By now you’re familiar with the situation regarding Edward Norton, who played the title role in 2008′s The Incredible Hulk, not coming back to play the Hulk in 2012′s scheduled Avengers film, even though he apparently wanted to. Marvel Studios president of production Kevin Feige has weighed in, as has Norton’s agent Brian Swardstrom. Now Norton himself has contributed his thoughts, via a letter to his fans on Facebook:
July 12th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
You know, Norton comes out of this mess a whole lot better than Feige does.
Feige’s comment was nothing but disrespectful to Norton, not-so-subtly implying that he’s a non-collaborative ass. Even if he is, I expected someone in Feige’s position to be more professional.
Personally I liked Norton and Leterrier’s Hulk a lot, and I’m sorry to see him go.
That said, perfect replacement: http://www.richlovatt.com/2010/07/exclusive-new-bruce-banner-cast
July 12th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Rich: I walked right into that one.
Ouch.
July 12th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
gotta say, that was a classy response, whatever the background situation was.
July 12th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
dammit, I was hoping for another F-U Lerbon type rant
July 12th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
elvee, you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry
July 12th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
I don’t how big a part Banner would’ve had in The Avengers, but either way this bums me out.
I’m skeptical on Marvel pulling this Avengers movie off anyhow, but I’m even less enthusiatic knowing Norton won’t be in it. I really liked his Hulk movie quite a lot.
July 12th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I haven’t seen the Ed Norton HULK movie, and I never cared to, but after reading his classy response I feel like I should, and already wish he’d been in AVENGERS as well.
KS
July 13th, 2010 at 7:41 am
“elvee, you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry”
When is he not angry?
July 13th, 2010 at 8:39 am
It’s a fine movie, Kumar… Not as flashy or fun as the first Iron Man, perhaps, but a strong, smart movie that that deftly integrates the Hulk into the shared universe Marvel’s creating onscreen. Best of all: no Nick Nolte and no Hulk Poodles.
I really had high hopes for the Marvel Studios output after Iron Man and Incredible Hulk. Now, after a disappointing IM 2, big questions about the Thor and Cap movies, and dropping Norton from any future films, I’m not sure.
July 13th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
I AM JACK’S INFLAMED SENSE OF REJECTION
July 13th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
I liked Norton’s Hulk movie and it’s a shame the and Marvel couldn’t work it out.
Considering all that’s been said, this was a very classy move by Norton.
July 14th, 2010 at 3:50 am
I was kinda scared to read his response, scared that it would have been whiny and self-important, cause it sucks when you find out an actor you like is a brat. Now, I’m even more disappointed that Norton is off of the movie.