Edward Norton is out as Bruce Banner / The Hulk in Marvel’s The Avengers. Marvel has commented on the new direction. Norton’s agent has fired back at Marvel with some choice words. But what about Norton himself?

In a somber goodbye to a role he only knew for a mere single film, Norton published his thoughts about leaving Bruce Banner behind and not appearing in The Avengers on Facebook today. There are no potshots at Marvel. No underlying messages. These words read as if they come from the heart.

Maybe someday the truth will come out about what instigated Marvel to make the change. Was it Norton’s disruptive attitude on set? A money issue? Unwillingness to commit to a multi-film deal? Or, most likely, a little of everything?

Now the emphasis turns squarely on casting a new Bruce Banner. The first candidate comes out of not left field, but the uncharted woods behind it.