This is a late story lighting up the web. Fanboys like myself are cringing at the thought that this story ends up being real.
Hit Fix broke the story just a few hours ago. Seems as though Marvel is back to their cheap ass ways and doesn't want to shell out the dough necessary to sign Norton to the superhero super-team, The Avengers. The movie has been set in motion for years; and as of last month, 90% of the cast was in place, now this? What's going on? What's the real story? Can we blame them?
As far as I knew, Norton was in. In most interviews he was adamant about coming back IF the story and director were right. Hit Fix reports that the rumored director of
The Avengers, Joss Whedon and Norton met, and were both excited about getting started on the project. Well now Marvel is rumored to want an "unknown" for the project. What the heck happened?
My guess WAS the same as H.F., it's all about the Benjamin's baby. They don't want to pay for Norton's talents, so casting an unknown solves the problem. But after a little thought, I'm realizing that CAN'T be the problem. They already have big name actors, Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, and the list goes on and on. What was Norton going to possibly make on the movie that they can't afford? It just doesn't make sense!
My theory is this; Marvel just doesn't want anything to do with Edward Norton. The man has one of the most notorious attitudes in the business. He has problems on every set he's ever worked on, including '
Hulk'. He fought with Marvel to re-cut the movie and lost, then refuses to do press? Wow.
American History X is a prime example of Norton overstepping his boundaries as an actor. He apparently wasn't happy with director Tony Kaye's final cut of the movie; so Norton cut the film himself with the studio behind the directors back. When Kaye discovered what was going on, he tried to remove his name from the credits, to no avail.
After Marvel brought Norton in for '
Hulk', he wanted to change the script. Marvel agreed, which I still don't know why they would. Watch the special features to the movie and you quickly get a sense that director Louis Leterrier was not allowed to do anything without Norton's approval. After disagreeing with Leterrier about the final cut of the film, Norton refused to do any publicity for the film. What the hell is up with this guy? Is it really "the passion to turn in great work"? Or is he just an arrogant jerk?
I still think he's one of the most talented actors in Hollywood, but I also think like this; "walk like a duck, talk like a duck", you're probably the jerk everyone says you are. I would love for him to reprise his role as Bruce Banner/Hulk, but it looks like that's becoming less and less likely every day. Comic-Con is just around the corner, and yours truly will be there. As soon as we get confirmation one way or the other, we'll let you know!
