Recasting Ed Norton as Bruce Banner?

[Silvermoth]

Norton recently said he does not intend to return to the role in a Hulk movie. Here's is the complete story at ign.com http://au.movies.ign.com/articles/107/1077526p1.html

The sequel to The Incredible Hulk (http://au.movies.ign.com/objects/569/569136.html) is dead, at least for now, according to star Edward Norton (http://au.stars.ign.com/objects/916/916728.html).

The actor's been doing interviews at SXSW, and has given some Hulk-related updates to a couple of sites. Firstly, Cinematical (http://www.cinematical.com/2010/03/13/ed-norton-says-hulk-sequel-not-happening/) asked the actor if he would appear in any further Hulk movies.

"I don't think so," he said. "I think it has got more to do with what Marvel is doing. I get the sense they have this grand vision of unspooling a lot of their characters and then starting to put them together. I think they can only do so many at a time. Obviously, they are doing Iron Man 2 and then getting some of the new ones out."

The actor also told MTV News (http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/03/14/edward-norton-talks-hulk-plans/) that he wont be appearing in the likes of Thor (http://au.movies.ign.com/objects/041/041031.html) and The First Avenger: Captain America (http://au.movies.ign.com/objects/034/034020.html), though Banner could potentially be played by someone else.

Norton hasn't ruled out playing the character in The Avengers (http://au.movies.ign.com/objects/769/769931.html) so far, but he certainly doesn't sound that keen to go green once more anytime soon.

So if Norton chooses not to return as Bruce Banner, what do you think should be done?

Honestly (and I think I'll cop a fair bit of slack for this), I think it would be a shame to have the Hulk in the Avengers without Bruce Banner or even to say goodbye to the Hulk franchise completely. I would love to see the Leader on the big screen. William H Macy would be an interesting Bruce Banner I think...
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/2540/124444180838hulksuper.jpghttp://img717.imageshack.us/img717/5923/williamhmacy.jpg

[TheVileOne]

http://www.411mania.com/movies/columns/132686

Is Edward Norton coming back to the Incredible Hulk? Has he even spoke to Marvel? "Yeah, to some degree, through my agents," he said in an interview, "But there's always been an agenda I think to unspool a lot of the Marvel Universe and then come back...I think they've got a lot of new stuff that they're rolling out and then I think at some point they're going to figure out how they want to get around to Avengers....The main guy I had a beef with there left anyways, as always happens. As David Mamet said, 'Just wait 'em out cause they'll be gone, and you'll still be there.'"

[Wesley Dodds]

I really want them to sort this out and bring Norton back BUT If Banner has to be recast I think David Tennant could do a really good job in the role.

He was hinting that he'd like to be part of The Avengers a few months ago too.

[dcHulk]

Let's put these comments of Norton in the proper context. See the video and listen to what he says.

http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/03/14/edward-norton-talks-hulk-plans/

His story still hasn't changed since last year when he said that it would just be a matter of time. Get LL back and let those two write the story.

[LastSunrise1981]

Edward Norton IS Bruce Banner to me as far as the films are concerned. I sincerely hope they work this out and can come to an agreement. Although it's really not necessary for him to appear in Thor.

[FaT_tONle]

Marvel has no one to blame but themselves if they don't get him back. They should have kept him involved with IM2. I am not one to overdo the cameos, but had they approached Norton for a small role in IM2, Thor, etc... you would have kept his interest in the character going. Now Marvel is probably going to wait deep into Avengers pre-production before they even have a serious sit down and contract discussion. Maybe Feige was being coy when dodging the Norton questions, but he should have found a way to keep Banner involved knowing the sequel was dead.

[Weadazoid]

He seems into the idea of coming back at this point. Idealy he is picture perfect and his Bruce Banner was perfect IMO.

[DocHoliday]

Yeah it seems like a more positive than negative interview at this point. Keep Norton he's one of the greatest living actors.

[TheVileOne]

What I want to know is, who is the guy Norton had a beef with that left? Anyone know who he's talking about?

