Ed Norton

[sdc10]

I was happy to hear Sam Jackson signed with marvel mostly because i was happy we would not have another recast, one is enough for me. Just wanted to know if anyone knows what the situation is with Edward Norton? Has it been confirmed that he wouldnt return? Or is it still touch and go? I would hate to not have him come back mostly because of the recast but also because I thought he was great as the Hulk.:bh:

[WillardNation]

I coulda swore there was an interview with the producer on SHH! awhile back that said he signed a multipicture deal and that he was definitely gonna continue playing Banner.

[SuperFerret]

I hope so.

[Spider-ManHero12]

I coulda swore there was an interview with the producer on SHH! awhile back that said he signed a multipicture deal and that he was definitely gonna continue playing Banner. Agreed! So, yeah, i think he will be in The Avengers, which will be awesome, if you ask me. I mean, the Hulk in an Avengers film with Iron Man, Thor, etc? That just rocks so hard.

[LastSunrise1981]

I definitely feel like it's important to maintain continuity and use the same actors for the Avengers. It wouldn't feel right to see a different actor play Banner as Norton was perfect in my opinion.

So they definitely need to make sure that Robert Downey Jr., Norton, Jackson, and the actors who will play Thor, Captain America, and Ant Man are locked up in order to keep the film on the right track. This is going to be a tough task and they need to have all of the actors, writers, producers, and director on board to make sure this happens.

[WillardNation]

^^^Agreed. Also I just really think Norton is one of the best actors of our time. He's awesome in everything he does.

[Spider-Vader]

I hope Norton returns. I really liked him as Banner, then let him do the sequel to TIH.

[Zacky]

I coulda swore there was an interview with the producer on SHH! awhile back that said he signed a multipicture deal and that he was definitely gonna continue playing Banner.


http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/10/23/hulk-producer-talks-sequels-avengers-and-frozen-captain-america/

[sdc10]

http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/10/23/hulk-producer-talks-sequels-avengers-and-frozen-captain-america/

I didnt see anything in there saying he was coming back...:woot:

[Zacky]

I didnt see anything in there saying he was coming back...:woot:


sorry wrong link.

http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=15866856&postcount=1

[FaT_tONle]

"LIKELY" to appear... like always... just like Marvel had to negotiate with Howard, Jackson, Rourke... they will negotiate and re-negotiate with Norton when the time comes... there is no court order that says Norton has to be a part of it. If Marvel doesn't want to meet Norton's demands/expectations and visa versa... he probably won't be back.

[The Incredible Hulk]

Norton does have a multi-picture deal with the studio which means he'll be back. Sure he could void the deal, but he'd be penalized for it just like breaking any other contract. The whole "rift" between him and Marvel was blown way out of proportion. He'll be back.

[smooth3006]

norton will be back, bank on it.

[[A]]

I imagine Norton doing only Banner scenes, pissed on how the Hulk doesn't get much action :hehe:

[smooth3006]

i just want to know if the hulk will be a villain in the avengers movie or not?

[Dr. Watson]

I really liked Norton as Banner. It would be great to see him back. But I wonder, if the Hulk is supposed to be the "villian" of the first film, would that change his decsion? Norton is notoriously protective of his work. He might see it in the wrong light.

[FaT_tONle]

I think if you center it to where the Hulk is the focus of the film for a large part of the movie... Norton may be up for it. Something where the Avengers/villains are both after the Hulk. Sort of focus on the conflicted Banner... who does not want his powers falling into the hands of even more dangerous villains. Definitely think he should be a focal point in the film if they use Hulk.

[Spider-Vader]

I think if you center it to where the Hulk is the focus of the film for a large part of the movie... Norton may be up for it. Something where the Avengers/villains are both after the Hulk. Sort of focus on the conflicted Banner... who does not want his powers falling into the hands of even more dangerous villains. Definitely think he should be a focal point in the film if they use Hulk.

I'd like that. Maybe they go ahead further with the Hulk hero thing & have Hulk join the Avengers because of the things he saw the villain(s) did.

[DocHoliday]

Or maybe Banner thinks he can contain The Hulk as is implied at the end of the film and joins the Avengers, only to lose control near the end and have to be stopped after saving the world from the powerful villain.

[Blader5489]

"LIKELY" to appear... like always... just like Marvel had to negotiate with Howard, Jackson, Rourke... they will negotiate and re-negotiate with Norton when the time comes... there is no court order that says Norton has to be a part of it. If Marvel doesn't want to meet Norton's demands/expectations and visa versa... he probably won't be back.

That's exactly what his contract is.

The only way Norton won't be back is if either Marvel or Norton voids the agreement, and if it's Norton, he'll be penalized for it. I tend to think that Norton would rather play Banner again than pay a fine to get out of it.

[WeaponXProject]

I'm sorry but how could Norton turn down one of the biggest scale movies of all time (probably). It doesn't seem likely but if he keeps complaining like he did for TIH then I imagine they'll pull the plug on him.


