Looks like the fight’s still not finished.
Marvel Studios shut the door on actor Edward Norton’s Bruce Banner, not a surprising move after a highly public argument between Marvel execs and their leading man over the final cut of 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, but Marvel made sure to get in one last swipe before sending Norton off for good.
(More on Techland: Marvel’s Next Epic: Avengers vs. Edward Norton)
In a statement released to HitFix, Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige confirmed that Norton will not return as Banner in 2012’s 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 [Downey Jr.], Chris [Hemsworth], Chris [Evans], [Samuel L. Jackson], Scarlett [Johansson] 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.”
Ouch. For a spat that raged more than two years ago, Feige’s bitter comments are something we’d expect to be said of Hollywood starlets with little skill and too much cocaine access, not a two-time Oscar nominee. The pair first clashed in 2008 after Norton and director Louis Leterrier lobbied for a longer, more thoughtful cut of The Incredible Hulk, while Marvel pushed for a thinner, more action-packed version. The fight went public and after Marvel prevailed, Norton refused to market the film, which went on to bank $134 million at the box office.
So all this Hollywood hullabaloo aside, how do you feel about Norton’s departure from the Marvel film universe?
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