Posted on: July 12th, 2010 Norton & Marvel Comment On THE AVENGERS
It almost got real messy there for a second, but it seems the dust has settled and we’re left with absolution. I am, of course, referring to the confirmation that Edward Norton will not be reprising the role of Bruce Banner in Joss Whedon’s upcoming The Avengers.
While the knee-jerk reaction was to assume negotiations between Norton and Marvel fell through because of money (Marvel has been notoriously lowballing actors in negotiations), Marvel, through a statement made to Hitfix, claimed it wasn’t money at all, but rather eluded to Norton being difficult to work with. Said Marvel:
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.
Ouch. Subtle, Marvel. Clearly they are referring to disputes that arose between Norton and producers of The Incredible Hulk during post-production of the film. But did Marvel really need to go that route publicly?
Edward Norton’s agent, Brian Swardstrom, sure wasn’t going to let this slide, and in turn responded with this (via Hitfix):
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.
Now there’s two sides to every story, and we may never know the full truth, but Swardstrom’s statement confirms a few things. One, Edward Norton was indeed in negotiations to return to the Marvel film universe. Two, that Marvel made the decision to end the pursuit of Norton. Three, that Joss Whedon is directing The Avengers, which oddly hasn’t been officially announced. And four, that Marvel’s publicists aren’t very tactful.
I’d like to side with Mr. Swardstrom. Sure Norton has a reputation of being… overly invested in more than one aspect of the final product. This, in turn, could lead to some head-butting and disagreement, sure. But to write off a stellar actor and a huge draw to the biggest comic book film of all time? That’s seems a bit extreme to me. Like Drew at Hitfix said in his original article, Marvel’s only got one shot at this, and how sweet would it have been to see every aspect of their films come together in one spectacular event. Now we must endure the detachment of yet another actor playing Banner, for the third time in as many films.
Norton himself took to the internet today to sound off on the whole debacle. Instead of calling Marvel out on their passively slanderous remarks, he took the high-road, like a professional would. Norton posted this statement, through his official Facebook page (note that this statement was posted as an image, embedded below):
What kills me the most about all this, is that Norton so obviously wanted to be a part of The Avengers. Alas, it’s all said and done, and at the end of the day who knows what happened behind closed doors between Norton and Marvel. It seems fairly apparent though, that Marvel decided to end something before it even began.
Now we can begin speculating on just who will take over as the tortured scientist Banner. Rumors are already circulating that Joaquin Phoenix has been offered the role (via CHUD). Devin Faraci broke the rumor this morning, and goes on to say that Phoenix is thinking the offer over, and an announcement could be made as soon as SDCC, should he accept.
Phoenix is an odd choice for Banner, one I certainly wouldn’t have thought up on my own, but the more I think about it, the more I like him in the role. Phoenix has a shy, almost timid quality about him, and, like in real life, he seems unpredictable. There’s also no denying his acting ability, and a name like his should be welcome in The Avengers.
Rumor has it that the entire Avengers roster will be announced and present at Marvel Studio’s panel at comic-con, so we may have to wait until then.
Joaquin Phoenix as Bruce Banner... what do you think?
2 Responses to “Norton & Marvel Comment On THE AVENGERS”
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Ben Rankel Says:
July 12th, 2010 at 8:34 pmIt sucks Norton couldn’t return, but as you mentioned, the more I think about Phoenix in the role, the more I like it. He has that quiet, yet churning nature. Some one you can easily imagine trying hard to keep the lid on it all, but eventually just boiling over.
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Adam Says:
July 12th, 2010 at 8:39 pmI hope this doesn’t get in the way of Joaquin’s flourishing rap career.