I'd say keep him. And I also say he'll want to come back. He hasn't had anything big for a while now. Pride and Glory was forgettable and he needs something so he can stay big.

[FaT_tONle]

The problem is they won't be able to pay everybody in all likelyhood. Norton will need a salary close to RDJ's level... I don't think he will get anywhere near that hence he won't return IMO.

[Asteroid-Man]

The film could be about the Avengers trying to recruit the Hulk as they need him to fight off the threat that's putting the world in danger. Then the movie could sort of be based around the Avengers trailing on Hulk's tail as they keep getting attacked by aliens (if we go with Ultimates) and Hulk is also attacked by aliens.

[jokerface89]

Hopefully he will return something would seem wrong about having the hulk only appearing while banner does not at all appear granted that did happend in the comic books at times.Well at least they can still get Lou Ferrigno to provide the voice for the hulk beside I would like to see th hulk talk more for the avengers movie especially since the hulk will have to interact with the others.

[Blackman]

They need to get Norton, Tyler, and Hurt signed on to the Avengers

[strikezone89]

They need to get Norton, Tyler, and Hurt signed on to the Avengers
Agreed

[Abstract]

Norton at the very least. I thought him and Roth were the shinning lights of that film.

[[A]]

^ yeah. Hurt was misused and Tyler gave her usual lifeless performance.

[Gamma Goliath]

i think liv was a miscast character.

[[A]]

she usually is

[GregComicFan]

I dont see why Norton WOULDN'T come back.... it's a pretty sweet gig. As The Hulk, half of the movie doesn't even have Norton in it. It's not the same as Christian Bale playing Batman or Brandon Routh as Superman... who have to appear in both the Bruce/Clark scenes AND their hero counterparts (but now in a super suit).... The Hulk is computer generated.... and Norton doesn't even provide a voice for him.... plus, I'm sure Norton would want to work alongside Robert Downy Jr in an Avengers movie. I bet they'd have fun.

[FaT_tONle]

If Thor and Cap are played by unknowns then the only names you have are bascially SJ/RDJ/SLJ... it's basically another Iron Man cast. That's not the all-star cast we all envisioned. Norton would provide much needed depth to the cast. And if they don't get a name for Thor/Cap which I don't think they will... then I think you need to get a big name for Pym as well.

[Aztec]

Well he is already signed on for multiple films so it shouldn't be an issue. Also this will be a very sweet deal for Norton. I'd have a hard time believing that he would turn it down.

[FaT_tONle]

There is no guarantee he will be back until he signs the dotted line. I am sure Norton has some kind of opt out clause... otherwise Marvel would not have been able to sign him in the first place.

[mjbull23]

He should come back to reprise his role as Banner, and hopefully, he will. Money won't be the deciding factor for Norton as most of us already know, but if the story is right, he will be back.

[Bruce Banner]

Hopefully he will return. After growing up watching his earlier work I'm still surprised he took the part. But he did well and hopefully he will return. I think it would be entertaining to work on this film. Just to see all of these actors discuss the interactions between the characters they helped bring to life.

[NinjaCarm]

The film could be about the Avengers trying to recruit the Hulk as they need him to fight off the threat that's putting the world in danger. Then the movie could sort of be based around the Avengers trailing on Hulk's tail as they keep getting attacked by aliens (if we go with Ultimates) and Hulk is also attacked by aliens.


I like the way you think, this is what should happen, the Avengers want to recruit Banner, they fight him cause Banner thinks they are trying to capture and imprison him, viola you have your Avengers Vs. Hulk fight and then they team up to fight Ultron, Kang, Howard the Duck, whoever they pick as the main nemesis.

I can't believe this movie will happen:woot:

[JerseyJoker]

Im glad that they are not forgetting about Hulk at all in the discussion of the Avengers. I really hope that not only is his part Hulk and Norton's good enough, but it can roll out with an TIH sequel after the Avengers.

I loved Norton as Banner, and i actually hope they go with something along the lines of Hulk being a friend but also enemy, maybe by control of Loki, a throw back to the comics.

[Norm3]

I don't think Ed Norton added anything to the Hulk that Bana couldn't do. Norton is over rated & I hope he's not in the Avengers or even the next Hulk movie.

[JerseyJoker]

Norton is so not overrated. He's a better actor then Bana.

[WillardNation]

definitely. Bana was good in Star Trek, ok in Troy and absolutely terrible in everything else. Norton, on the other hand, is phenomenal in everything he does.

[FaT_tONle]

I thought his Banner was pretty lack luster to be honest. Not comparing him to Bana... but his performance as a whole.

[Steve Holt]

Bana was awesome in Chopper, i recomend it to everyone

[Blader5489]

definitely. Bana was good in Star Trek, ok in Troy and absolutely terrible in everything else. Norton, on the other hand, is phenomenal in everything he does.
I wouldn't say phenomenal, but Norton is definitely the better actor. Or at least, he generally puts in better performances than Bana.

