Edward Norton Replaced In The Avengers

Edward Norton will no longer be reprising his role as Dr. Bruce Banner in the upcoming Marvel Studios movie, The Avengers. It appears the studio was unable to come to a deal with the veteran actor for the movie and will begin their search for an unknown actor to replace him. We speculated the same in May, so we can't say we're surprised.

According to HitFix's Drew McWeeny, the situation unspooled like this:

Whedon has been meeting the cast, laying out his plans for the film, and so far everyone seems incredibly excited by what they're hearing. One of the people whom Whedon has met with was Norton. Both Whedon and Norton reported their enthusiasm back to Marvel, and according to some calls I made today, it sounds like Norton was making serious plans with his agency to keep his dates clear. And then nothing. Marvel made a decision to hire an unknown, and they informed Norton they won't be using him in the film. And that is evidently that.

It's unlikely the character would have seen much screen-time in the form of Banner. Could money have been the issue or creative differences? Norton and Marvel have had a tumultous past and the studios has been quite vocal on getting actors on the cheap. Either way, we may find out come Comic-Con.

The Avengers is still on track to hit theaters May 4, 2012 starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Samuel L. Jackson.

[Update 07/11] The rumor has since been confirmed. Edward Norton will indeed be replaced. Here's Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige's statement to HitFix:

"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."

Then, Norton's WME agent responded saying:

"(Feige's) offensive statement ... 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 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 ... 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."

[Update 07/12] And finally, Norton himself posted a message on his Facebook to discuss the matter to his fans:

As most of you know, I don't like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience's fullest enjoyment of the 'magic' that films can have. But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and the Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So here goes: It seems it won't work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in "The Avengers." I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone but it hasn't turned out as we all hoped. I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be a part of the Hulk's long and excellent history. And I really can't thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you've sent me way about what Louis and I tried to do in our turn with the legend. It means a lot to me. I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been a fan of every incarnation. I'm really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that's why we love him, right?



Sincerely,

Edward Norton

That settles that. So who would you like to see replace Norton?