It sure has been fun following the word sparring between Marvel’s Kevin Feige and Edward Norton’s agent, Brian Swardstrom, hasn’t it? Feige announced this week that Norton would not be returning as Bruce Banner/The Hulk in future Marvel films, namely The Avengers, which prompted a defensive response from the actor’s agent.
Well hang on tight kids because there’s more fun to be had with this one!
In typical 2010 fashion, the man himself, Edward Norton, has now released an official statement to us via his official Facebook page! Check out the full statement here below.
His statement seems too politically correct for my tastes. I want to hear what Norton’s ACTUALLY thinking without having to worry about ruffling any feathers!
As most of you know, I don’t like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience’s fullest enjoyment of the ‘magic’ that films can have. But 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 we all 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 par of the Hulk’s long and excellent history. And I really can’t thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you’ve sent my way about what Louis and I tried to do in our turn with the legend.It means a lot to me. I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been a fan of every incarnation. I’m really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that’s why we love him, right?
Sincerely,
Edward Norton
What do you think?
[Source: Facebook]
Well played Norton. My prediction still stands until the moment they sign a new Banner.
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Cue the sad piano music as he walks away.
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The “sparring” link is dead.
Norton stayed classy…don’t wish for negative drama, there’s enough of it already.
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I can’t even remember who played Bruce Banner in the 2003 version. Hoping Marvel does what it needs to so that Ed Norton returns for the Avengers (or possibly even more Hulk sequels!).
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Fantastic. Well done Mr Norton. Gracious, grateful, and avoiding the trap of stooping to the studio’s level. I’ve always appreciated him as an actor, and with these words he clearly shows that he has nothing to lose, as he has the admiration and respect of others.
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At Least Norton knows how to play the game. Even if it is heartfelt and truthful, advantage Norton.
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Can’t they just CGI us a Bruce Banner?
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I really loved him as The Hulk.Ergo ; I will boycott any new one without him .PHHHTTTT ! On Marvel .
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Norton made a great Banner. I will avoid the new avengers movie if he’s not in it
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I really don’t care who plays the role. I’m sure that it’ll be great who ever the pick. What I do hope is that they give Jack Kirby the rightful position as the sole creator of The Hulk.
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Cliff, you’re half right. No one cares who plays the role. It will make a butt load of money either way. Whether or not it will be “great” is another question! It is without a doubt an unprecedented event, but could very easily fall far short of the expectations being generated. Whedon has a mighty task on his hands to say the least.
I personally think the Avengers movie will be lacking without Norton’s presence. Not only was he perfect for the role, he is a great actor and from all appearances a classy guy. He took a stand for the integrity of the material while filming Incredible Hulk. He cared more about the fans and the character than the studio execs that just wanted to turn a quick buck.
I wish he could have stayed.
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