[topdog1]

Norton is the perfect Banner. Marvel needs to admit they were wrong, apologize and get him back for Avengers. Watching the deleted scenes on Incredible Hulk just breaks my heart. Those extra character moments are amazing. I assume that's what the rumored "Norton Cut" of the film contained. The Betty/Bruce scenes create so much more emotion. The extra army planning adds more intelligence. The one Thunderbolt Ross scene may have been the worst cut of all. That lone scene fleshes out the character and lets Hurt's talent shine. Why they cut that scene baffles and angers me. Incredible Hulk was good but leave some of those scenes in place and it's a near masterpiece. Marvel needs to suck it up and apologize.

[LastSunrise1981]

I definitely agree that Norton is the perfect Banner. When I looked at him wearing the glasses, his identification cards, and creating serums in hopes of a cure he just looked like how I always visioned Banner to look. They definitely need to sign him for the Avengers.

[Gamma Goliath]

I think norton will sign on after the movie definatly gets its own momentum, after every thing is set in stone.
I also think that marvels mystery 2012 movie will be TIH2, I think they'll reveal it at comic con

[dcHulk]

^that would be nice.

[Bruce Banner]

I think norton will sign on after the movie definatly gets its own momentum, after every thing is set in stone.
I also think that marvels mystery 2012 movie will be TIH2, I think they'll reveal it at comic con

I hope so

[Betty Ross]

I think norton will sign on after the movie definatly gets its own momentum, after every thing is set in stone.
I also think that marvels mystery 2012 movie will be TIH2, I think they'll reveal it at comic con

That'd be a dream come true for me, honestly. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[Bruce Banner]

I wonder about Zak Penn writing the script for the Avengers and after Norton doing the touch ups on TIH I didn't think Penn was really happy about that. How will Zak Penn write Nortons part as Banner if he is involved?

Well maybe I'm answering my own question but I know Marvel doesn't want to screw this up so I think they would be interested in any creative input. I'm sure Downey and Favs would want to make a few changes as well.

[Sarg92]

I wonder about Zak Penn writing the script for the Avengers and after Norton doing the touch ups on TIH I didn't think Penn was really happy about that. How will Zak Penn write Nortons part as Banner if he is involved?

Well maybe I'm answering my own question but I know Marvel doesn't want to screw this up so I think they would be interested in any creative input. I'm sure Downey and Favs would want to make a few changes as well.

I feel that Zak Penn will write the basis of the story like how he did with TIH but then there will be changes made to it by the director, actors and producers.

[Betty Ross]

I wonder about Zak Penn writing the script for the Avengers and after Norton doing the touch ups on TIH I didn't think Penn was really happy about that. How will Zak Penn write Nortons part as Banner if he is involved?

Well maybe I'm answering my own question but I know Marvel doesn't want to screw this up so I think they would be interested in any creative input. I'm sure Downey and Favs would want to make a few changes as well.

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure Penn's had scripts rewritten or touched up a few times before TIH, so I don't know if that was really the issue for him. The issue, I think, was in who received credit, and Penn fought for it and ultimately got full credit.

I know he doesn't have a great track record, but if he's just doing the outline so far (like I believe Feige said), I'm alright with it. It's not like he'll have the last word on the story anyways - there's going to be so many different parties involved, it's inevitable that it's going to be touched up and fine-tuned to suit them.

[Bruce Banner]

I agree if its kinda like a outline and someone doing some touch ups like Edward did then I'm fine with it.

And a OT thought isn't it funny how me and you both being newbies were lucky enough to actually get the names Bruce Banner and Betty Ross before someone else did? Someone mentioned it to me in another thread I'm surprised I got it.

[TheVileOne]

http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/09/15/edward-norton-uncertain-about-marvels-plans-for-hulk-franchise/

This was Norton talking around last September a few months after TIH.

[FaT_tONle]

Why post the old news everywhere?

[Khemik@L]

Yea we already know about this. I think it was even on the front page of SHH

[TheVileOne]

Just as a reminder.

[Sarg92]

Just as a reminder.

Well with Norton being sceptical about The Avengers but this is from last year and his views on it could have changed. Do you think he was correct in being a bit sceptical about it and saying Marvel aren't too sure what to do with all these characters because Zak Penn has said that the film seems daunting and he even said it might suck!

[Spider-Vader]

If they make it around TDK's time length (or above) I think it'll be good. You get to have some character development, plot development & some big action scenes.

[TheVileOne]

I don't think it has to be 2 and a half hours. It should be at least 2 hours though.

Look for this movie, you aren't going to focus as much as on the supporting Avengers.

In Star Trek, the main duo was Kirk and Spock, but a decent amount of time was dedicated to the other cast members. Not a whole lot, but the potential is there to do more later on. Uhura served a very important role in the arcs of both Kirk and Spock. Scotty comes late into the movie, but Pegg at least gets to make an impact with his screentime.

[TheFuture]

definitely. Bana was good in Star Trek, ok in Troy and absolutely terrible in everything else. Norton, on the other hand, is phenomenal in everything he does.

Eh............Chopper?