[FaT_tONle]

David Maisel I think? The guy was instrumental when Marvel went indie, but I think Disney may have squeezed him out after the merge for whatever reason. Or maybe he wasn't confortable answering to Disney and stepped down... can't remember. Hardly recognized the name when it came up since Feige has been running the show for basically the past couple of years it seems.

[Doctor Jones]

I hope he comes back. I can't see anyone else doing it.

[MMMMM...Dounuts]

Bring Norton back!!!

[TheVileOne]

Wait a minute, did Maisel step down from Marvel and Feige take his place Tonie?

I never heard that, interesting.

[Dr. Sid Jawtug]

I think Norton is great but if for some reason he was unable to play Dr. Banner, who would you like to see in the role?
For me it would Tobey Maguire (Yes, I know he was Spider-Man) , but he would bring that nerdiness and anger to the role that is necessary.

[MilkmanDan]

Over on the "Cast the Marvel Universe"-thread comicfan4Life suggested James McAvoy. I think that's a good choice. I guess the role should go to someone who's at least reasonably well-known, attractive enough (no William H Macy) without being too much of a hunk. In that spirit I'd also consider Ryan Gosling (who probably isn't interested in a superhero movie) or Patrick Wilson (who he has already done a superhero movie) or possibly even Ewan McGregor.

EDIT. I thought of another actor who might fit the part... Casey Affleck.

[Stripesy Strip]

I wasn't too impressed by Norton in the Hulk movie. He didn't look like a desperate man enough. I would go for somebody more troubled and cast Jason Patric.

[Grommers]

I really disliked that version of the Hulk, but I find both versions still haven't been able to grasp what the hulk is.

Anyone know what Lou LeTerrier view is? I haven't heard anything from him.

I mean, he's probably got some good incite into this.

[FaT_tONle]

Obviously Letterrier is keen on directing based on past statements and he'd more than likely vie to bring back Norton if he was directing.

[Aztec]

Given recent statements it seems to me that: 1) Norton is open and 2) Marvel and Norton are talking. He'll return IMHO.

[TheVileOne]

When did David Maisel step down and who replaced him at Marvel?

[FaT_tONle]

Only for you baby...


http://s0.2mdn.net/viewad/817-grey.gif (http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v8/3963/0/0/%2a/n;44306;0-0;0;27077620;31-1/1;0/0/0;u=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/12/marvel-studios-david-maisel-to-step-down-afer-disney-deal-walks-away-with-huge-payday.html;~okv=;tile=2;ptype=sf;pos=2;sz=1x1;u=h ttp://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/12/marvel-studios-david-maisel-to-step-down-afer-disney-deal-walks-away-with-huge-payday.html;~aopt=2/0/ff/1;~sscs=%3f)
Marvel Studios' David Maisel to step down after Disney deal (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/12/marvel-studios-david-maisel-to-step-down-afer-disney-deal-walks-away-with-huge-payday.html)

December 7, 2009
David Maisel, chairman of Marvel Entertainment Inc.'s movie studio, is expected to leave the company once the Walt Disney Co. completes its $4-billion acquisition of the comic book giant.
A Marvel spokesperson confirmed that Maisel plans to leave, first reported by Bloomberg. However, he will remain executive producer of three upcoming Marvel films, “Iron Man 2,” “Captain America” and “Thor.”
Maisel was the first Marvel executive to meet with Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger and discuss a range of business opportunities, including a potential business combination, according to an account in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Maisel arranged the first meeting of Iger and Marvel's chief executive, Isaac Perlmutter, in June.
The Marvel studio chief acted as an intermediary, attending a series of meetings in June at Disney's Burbank headquarters with Iger, Chief Financial Officer Tom Staggs and the company's executive vice president for strategy, Kevin Mayer. Maisel told the Disney executives that Perlmutter was interested in exploring a possible merger and articulated the potential advantages of bringing together the two powerful brands, according to SEC documents. He also hinted at a potential acquisition price "starting with the number 5," according to SEC documents.
Maisel, who has overseen Marvel's movie operations in various positions since 2004, walks away from the deal with enough money to contemplate his next career move. He stands to collect as much as $20.3 million, representing the value of his unrestricted common stock, bonus and severance payments, according to a Dec. 2 SEC filing.
The former financial consultant worked for onetime uber-agent Michael Ovitz and later joined the Endeavor talent agency. Maisel helped craft a new film production strategy for Marvel that set the stage for the box-office hits "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk."

