasing a bit of tirade against Marvel in the process. He says, “This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel 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 (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. 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.
“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.”
He ain’t holding much back, although it’s not surprising, as statements like the one released by Marvel can hurt people’s careers and cause broad resentment, which is why everyone normally tries to keep everything nice. So whether it’s money or Norton himself that’s prompted Marvel’s decision, it’s getting pretty ugly.
If that weren’t enough, there are already reports that Marvel is in talks with another actor for the role of Banner/Hulk. Chud is reporting that their sources say an offer has gone out to none other than Joapuin Phoenix for the part. Marvel is trying to move fast as they still want the magic moment when they can reveal the full Avengers line-up onstage at ComicCon, and that’s only a couple of weeks away. However, if they think Norton is difficult to work with, what are they expecting from the notoriously temperamental Phoenix, who hasn’t even officially announced he’s returning to acting after his odd jaunt into rapping. As yet there’s no official word on whether Phoenix has been approached, so for the minute treat it as a rumour.