As for Norton, I think he derserves pay parity with RDJ. I do believe Norton is the perfect fit for Banner, and if Marvel want to maintain The Hulk as a legit movie character, they'll avoid another recast and not cheap out.

[SolarTiger]

I really hope they keep norton...I loved him in TIH and I would hate it if he was recast.

[Spider-ManHero12]

I really hope the keep norton...I loved him in TIH and I would hate it if he was recast. I second that. IMO, he's the best Bruce Banner or just as great as Bill Bixby's. :up:

[Gamma Goliath]

Yeah norton was great. My banners would be bill bixby, neal mcdonough, and ed norton, with norton being the best.

[dcHulk]

I don't really see neal mcdonough in a banner role. But as far as I'm concerned, neither Bana nor Norton brought the level of gravitas that Bixby did. Not that Bana is not capable of doing this, but Norton's performance was crippled by poor editing. Had we seen the character development scenes that were cut out by Marvel, then Norton's Banner probably would have matched that of Bixby's.

[Bruce Banner]

yeah I wish a few of those scenes stayed in along with that scene where William Hurt was sitting in the dark with a cigar and gave his speech to the major.

[Microchip]

I think that Norton will probably decide on Avengers based on how the other franchises are looking. He's got every right to be skeptical about jumping onto a movie where two character's film potentials have yet to be realized, and with Iron Man 2 incomplete. Say IM2 is great, Thor and Captain America are too, I'd assume Norton will sign on.

[FaT_tONle]

He won't have time to wait. Avengers will be filming before Cap/Thor come out. It's going to depend on the script and screenplay... not good news considering who's on board in that department.

[Gamma Goliath]

If he is waiting, my guess is he's waiting on IM2, and what director and writers sign on to avengers. But if he's truly passionate about being banner and hulk, he'll sign on regardless.
On second thought he maybe waiting to see what the script looks like and who else gets cast into the movie.

[smooth3006]

id like to think norton will play banner in avengers? i just want a darn hulk sequel with him in it. :bh:

[Gamma Goliath]

Yeah, I think he'll come around

[TheVileOne]

If he doesn't and they really want to use Hulk/Banner again it could be a different Banner.

[topdog1]

Yeah, I think he'll come around

I hope you're right.

I just posted this in the Hulk/Avengers thread but it probably should've gone here. Comic Con interview clip with Kevin Feige...

When asked if he was currently in a "good place" with Edward Norton, Feige demurred and said, "ask him."

So many ways to answer that if things were even OK with Norton. Feige needs to suck it up and apologize big-time. Norton was clearly right judging by the brilliance of some of the deleted scenes in IH and by the final box office numbers. Feige and Marvel clearly decided to cut some character development out of IH because Ang Lee had left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. They were wrong to cut what they did. So, man up and beg Norton for another chance. Don't lose one of the greatest actors of our generation and the PERFECT Banner because of pride.

[irapogi]

I hope you're right.

I just posted this in the Hulk/Avengers thread but it probably should've gone here. Comic Con interview clip with Kevin Feige...

When asked if he was currently in a "good place" with Edward Norton, Feige demurred and said, "ask him."

So many ways to answer that if things were even OK with Norton. Feige needs to suck it up and apologize big-time. Norton was clearly right judging by the brilliance of some of the deleted scenes in IH and by the final box office numbers. Feige and Marvel clearly decided to cut some character development out of IH because Ang Lee had left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. They were wrong to cut what they did. So, man up and beg Norton for another chance. Don't lose one of the greatest actors of our generation and the PERFECT Banner because of pride.

perfectly put. if there isnt some sort of petition, there should be, tell marvel that the people want norton, and hel apologize, granted, if norton still doesnt want to do it, then that sucks, but still.

:bh:

[WillardNation]

^^^^couldn't agree more

[jadejaws]

perfectly put. if there isnt some sort of petition, there should be, tell marvel that the people want norton, and hel apologize, granted, if norton still doesnt want to do it, then that sucks, but still.

:bh:

Does anyone here know how to set something like that up?

[FaT_tONle]

I hope you're right.

I just posted this in the Hulk/Avengers thread but it probably should've gone here. Comic Con interview clip with Kevin Feige...

When asked if he was currently in a "good place" with Edward Norton, Feige demurred and said, "ask him."

So many ways to answer that if things were even OK with Norton. Feige needs to suck it up and apologize big-time. Norton was clearly right judging by the brilliance of some of the deleted scenes in IH and by the final box office numbers. Feige and Marvel clearly decided to cut some character development out of IH because Ang Lee had left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. They were wrong to cut what they did. So, man up and beg Norton for another chance. Don't lose one of the greatest actors of our generation and the PERFECT Banner because of pride.

I really don't think the longer cut would have made much a difference with the box office. The reviews were still solid and I'm not sure how much better the WOM would have been even with a longer cut. It probably would have done a bit better on DVD nonetheless. I just don't see this deal getting done unless they already have something in place. Either that or they get a long term commitment from Norton, which would of course require a long term commitment from Marvel on a character that has failed twice.