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/12/marvel-studios-david-maisel-to-step-down-afer-disney-deal-walks-away-with-huge-payday.html

[Rock Sexton]

I really disliked that version of the Hulk, but I find both versions still haven't been able to grasp what the hulk is.

Anyone know what Lou LeTerrier view is? I haven't heard anything from him.

I mean, he's probably got some good incite into this.

Norton was trying to go for it .....but Marvel wouldn't let him .... he did the best he could ........ I actually liked the movie as much as I did Iron Man.

[dcHulk]

Here we go guys. Surely Marvel and Norton know how the vast majority of us feel about his involvment (given that SSH was highlighted on the movie website)

http://www.latinoreview.com/news/norton-is-opens-to-more-hulk-asks-us-to-speak-up-9483

From the article:

"It's really up to you guys," he told me at one point, and by "you guys," he was referring to fans and the fan press in particular. "Is it important to you? Does that continuity matter?" The answer seems to me to be yes, it does matter to people, and there's something appealing about the notion of Edward Norton, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Hemsworth together. That's chemistry I'd like to see. Downey's hyper-confident Tony Stark would make an excellent foil for Norton's twitchy energy as the haunted Banner.

[Danalys]

is there a "dammit marvel release the extended cut and plan more films that incorporate edward norton as bruce banner and the hulk already" thread

[Khemik@L]

This Poll is a no brainer.

Edward Norton IS Bruce Banner!!!

[Danalys]

at least with the fact that incredible hulk comes later in the overall story than it's release date suggests, continuing it's story in avengers then a sequel is still feasible.

and the home video release isn't necessarily something marvel can do anything about depending on the contract with universal and paramount. hopefully after avengers they can announce a new slate of films and incredible hulk 2 will be amongst them, with a statement of norton starring.

[Stripesy Strip]

Only for you baby...



http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/12/marvel-studios-david-maisel-to-step-down-afer-disney-deal-walks-away-with-huge-payday.html

Jesus everytime one of these executives leaves, they get a 20 million bonus and stay as producers executives of the movies. The same thing happened with Avi Arad. I'm starting to think this is a big con. Marvel are cheap as Hell, yet they have all these formers exec. rolling in doe.

If Disney was any wise, they would can Marvel Studios. They have the rights for most of these movies, anyway.

[kaijunexus]

Two solid reasons why we NEED Norton back...

1. He is a fantastic actor, and his portrayal of Banner was perfect

2. I hate recasting. We all do. It can often take us out of a film entirely. Especially if it's THE main character, and especially if the original actor did a phenomenal job.

(I don't have a huge problem with Cheadle taking over Howard's position in IM2 since I like Cheadle more anyway, but I still think recasting is generally a very bad idea in a franchise.)

[weezerspider]

I honestly can't think of anyone for Bruce Banner other than Norton.

[OptimusPrime114]

I honestly can't think of anyone for Bruce Banner other than Norton.

Agreed. He's been the best Banner since Bixby!

[Young Superman]

Ed Norton is a great Bruce Banner, but no one can top Bill Bixby as Bruce Banner.

[Eddie Dean]

But Bixby played David Bannner. :awesome:

[Young Superman]

Actually he played David Bruce Banner.

[Bruce Banner]

I honestly can't think of anyone for Bruce Banner other than Norton.

Its heartbreaking when noone asks me to play the part, or I am capable of playing myself:huh:...




:woot:

[roach]

Ed Norton will be on the Daily Show tonite....may get a tidbit on if he is still the Hulk

[Ultra Lantern]

Edward Norton should not be recast.