807 replies to this topic

[Wally Q]

Norton's a control freak who can't just play the actor. He has to involve himself in everything and I'd rather see Whedon have as little headaches as possible with this production. I'm respecting the guy a lot more the further I get with Buffy and I don't think he needs to get chopped down by Norton. I prefer Bana's methods more than Norton's and I personally believe that The Hulk was a better film overall than than the requel.

[The Human Torch]

I too liked Bana and Iiked his Ang Lee Hulk, but I hated the conclusion to the film and I hated the father character and so I was beyond giddy when Norton's Hulk ignored that entire film.

[Mercury]

The Hulk will probably have more screen time than Banner, anyway, so it's probably not that big a deal. I will say that I'm somewhat disappointed, though. I absolutely HATE it when they change actors.

[NumberSix]

Not a big surprise. I took it as given that there was no way Norton would be in for this kind of ensemble piece at this self-centric stage in his career unless it was retitled Incredible Hulk and the Avengers: a Film by Edward Norton.

[Tank]

Yeah, none of this is news about Norton. They should have realized that before they cast him to begin with. I do prefer his Hulk movie over Bana's (which is one of the worst movies I've ever seen actually). I assumed they'd get away with it by just having the Hulk BE the Hulk most of the time and maybe just a cameo of Banner when he changed.

[The Human Torch]

The should cast that guy from the office as the new Banner. Not Steve. Not Gun Show. The guy that dates the chick and then was almost Captain America. They obviously have his number already. He has a total book smart look to him, total geek cred and cool nerd. And he actually is similar to the tallish, lanky mouse brown haired Banner of the comics.

[The Human Torch]

Just looked up his name... John Krasinski.





That'd be solid.

[Darth Lohr]

No Norton? Hulk sad!

[Justus]

If they play loose with the roster, Chiwetel Ejiofor = Black Panther.

That would be excellent casting, Ryn!

[Wally Q]

"We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. Our decision 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. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks."

Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios President of Production

Story 1

Norton's Agent responds:

"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.

Brian Swardstrom
WME"

Story 2

I love Hollywood! I'm more inclined to believe Marvel, to be honest.

[Tank]

I am too-- but it was still a bitchy press release! I'd love for Norton to be there, but it sounds like , as is oft reported with him, he wants script approval if not a draft of his own.

Also-- guess somebody's comicon surprise has been spoiled!

[Wally Q]

And Torch, I love your Krasinski suggestion!

[The Human Torch]

That was a bitchy release by Marvel. LOL

And thanks, Wally! I think casting Krasinski as Banner could be genius!

[Gog]

I seem to think Norton's agent is telling the truth as Marvel's statement is a total classless bash at Norton. In the immortal words of Scarface from Half Baked, "I believe him, yo." If they're not going to use Norton, they should definitely without a doubt get Bana back.

I'm not too familiar with Whedon, other than the fact that he has a lot of fanboy followers. So, I looked him up on IMDB. From what I see, I like some of his stuff & absolutely hate some of his stuff. Here's what I know & here's what i think.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (movie): Horrible
Toy Story: One of the best
Alien: Resurrection: Meh
Titan A.E.: Love this movie
Atlantis: The Lost Empire: Actually just watched this yesterday. One of Disney's best animated movies.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV): Liked the early episodes, then the show became crap.
Firefly: Know it has a cult following, which I usually wind up liking, but I couldn't watch more than a couple episodes of this show. Horrible.
Serenity: Horrendous.

Oh & Cloverfield, absolute crap.

[Wally Q]

What the Hell does Cloverfield have to do with Whedon?
(And it's actually a pretty damn good film)

[Gog]

What the Hell does Cloverfield have to do with Whedon?
(And it's actually a pretty damn good film)

It was brought up in another post in this thread. And in my opinion, was not a good film.

[Tank]

Yeah but Whedon had nothing to do with it...

I agree Marvel's statement is classless-- but at he same time Norton is known for no being a team player going all the way back to American History X. With a few Exceptions, he's generally pushy about contracting his own rewrite for movies he's attached to-- Hulk included. Marvel's statement seems to be a direct shot at that.

It's too bad too, cause I think he's a great actor.

[Dr. Ifto]

I like Whedon and all. he is great for TV shows, but I am unsure on how I feel about him taking on this movie. I was hoping favreau would take it, or maybe JJ Abrams.

[D-Ray Kenobi]

Ed Norton is one of my favorite actors, especially after his mindblowing role in Kingdom of Heaven. Even if he is a pain to work with, he's come across as the classy one in all of this while Marvel looks like a bunch of dicks.

[Ryn]

Sarcasm?

[Obsidian]

Norton locked director Tony Kaye out of the production room and recut 'American History X' to give himself more screen time. For but one example of his behavior. He's a good actor, but not a team player, and it's best that he stay as far away the Avengers movie as possible.

Marvel's press release may not have been the most tasteful thing they could have put out, but it's truthful. Knowing Norton's history, an Avengers movie would wind up being little more than 2 hours of Ed Norton.

[Darth Krawlie]

I'm disappointed cuz I like actor continuity in a series, I like Ed Norton, and I'm unsure about Joss Whedon. I can't really remember being especially interested in anything he's done.

That being said, I'm still pretty excited for this movie. It's not mentioned in this thread, but it looks like Jeremy Renner is going to play Hawkeye. I wonder how many other Avengers not getting solo movies are going to end up in this?

[Ryn]

Hopefully, my pick above.

[Ryn]

Hulk recasting speculation

[Darth Krawlie]

I'd enjoy Adrien Brody and even Joaquin.

And yeah Matt, Ejiofor as Black Panther would be great.