[Aztec]

1) Norton was clearly right judging by the brilliance of some of the deleted scenes in IH and by the final box office numbers. Feige and Marvel clearly decided to cut some character development out of IH because Ang Lee had left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. They were wrong to cut what they did.

2)So, man up and beg Norton for another chance. Don't lose one of the greatest actors of our generation and the PERFECT Banner because of pride.

I disagree with number one. I saw the deleted scenes and there was really nothing special there. The movie was pretty darn good as it was.

I strongly agree with number 2 though. Norton is a phenomenal actor (though he does appear to be a bit of a drama queen) and he was perfect as Bruce Banner. I really wouldn't want anyone else in the role for The Avengers.

[HappyPalooza]

I don't get how people can define TIH as a "failure," like it bombed at the BO and with audiences or something. People liked it and it did just fine at the BO, just not a huge hit like Iron Man. Because it does moderately well doesn't mean it's a failure.

Also that quote from Feige is a good thing on my watch, because not only does he seem to be fine with Norton, but an earlier article from Comic Con showed he had interest in reusing him in their movies. Also a few months ago, Gale Ann Hurd said he had a multi-picture deal in his contract so if they do go for him in the future, it'll all be on him, and he's already said he doesn't want to be branded a "pain in the ass," so here's hopin' he comes around, assuming there is actually bad blood between them.

Remember that quote by him was during that period of time after summer where Marvel was reorganizing everything, was still pending on rehiring Jon Favreau and getting their **** together for their big game plan after their first two films. They seem much more organized and decisive now. So again, here's hopin'.

edit: And yeah, nothing special in the deleted scenes, with the exception of the alternate opening, which I thought should have preceded the opening credit montage. Everyone's like "OH it added so much character development!" Bull. The particular scene that comes to mind is the Samson/Bruce scene with the "aspects" line. Everyone was saying how it would have peered into Bruce's head, but it didn't, it was more a Samson scene than a Bruce one by far. Most were just pretty boring.

[FaT_tONle]

I don't get how people can define TIH as a "failure," like it bombed at the BO and with audiences or something. People liked it and it did just fine at the BO, just not a huge hit like Iron Man. Because it does moderately well doesn't mean it's a failure.

It may not have been a B.O flop, but it was a HUGE disappointment financially. Not even 250 WW. The DVD sales barely cracked the top 20 that year. Look at some of the movies ahead of it on DVD sales. Adding the profit, it barely reaches the 300 million mark between box office and DVD. That's only twice what it cost to make the film.

[jadejaws]

It may not have been a B.O flop, but it was a HUGE disappointment financially. Not even 250 WW. The DVD sales barely cracked the top 20 that year. Look at some of the movies ahead of it on DVD sales. Adding the profit, it barely reaches the 300 million mark between box office and DVD. That's only twice what it cost to make the film.

Lets keep in mind that Blu Ray was not added into TIH's total DVD sales. I remember clearly reading that while they didn't have actual numbers, the Hulk was number 1 in Blu Ray sales for a few weeks.

[topdog1]

I really don't think the longer cut would have made much a difference with the box office. The reviews were still solid and I'm not sure how much better the WOM would have been even with a longer cut. It probably would have done a bit better on DVD nonetheless. I just don't see this deal getting done unless they already have something in place. Either that or they get a long term commitment from Norton, which would of course require a long term commitment from Marvel on a character that has failed twice.

I certainly never called the box office a failure and my point was that the shorter cut didn't lead to a record box office by any means. So, there was no need to cut some of the development. A deeper film may have actually helped the box office. I only mentioned it because I hope Marvel learned their lesson. Don't take a page out of the Fox playbook and make a film short so they can show it more, it only hurts the bottom line in the long run. It seems Norton knows this to be true.

I can't understand how anyone could watch some of those deleted scenes and not be upset that they were cut. I'm not talking the pizza delivery stuff or even the Samson stuff, I'm talking the Betty/Bruce relationship stuff and the military stuff. I didn't mean to turn an Avengers board in to an IH rehash but it literally hurts when you watch those scenes and release what a masterpiece IH could and should have been. I really liked the film as is but it goes to the next level with 20-30 of this stuff added on.

Watch them again these scenes NEEDED to stay:
Bruce and Betty Talk
Bruce’s Guilt* (Very emotional and very poignant. “I just keep asking myself what it was we were trying to accomplish that was worth all this?” It shows the true intellect and soul of Bruce Banner.)
Nature’s Mystery* (The worst cut of all. This one single scene perfectly fleshes out Thunderbolt Ross and elevates him to a three dimensional character.)
Motel Room Non Sex post Talk
On The Hulk Hunt* (It shows that the military aren’t a bunch of ignorant fools “failing to learn from our mistakes.” It also shows that Ross is using Blonsky and why he tolerates him.)
Ross & Sharr (A much more complex post capture scene.)

[HappyPalooza]

As someone content with the final cut, I'll agree I wouldn't mind seeing those scenes you posted, except for "non sex post talk." All it really was was talking about how if he gets a scar, Hulk keeps it, but not vice versa if I remember correctly. That scene was like a Wikipedia page, it was just boring to me.

