So who wrote the script? (Explanation here!)

[Advanced Dark]

http://defamer.com/hollywood/writer...s-up-with-all-of-his-lines-himself-289811.php

writer slash actor dept.
Hulk's Ed Norton Can Now Officially Say He Comes Up With All Of His Lines Himself

It's been a while since we've checked in with Scriptland (discarded original title: Final Draft Aficionado), the LAT's weekly column on "screenwriters," the mythical creatures sometimes credited with creating the story/dialogue combinations that become movies once producers, directors, and actors collaborate to make sense of the jumble of oddly formatted words called "screenplays." Today's piece looks at a mild Comic-Con controversy that arose over the authorship of the upcoming The Incredible Hulk, Marvel's attempt to reboot a franchise it had brought to the screen as recently as the summer of 2003. Fans needed to know: Was the scribe comic-book-flick go-to guy Zak Penn, writer of X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Elektra, or Ed Norton, an actor--gasp!-- with a reputation as a selfless improver of script pages in need of a quick punch-up and who may or may not have generated the uncredited idea that ex-girlfriend Salma Hayek's titular Frida character should have a mustache that would distract from her frequent toplessness? The Times explains:

In the case of "Hulk," after another writer's treatment was declined in early 2006, Marvel hired Penn, who wrote three drafts over a year. By spring 2007, Penn was about to go off to promote his movie "The Grand," but the studio and the director, Louis Leterrier ("The Transporter"), still felt that the screenplay needed work. When Norton came in to meet about starring as Banner in April, the film had already been greenlighted and there were just three months before shooting was scheduled to begin, just after Independence Day. But Norton had well-established (if underground) writing experience and strong ideas about how to separate the film from any confusion over its connection to the 2003 Ang Lee version by casting it in a more distinct, starting-over vein like "Batman Begins" or "Casino Royale."
So Norton's initial deal included payment not just for his acting services but for his writing talents too, with his draft contractually stipulated to be turned around in less than a month. As it turned out, Norton delayed work on another screenplay job to do "Hulk," and he continues to tweak the script as principal photography hits its halfway point outside Toronto.
​

We trust that this explanation clears up any confusion over the Hulk credits. And with Norton's role as writer now so publicly recognized, hopefully he can avoid the eye-rolls of reporters who think he's just another egomaniacal actor bragging about how he came up with all of his own good lines when he claims that "HULK SMASH!" was just something he thought of between takes.

 

[Advanced Dark]

http://www.latimes.com/entertainmen...?coll=la-headlines-entnews&ctrack=1&cset=true

Norton shows muscle on 'Hulk'

A few weeks ago, a minor controversy sprung out of Marvel's "Incredible Hulk" panel at Comic-Con that had a lot of fans both scratching their heads and pointing their fingers. And no, it wasn't griping about Liv Tyler being cast as Betty Ross or fears that the Hulk was going to CGI-fly again. As with most mini-scandals, it turns out to have been both more and less than it first appeared to be.

When it was revealed that Edward Norton, who had been cast as the scientist-gone-green Bruce Banner, had also written the script, it surprised and confused a lot of folks who thought that Zak Penn had written the screenplay. Penn, who has worked on half a dozen Marvel movies, including the last two "X-Men" installments, "Elektra" and, as one of his first Marvel assignments a dozen years ago, what eventually became the first, Ang Lee-directed "Hulk," had actually spent a year writing the screenplay before Norton became involved.

At first blush, it looked like just another case of a screenwriter getting disrespected while a movie star with a reputation for aggressive involvement in scripts had bullied his way into writing this one.

"Both panels were excellent for Marvel Studios," says Marvel Studios president of production Kevin Feige, who was also there presenting "Iron Man." "I think the only bit of bungling on my part was not clarifying Zak's role up there in front of 7,000 people, which I then tried to clarify in some round tables I did 20 minutes later after the 'Iron Man' panel."

Of course, nothing prevented Norton from speaking up about Penn, and it didn't help that the actor, by many accounts a very smart guy (and a closet comic book geek), had long since acquired a reputation for stepping on writers' toes when it came to script revisions.

Widely credited with doing substantial uncredited work on "Frida" for then-girlfriend Salma Hayek (who was the film's producer and star), Norton had also shown up on the set of "Red Dragon," for example, with new script pages not only for his character but for Dr. Hannibal Lecter as well. Other people on the film describe director Brett Ratner fighting with Norton over the issue, and Anthony Hopkins reportedly expressed his comfort with speaking the original lines written by Ted Tally, an Oscar winner for his adaptation of "Silence of the Lambs." (Norton's publicist maintains that Ratner asked him to write new pages.)

