tammyy2j
12-07-2010, 15:45
You wouldn't like Ed Norton when he's angry – the Hollywood actor is furious after being axed from the forthcoming superhero movie 'The Avengers'.
Norton was expected to reprise his role as The Incredible Hulk in the eagerly awaited movie, which sees Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Nick Fury and others teaming up.
However, while the likes of Robert Downey Jr, and Samuel L Jackson are back in their roles, Marvel Studios are looking for another actor to play Bruce Banner and his monstrous alter ego.
Marvel President Kevin Feige released a statement, saying, “We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the 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 (Downey Jr), Chris H (Hemsworth), Chris E (Evans), Sam (L Jackson), Scarlett (Johansson), and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfils these requirements and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks."
However, Norton has hit back, with his agent issuing a statement, reading, “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.”
Joaquin Phoenix is rumoured to be in talks of replacing Norton in the film, which will be directed by Joss Whedon.
Norton was expected to reprise his role as The Incredible Hulk in the eagerly awaited movie, which sees Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Nick Fury and others teaming up.
However, while the likes of Robert Downey Jr, and Samuel L Jackson are back in their roles, Marvel Studios are looking for another actor to play Bruce Banner and his monstrous alter ego.
Marvel President Kevin Feige released a statement, saying, “We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the 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 (Downey Jr), Chris H (Hemsworth), Chris E (Evans), Sam (L Jackson), Scarlett (Johansson), and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfils these requirements and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks."
However, Norton has hit back, with his agent issuing a statement, reading, “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.”
Joaquin Phoenix is rumoured to be in talks of replacing Norton in the film, which will be directed by Joss Whedon.