[FaT_tONle]

I certainly never called the box office a failure and my point was that the shorter cut didn't lead to a record box office by any means. So, there was no need to cut some of the development. A deeper film may have actually helped the box office. I only mentioned it because I hope Marvel learned their lesson. Don't take a page out of the Fox playbook and make a film short so they can show it more, it only hurts the bottom line in the long run. It seems Norton knows this to be true.

Longer cut = less screenings so who knows if the box office would have been any different. And I don't think Marvel is going to get on their knees to beg and plead Norton to come back. As someone said, this isn't the first time Norton was involved in re-writing a script, demanding extended re-cuts. If I am Marvel, I am not overpaying for Norton if it puts me over budget, and I am not giving him have more creative input (such as including more Banner/Hulk scenes or re-writing aspects of the script if it compromises other aspects of the film.

I can't understand how anyone could watch some of those deleted scenes and not be upset that they were cut. I'm not talking the pizza delivery stuff or even the Samson stuff, I'm talking the Betty/Bruce relationship stuff and the military stuff. I didn't mean to turn an Avengers board in to an IH rehash but it literally hurts when you watch those scenes and release what a masterpiece IH could and should have been. I really liked the film as is but it goes to the next level with 20-30 of this stuff added on.

You can say that for any movie you care about or loved. Longer the merrier. The question is how many people cared enough in the first place? Not many by the looks of it.

[HappyPalooza]

http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/07/31/incredible-hulk-star-edward-norton-offers-firm-no-comment-on-the-avengers/
Edward Norton, who starred as Bruce Banner in last summer's "Incredible Hulk," previously expressed skepticism on whether he'll appear as the Jade Giant in "The Avengers," but Sci Fi Wire reports that the actor is currently keeping tight-lipped about the feather in Marvel's cap.

"I probably won't comment on that just because [Marvel] keeps a pretty tight rein on what they are letting out," Norton told reporters. "I'll let them [address it]."

Still, nothing's set in stone.

[FaT_tONle]

Maybe Norton hiding the fact that he has a role in an upcoming Marvel movie, or more likely, Norton simply acknowledging that negotiations just haven't commenced up until this point. Not looking good.

[dcHulk]

Maybe Norton denying the fact that he has a role in an upcoming Marvel movie, or more likely, Norton simply acknowledging that negotiations just haven't commenced up until this point. Not looking good.

Although I agree with you, I'm going to hope for the best. That is, Norton simply doesn't want to spoil the surprise. It seems to me from his statement that he knows what Marvel is wanting to do.

[HappyPalooza]

Well they expressed interest in bringing him back, hopefully if they have discussed it, he's withholding something good.

[Aztec]

Although I agree with you, I'm going to hope for the best. That is, Norton simply doesn't want to spoil the surprise. It seems to me from his statement that he knows what Marvel is wanting to do.

Me too. I take his silence here as a positive. :bh:

[WillardNation]

Me too. I'll probably be pretty upset if he doesn't come back.

[Sarg92]

I too take Norton's comment as a positive.

If the rumour of Norton having a role in Iron Man 2 is true then I guess Norton would want to keep quiet on anything relating him to Marvel films because he wants to keep the surprise under wraps and it is down to Marvel to release any sort of information regarding their projects.

But what I find more likely is that there may have been some early talks between Norton and Marvel but nothing concrete. A script isn't even written yet for The Avengers so I doubt Norton would sign up for the heck of it for a project that isn't even under way yet.

Captain America hasn't started prep work and nor has it got one actor signed up. And it is released a whole year earlier than The Avengers. So if there is nothing set in stone for Captain America yet then I expect the same for The Avengers.

Everything is early days for The Avengers at this moment.

[Aztec]

I too take Norton's comment as a positive.

If the rumour of Norton having a role in Iron Man 2 is true then I guess Norton would want to keep quiet on anything relating him to Marvel films because he wants to keep the surprise under wraps and it is down to Marvel to release any sort of information regarding their projects.

But what I find more likely is that there may have been some early talks between Norton and Marvel but nothing concrete. A script isn't even written yet for The Avengers so I doubt Norton would sign up for the heck of it for a project that isn't even under way yet.

Captain America hasn't started prep work and nor has it got one actor signed up. And it is released a whole year earlier than The Avengers. So if there is nothing set in stone for Captain America yet then I expect the same for The Avengers.

Everything is early days for The Avengers at this moment.

All of this is true, but don't forget that Norton is signed to a 3 (I believe) film deal to star as Bruce Banner. So he is under contract in some way, shape, or form.

[Sarg92]

All of this is true, but don't forget that Norton is signed to a 3 (I believe) film deal to star as Bruce Banner. So he is under contract in some way, shape, or form.

But would you rather have Norton acting as Banner or would you want Norton being forced unwillingly to act as Banner?

I read that Norton was forced to star in The Italian Job because he was under contract to do one film for the studio producing the film (I think it was Paramount) and they put him in The Italian Job which he didn't even want to be a part of.

