Posted on: July 10th, 2010 CONFIRMED: No Norton For THE AVENGERS

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Marvel Studios has done an impressive job of merging their properties into a cohesive universe which will converge into one monstrous, gargantuan fanboy joygasm with 2012’s The Avengers. With everything almost set in stone for the existing characters to reappear, one big piece of the puzzle remained unanswered until now – would Edward Norton return as Dr. Bruce Banner?

Sadly, the answer is no.

Hitfix reports that Marvel Studios has decided to proceed in casting a new actor to play the Hulk-bound scientist. After the bitter aftertaste Ang Lee’s film left in our mouths, Louis Leterrier’s The Incredible Hulk was a refreshing do-over, and Norton is the perfect Bruce Banner. While we finally have closure on the Banner case, this brings with it a slew of new questions surrounding the role. Who will take on the part? What happened between Marvel and Norton?

It’s pretty well known that Norton gets incredibly involved with the films he works on, and has a bit of a reputation for being vocal when a film is being edited. The man likes control, there’s no doubt about it. The final cut of American History X was famously and heavily re-worked by Norton, much to director Tony Kaye’s frustration. Part of Norton’s contract for Hulk gave him creative control over Zak Penn’s script, which he took advantage of. Then, apparently during editing of the film, Norton clashed with the powers that be and the relationship between the high-profile actor and film studio seemed a thing of the past.

Recently however, talks between Norton and Marvel struck back up, with rumors of a meeting happening between Norton and Joss Whedon, the man to direct The Avengers. Even Norton himself seemed keen on reprising his role. It just wasn’t meant to be.

But why, God, why?! Did Norton bow out? Is Marvel low-balling their actors again? I can’t imagine Marvel choosing to exclude Norton, as he would be an exceptional selling point above and beyond the already stellar cast, but stranger things have happened. They did, after all, recast Terrance Howard with Don Cheadle in Iron Man 2.

UPDATE:

Marvel has reached out to Hitfix and confirmed that Norton will definitely not appear in The Avengers. Marvel insists that this is not due to money, but strictly casting. Read the full quote over at Hitfix.

Hopefully some more light will be shone on the Hulk-Avengers situation at SDCC this year.

More on The Avengers as it develops.

Filed under: Movies, News, comics

4 Responses to “CONFIRMED: No Norton For THE AVENGERS”

  1. Ben Rankel Says:
    July 10th, 2010 at 5:13 pm

    Too bad. Norton was a perfect Banner.

  2. Tommo Says:
    July 10th, 2010 at 8:18 pm

    That’s fine, last time I checked, Lou Ferrigno and and Eric Bana are both fairly available these daysd

  3. Ryan Ferrier Says:
    July 11th, 2010 at 2:21 pm

    Drew @ Hitfix had a great idea for Bruce Banner… Sharlto Copley. Now THAT is perfect. Marvel, do that.

  4. Tommo Says:
    July 12th, 2010 at 8:14 am

    Fook, that’d be a pretty fookin’ inspired job of casting indeed.

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