In the case of "Hulk," after another writer's treatment was declined in early 2006, Marvel hired Penn, who wrote three drafts over a year. By spring 2007, Penn was about to go off to promote his movie "The Grand," but the studio and the director, Louis Leterrier ("The Transporter"), still felt that the screenplay needed work.

When Norton came in to meet about starring as Banner in April, the film had already been greenlighted and there were just three months before shooting was scheduled to begin, just after Independence Day. But Norton had well-established (if underground) writing experience and strong ideas about how to separate the film from any confusion over its connection to the 2003 Ang Lee version by casting it in a more distinct, starting-over vein like "Batman Begins" or "Casino Royale."

So Norton's initial deal included payment not just for his acting services but for his writing talents too, with his draft contractually stipulated to be turned around in less than a month. As it turned out, Norton delayed work on another screenplay job to do "Hulk," and he continues to tweak the script as principal photography hits its halfway point outside Toronto.

Meanwhile, Penn is writing a big-budget version of "The Avengers" and yet another potential "X-Men" spinoff.

As for Norton's writing services, now that he's finally gone "legit" as a paid double threat, other filmmakers may come calling. "Yes, he is that good a writer that I would definitely work with him on another movie that he wasn't starring in," says Feige.

Scriptland is a weekly feature on the work and professional lives of screenwriters. E-mail [email protected].

Hope that clears it all up kids.

 

[Mister Sinister]

So this is Edward Norton's The Incredible Hulk not Edward Norton and Zak Penn's The Incredible Hulk?

 

[Advanced Dark]

^ I'm not so sure about that. I'm pretty sure it's Ed Norton's re-write of Zak Penn's final draft. I'd bet on that. That's what I took from the article. I'm sure Zak will be credited along with Ed Norton above him. Even if Zak put's out the perfect script there will be som many people just looking for him to fail without watching the movie. It's like a lynch mob.

 

[Dope Nose]

http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?t=281073

 

[Advanced Dark]

Didn't even see the thread. Even if I did this news deserves it's own thread and I never knew someone posted it in that one this morning. What fight? Anyways if a story doesn't fit into the title of the thread so someone might realize there's new news...create a new thread. Or change the title of the thread and merge.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^ I'm not so sure about that. I'm pretty sure it's Ed Norton's re-write of Zak Penn's final draft. I'd bet on that. That's what I took from the article. I'm sure Zak will be credited along with Ed Norton above him. Even if Zak put's out the perfect script there will be som many people just looking for him to fail without watching the movie. It's like a lynch mob.

Well i dont blame them after X3, that was a complete piece of ****.

 

[Advanced Dark]

Well i dont blame them after X3, that was a complete piece of ****.

I loved X3 but to each his own. Whether you liked it or not you can't throw any blame on Zak except that he agreed to take the job. He had very limited time considering Singer and his writers bailed on Fox at the last minute. Also it was co-written with Kinberg who just got signed on too a HUGE deal at Fox yesterday.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I loved X3 but to each his own. Whether you liked it or not you can't throw any blame on Zak except that he agreed to take the job. He had very limited time considering Singer and his writers bailed on Fox at the last minute. Also it was co-written with Kinberg who just got signed on too a HUGE deal at Fox yesterday.

You cant throw any blame on Zak? So he didnt write ANY of those terrible lines or scene's? Come on AD, dont be so naive, him, Kinberg, Ratner and Fox are all to blame in equal measure, the movie was a ****fest, and honestly one of the worst movies i have ever seen.

And of course you loved it, its a marvel movie

 

[Advanced Dark]

^ That's bull**** Ave and you know it. I don't love all Marvel films. I hated X1, Daredevil, and Elektra, and though FF1 was mediocre, and Ghost Rider was about a 7.5 out of 10. You and those who keep saying that about me are just trying to get a rise out of me. I've stated this a zillion times. That argument is old.

Regarding X3 I put the blame on Singer & his writers for bailing first. Fox was then stuck with having to make a 3rd film or risk losing the extremely valuable rights. They were screwed. So they found a director (all things considered) who did a great job. The writers had almost no time to do this and were not tied to the storyline like Singer and his writers were. I didn't say "ANY" blame. It's the writers fault for taking the job. I loved it though for what it was. Lots of things that were missed from the first 2 films and lots of action. That's ok by me once in awhile. More worked than didn't so I don't blame anyone since I enjoyed it.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^ That's bull**** Ave and you know it. I don't love all Marvel films. I hated X1, Daredevil, and Elektra, and though FF1 was mediocre, and Ghost Rider was about a 7.5 out of 10. You and those who keep saying that about me are just trying to get a rise out of me. I've stated this a zillion times. That argument is old.

Its not trying to get a rise out of you though, its there for all to see, why do you think so many people say it? You act as if EVERYTHING Marvel does is golden, and everything they are going to do is golden, when neither are the truth.

