It has been a whirlwind weekend for Marvel’s The Avengers movie project and the only winner right now is the traffic counter at entertainment website HitFix.
The mess began when HitFix posted a rumor that Marvel had opted against Ed Norton portraying Bruce Banner in The Avengers and would instead cast an unknown in the role. Reasons for the move were unclear in the report but HifFix surmised the dismissal was likely due to monetary reasons.
Word of this report reached Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige who responded directly to HitFix with an official statement on the matter. He confirmed that Norton will be recast but could not resist a parting shot at the actor whose reputation on-set when the camera isn’t rolling isn’t exactly squeaky clean. “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,” Feige said. “We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.”
In other words, Ed Norton does not like working with others and is not passionate about the role of Bruce Banner. As an actor he’s about as useful as The Hulk. Ouch, Mr. Feige. Ouch.
Earlier today the war of words raged on, this time with Ed Norton’s agent Brian Swardstrom using HitFix as the intermediary to fire back a venomous response. It’s not quite Dan Gilbert versus LeBron James worthy but clearly Ed’s camp is not pleased with Mr. Feige’s choice of words.
“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.”
I’ll be surprised if Marvel fires back again as it’s all under the bridge at this point. Someone else will be cast as Bruce Banner/The Hulk in The Avengers and that someone is likely to be formally introduced at 6pm on Saturday, July 24 from the San Diego Comic-Con.
The way information is spilling out of Marvel these days with Joss Whedon’s role as director, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Nathan Fillion as Hank Pym aka The Ant-Man all assumed done deals but yet confirmed by the studio, we’ll likely find out who the next Bruce Banner shortly after the choice is made. Who that someone is will either help ease the sting of losing Norton or cause it to linger on into production. I vote for the former.