I haven't seen the film but apparently Norton gave a really crappy performance and the studio tried to make up with him by giving him a Mini Cooper for free but then he sent it back to them with a note saying something like "Give it to someone who actually likes you".

[Aesop Rocks]

Some speculation has been brought up that Skrulls could be used as an excuse for re-casts.

Like Terrance Howard was a Skrull Rhodes and I guess Cheadle is the real deal?

If they recast Norton and pull that Skrull excuse. I will probably end up crying.

[dcHulk]

But would you rather have Norton acting as Banner or would you want Norton being forced unwillingly to act as Banner?

I read that Norton was forced to star in The Italian Job because he was under contract to do one film for the studio producing the film (I think it was Paramount) and they put him in The Italian Job which he didn't even want to be a part of.

I haven't seen the film but apparently Norton gave a really crappy performance and the studio tried to make up with him by giving him a Mini Cooper for free but then he sent it back to them with a note saying something like "Give it to someone who actually likes you".

In my opinion, I wouldn't call it crappy, just average. More than that, anyone could have been put in his role in that movie and it work fine. So Norton didn't really spin it toward his talents. But it didn't make the movie bad, in fact I thought it was quite entertaining.

[WillardNation]

Some speculation has been brought up that Skrulls could be used as an excuse for re-casts.

Like Terrance Howard was a Skrull Rhodes and I guess Cheadle is the real deal?

If they recast Norton and pull that Skrull excuse. I will probably end up crying.

I REALLY hope they don't do that. It doesn't even really make sense, why would a skrull replace someone and not even look like them?

[Aesop Rocks]

I know right?

[FrostBite]

I find it a VERY good sign he's going with the "No comment." response. Now, I am not saying get your hopes up or anything, but normally if an actor has no interest in reprising I role, they'd just come out and say it, "No comment" implies that he's probably not allowed / doesn't want to get in trouble with the studio.

If he had no commitment to Marvel, why would he care what kind of "tight reign" they keep on their properties?

[Gamma Goliath]

I think Norton will be in, he said before he was passionate about this character, I think he's keeping quiet because he is still involved in this project and doesn't want to ruin any surprises.
And I think I read some where that he was working on like 3 other projects that come out consecutively, so he's a busy guy.
If there is a problem with marvel studios and ed, marvel needs to swallow their pride because they can't let this guy walk off this project because they made a mistake and won't admit it.

[Timstuff]

I thought the theatrical version of TIH was fine. As a fan of the movie I would love to see some of the character development scenes reintegrated in an extended edition (not the longer pizza boy scene though, because that was too comedic for the movie IMO), however in terms of pacing I thought the theatrical version was spot-on. I think that the problem is not that the movie wasn't good enough to make big waves at the box office, but rather that a lot of people simply don't care about Hulk and weren't interested. Also, I think that the baggage of Ang Lee's film may have tainted people's expectations for it, which is unfortunate.

[Stripesy Strip]

I didn't think he was that good in Incredible Hulk so I wouldn't mind if he's replaced. To me he was too controled with his performance so he failed to show the vulnerable performance I was waiting from Norton. I don't think anybody has captured what Bill Bixby has done yet, this emotional wreck that we care about.

[Bruce Banner]

I didn't think he was that good in Incredible Hulk so I wouldn't mind if he's replaced. To me he was too controled with his performance so he failed to show the vulnerable performance I was waiting from Norton. I don't think anybody has captured what Bill Bixby has done yet, this emotional wreck that we care about.


I definately think that some of those deleted scenes bring out that part of Banner.

Also the scenes with General Ross explaining his motives would have surely helped flesh out more of Hurts performance as well.

[Stripesy Strip]

I saw those deleted scenes and that did not convince me. What's strange is that in real life Norton is this timid nerd and looks like the weakling that Banner should be. Yet when he appeared in the movie it was like he was in this "look at me i'm Ed Norton, movie star" mode.

[Bruce Banner]

All a matter of opinion then I guess

[bullets]

Norton says Hulk as avengers villian sounds fun (sorry if this has been posted)
http://screenrant.com/ed-norton-incredible-hulk-2-avengers-villain-rob-27253/

[Timstuff]

Personally, I thought Norton was perfect as Banner, and I thought he was a great successor to Bixby. Also, I agree that the deleted scenes did do a lot to show some of his character's vulnerability. Bixby's version was a pretty strong character as well. He was very reserved and made a point to react rationally rather than emotionally whenever he could, and I thought Norton effectively carried on that torch.

Also, hearing Norton speak favorably of Hulk in Avengers is great news. I really hope he reprises his role, because he would be very difficult to replace (and also I'm a sucker for continuity).

[Stripesy Strip]

He was nothing like Bill Bixby.

[Timstuff]

In your opinion.

