'The Avengers': Edward Norton's agent responds to Marvel's diss
In what is turning out to be a dramatic parting of the ways, Edward Norton's agent has issued a statement Marvel Studios confirmed the Academy Award nominee would not return as Bruce Banner in "The Avengers."
Marvel Studios is going in a new direction for the Hulk. In a statement, Marvel CEO Kevin Feige said the decision was "rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members."
Norton's agent, Brian Swardstrom of WME, is none too happy about that. He responds with his own statement:
"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 Comic-Con 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 [director] Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting 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's talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel's fans."
Stay tuned. We get the feeling this isn't over.
Read the full story at HitFix.
Photo credit: Getty Images
ed norton saved the hulk. they should be fighting for him, hes an awesome actor...fight club...primal fear...need i go on?
Can't stand Ed Norton and his ego! I agree he can be a good actor, but his ego can take over. I can see dropping him for not being a team player.
This was a much better statement than the studio's. I think I love Edward Norton even more. RDJ, Jeremy Renner, Ed Norton, and Scarlet Johannson would have been an amazing cast. Shame that it happened.
I couldn't agree with this statement more if I'd written it myself.
Marvel's announcement was unprofessional and insulting.
I was very much looking forward to seeing Edward reprise his role as Bruce Banner. He is an amazingly gifted actor who gives his all in his roles. He was the only reason I was excited about seeing The Avengers. The statement by Feige was very accusatory and he should issue an apology for trying to paint Edward in a bad light. Regardless, Edward will go on and continue to give us amazing performances in quality material.
I was very much looking forward to seeing Edward reprise his role as Bruce Banner. He is an amazingly gifted actor who gives his all in his roles. He was the only reason I was excited about seeing The Avengers. The statement by Feige was very accusatory and he should issue an apology for trying to paint Edward in a bad light. Regardless, Edward will go on and continue to give us amazing performances in quality material.
I agree with E N's agent. MArvel's dissing of Edward was entirely tactless, and ugly. But it highlights the ignorance of Marvel, from the ground up. Marvel's current CEO, and CCO, Joe Quesada, is known for his lack of tact, his egotism, and turning Marvel into a boys club. His terrible decisions have cost the company a number of readers. Spider-man alone has lost a third of its readers in the space of a year.
If anyone buys what Marvel is trying to sell us re: why Norton was let go, they need their head examined.
Classless move by Marvel if the story is true. But I never completely bought Ed Norton as Banner anyway. Great actor just not the best fit for this particular role, imo. Billy Crudup might be a good choice. I think he was offered the Banner role in Ang Lee's version but turned it down. Maybe he'd like to work with Joss Whedon?
I guess I need my head examine because I believe what Marvel is trying to sell considering they aren't the fist to say it. Norton has a reputation of taking over a film and wanting it his way or he can be difficult. Personally I was surprised when he took a comic book role.