Hollywood is having a shakeup and a meltdown, and I don’t like it.
First, we learned that a no-name actor, Andrew Garfield, is replacing Tobey Maguire as the new Spider-Man. As if that wasn’t a big enough blow, we just learned that Edward Norton is being replaced as Bruce Banner by Marvel in The Avengers for “an actor yet to be named.” That’s just scandalous. No one puts baby Norton in the corner. Especially not for a “to be named” replacement.
Now, I admit, I don’t care much for the character of The Hulk so I did not see The Incredible Hulk (2008) which starred Norton. Long-admiring Norton’s acting capabilities, however, I am sure he did an outstanding job and did not deserve to be cut out. And I just don’ like this pattern which is emerging in Hollywood.
Marvel President of Production, Kevin Feige, said in a statement that the reason Norton wasn’t cast has nothing to do with financial reasons, “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.”
Ouch. Harsh and unnecessary words Mr. Feige. And what the hell does that mean anyway? That Norton is not a team player? That he will not get along with other actors cast in The Avengers, including Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Samuel L. Jackson?
Well, Norton sure sounds like a good sport to me as witnessed by his message which he sent through Facebook. Here is what he has to say about the situation:
“I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and The Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So here goes: It seems it won’t work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in The Avengers.
I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone, but it hasn’t turned out as well as we hoped. I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be a part of the Hulk’s long and excellent history.”
Ed -What a classy way to respond to a crappy situation. I will forever be a fan.
This is a huge blow. Norton was awesome as Hulk, just like he is awesome in everything he’s done. I’ve gone to watch movies, just because he plays in them. I think Norton would play great in an ensemble. That’s such a B.S. reason.
josh hutcherson woulda been a much better choice as a high-school spidey. losing ed as bruce banner is huge. he did a great job (as always). perplexed as to why his contract wasn’t for both “hulk” AND “the avengers” since the plan all along was to tie everything together. and iron-man 2 was ho hum. hope marvel gets it together.
I literally just rewatched his version of Hulk and the movie stands the test of time. Norton is an awesome actor and audiences will be robbed if he isn’t a part of the avengers finale that he began. His movie basically introduced Robert Downey as Tony Stark. This really ticks me off and I am not motivated to watch this upcoming film since it obviously is going to be all thrills and no fill.
Wow, Marvel really pisses me off now. Just one less person not watching the Avengers now, it’s not worth it without Norton 😛
Well, at this point Sam Zeb should fill the role…looks EXACTLY like Ed, but might work for less if that’s Marvel’s big problem! lol
Never saw Ed’s version of the Hulk (not my favorite superhero) but I’ve loved everything else he’s played in. I hope something better comes along his way 🙂
“I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer…”
that sounds to me like Norton was was the one who turned Marvel down – not the other way around.