[Agent 194]

I really appreciate Norton's nods and tributes to Bixby and many other things Marvel and otherwise. The Courtship of Eddie's Father clip (which I loved as kid - I wanted my Dad to be like Bixby), the brief quote of the Hulk song from the show, down to the guy who ran the pizza shop (who did the voice of a lot of the old Marvel cartoons of the '60's - and the voice of Hermie the elf in Rudolph). I still feel like he wanted to do more. I think Norton had his hands tied in what he wanted to do. I liked him in the role, the heart of the movie to me. Now if they'd just quit trying to make Hulk look like a handsome bodybuiler type of guy in the face

[Bruce Banner]

I wish he got more recognition for his work on TIH.

I saw so much stuff for Downey Jr., Bale, Ledger and even Pearlman, over the summer of 08. It felt like Norton was over looked at times.

[Brian Braddock]

Yeah, Norton's performance as Banner is criminally overlooked and underated as far as I'm concerned - his casting was both a major coup and inspired casting.

Would definately look forward to seeing him return in the Avengers. Whether the Hulk should be the villain for the 1st movie or not is an issue for another day, but the idea of it does make sense - keep costs down by only having to use CG for one main villain, the Hulk, while setting up the Ultron plotline for the sequel.

[Timstuff]

Also, a few of the usual tweaks aside the design work on Hulk is already finished, which means one less character they need to spend millions on envisioning.

[Brian Braddock]

Absolutely, TS.

Plus, imagine you're selling the movie to the average moviegoer. They ask you who the villain is and when you say Count Nefaria (or whoever), you're met with a blank look and a 'huh? who?'.

You say that the Hulk is the villain and you'll see the spark of recognition and hear them go 'aaah. gotcha............'

[The Ace of Knaves]

Ehhh I was disappointed with Norton in TIH to be honest.

I dunno, he seemed a bit jaded or disinterested. Maybe the problems with the studio and all that got to him.

It's a surprise because Norton is one of my favourite ever actors. But yea, was disappointed with him in TIH.

[Brian Braddock]

Aw $***.

Are we disagreeing again, Ace?

Damn, thats like the 2nd time in as many years. What the hell's going on?

;) :D

[The Ace of Knaves]

:funny: It's a sign of Armageddon!

[Brian Braddock]

Dog's and Cat's, living together;

Mass hysteria!!!!

(I'll give you a quid if you get that quote*)












*Payment will not be honoured

:D

[Ipodman]

So the ending of TIH where Hulk almost kills Abom but doesnt at betty's command. Was that Ed Norton's or the director's (i cant rmb his name) idea? I have this idea that both of them had very different ideas about how the movie should end

[Brian Braddock]

That I dont know; but I do know that Norton, Letterrier and Marvel had very different ideas about how the movie should open.

[Ipodman]

^ Hmm, yea i guess so. I kinda dislike the other opening with the Captain America frozen in ice. Seems so inappropriate

[Bruce Banner]

I wish Ty Burrell's scenes as Sampson were not cut. In theatrical version I don't even think we here him be introduced as Sampson.

Same thing with Norton noone in the entire theatrical cut even calls him by his full name.

[HappyPalooza]

Ehhh I was disappointed with Norton in TIH to be honest.

I dunno, he seemed a bit jaded or disinterested. Maybe the problems with the studio and all that got to him.
There weren't any disagreements with the studio until the editing process. And even after, he continued to work on the movie passionately, according to Letterier.
Dog's and Cat's, living together;

Mass hysteria!!!!

(I'll give you a quid if you get that quote*)












*Payment will not be honoured

:D

Ghostbusters.

[The Ace of Knaves]

There weren't any disagreements with the studio until the editing process. And even after, he continued to work on the movie passionately, according to Letterier.


They disagreed one some things in the script as well, as mentioned above about the opening sequence for example. Norton also re wrote some of it didn't he?

And of course Letterier would say that. IF there was something wrong he wouldn't come out and say it would he?

[Bruce Banner]

They disagreed one some things in the script as well, as mentioned above about the opening sequence for example. Norton also re wrote some of it didn't he?

And of course Letterier would say that. IF there was something wrong he wouldn't come out and say it would he?


I think writer Zak Penn was the one who was mad over the rewriting.

Regardless he still got sole credit from the WGA.

[HappyPalooza]

They disagreed one some things in the script as well, as mentioned above about the opening sequence for example. Norton also re wrote some of it didn't he?

And of course Letterier would say that. IF there was something wrong he wouldn't come out and say it would he?

He wasn't disagreeing with them on the script, Letterier and Norotn discussed their concerns together before he signed on and agreed he'd do a rewrite of the script, including a lot of things like toning down SHIELD's presence, incorporating the super soldier element into the story, taking out Rick Jones and adding in Samson, the whole flower scene in the beginning where he attempts to create a cure and added discussions through the chat with Mr. Blue.

Letterier would say that, but according to him the day after the argument Norton approached him with the article about it, saying, "Hey, wanna laugh?" to which Letterier responded, "Oh ****." That sounds like a pretty light-hearted comment to make after how big a blowout it sounded like in said article.

[Brian Braddock]

Ghostbusters.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b64/SUPERBENITEZ/present-1.gif

:D