Regarding X3 I put the blame on Singer & his writers for bailing first. Fox was then stuck with having to make a 3rd film or risk losing the extremely valuable rights. They were screwed. So they found a director (all things considered) who did a great job. The writers had almost no time to do this and were not tied to the storyline like Singer and his writers were. I didn't say "ANY" blame. It's the writers fault for taking the job. I loved it though for what it was. Lots of things that were missed from the first 2 films and lots of action. That's ok by me once in awhile. More worked than didn't so I don't blame anyone since I enjoyed it.

Your right, how DARE Singer leave when he was treated like ****. Come on, would you stay in a job were you are underpaid, underappreciated and most of the time get told what to do. Plus, look at the budgets Singer had to work with compared to Ratner.

OH and come off it, they could have waited a few years to make the movie and they wouldnt have lost the rights.

 

[Advanced Dark]

Its not trying to get a rise out of you though, its there for all to see, why do you think so many people say it? You act as if EVERYTHING Marvel does is golden, and everything they are going to do is golden, when neither are the truth.



Your right, how DARE Singer leave when he was treated like ****. Come on, would you stay in a job were you are underpaid, underappreciated and most of the time get told what to do. Plus, look at the budgets Singer had to work with compared to Ratner.

OH and come off it, they could have waited a few years to make the movie and they wouldnt have lost the rights.

It's not obvious it's an assumption based on ignorance and the lack of actual research of what I post here. I've clearly stated time and time again which Marvel films I hated, liked, and loved. Of course I look forward to every Superhero film and hope for the best. Since I like Marvel characters more...I hope the best for them. If they release a crap product I'm the FIRST to jump on it. So please before you make statements about me personally do some research. And read my last post again.

And yes I do blame Singer. He signed a contract and the X-Men is bigger than any director. Nobody forced him to sign that contract and while he was up and coming he wasn't a A List director until after the X-Men. He just left Fox in the cold because he wanted more money and he saw an opporunity to tie up his time so Fox couldn't use them. As Fox was running out of time. I have lost respect for him for that. In fact he even stated he could have told Fox his plans but he was afraid Tom Rothman would talk him out of it. Of course Tom would. Singer had a contract and Marvel was getting ready to annouce the release date for X3.

Here I'll set the F'n record straight once again:

Blade: Love it.
Blade 2: Love it more.
Hulk: Loved it.
Ghost Rider: 7.5/10
Blade Trinity: Garbage
Elektra: Garbage
Daredevil: Garbage
Daredevil Directors Cut: Ok
X1: I hated it.
X2: I loved it but it did drag at times.
X3: I loved it for different reasons but.
FF: Medicore
FF2: Great flick but still needs work.
Spider-Man: Loved it.
Spider-Man 2: Better film than 1 but dragged at times a bit too much.
Spider-Man 3: Should have been spread over 2 films instead of 1 but still I loved it and had fun.
Batman Begins: Loved it.
Superman Returns: Loved it.
Hellboy: Loved it.
300: Loved it.
Sin City: Loved it.
Original Superman 1 & 2: Loved it.
Constantine: Stupid
V for Vendetta: Loved it.


Underfreakingstand?

 

[Bannerless Hulk]

Left out one... King Kong and the pole-vaulting tribesmen. lol

 

[Tempest19]

Edward Norton's "The Hulk"

FCKIN' A!!!!!

 

[Golgo-13]

I find the news (On the SHH front page) that Norton is still tweaking the script even though production has begun, very refreshing.

 

[Advanced Dark]

Left out one... King Kong and the pole-vaulting tribesmen. lol

Yeah. Honestly I preferred the Jeff Bridges/Kong *STORY* over the Peter Jackson CGI nightmare. King Kong should have made so much more money but it was just overbloated.

 

[Rac]

Woohoo! Now I'm actually looking forward to this.

Norton
Penn

 

[JP]

I find the news (On the SHH front page) that Norton is still tweaking the script even though production has begun, very refreshing.

Me too. Zac was the only thing worrying me about this film. Knowing that Ed has been working this hard at fixing and perfecting the script has me at ease.

 

[Nivek]

Zakk Penn inspired alot of anger from Hulk fan's with his numerous interviews pointing out how he was inspired by the Axel Alonso/Bruce Jones soulless Hulk-less book killing run, and saying things like "Abomination is a silly name".

Good F'ing Riddance...

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

It's not obvious it's an assumption based on ignorance and the lack of actual research of what I post here. I've clearly stated time and time again which Marvel films I hated, liked, and loved. Of course I look forward to every Superhero film and hope for the best. Since I like Marvel characters more...I hope the best for them. If they release a crap product I'm the FIRST to jump on it. So please before you make statements about me personally do some research. And read my last post again.

And yes I do blame Singer. He signed a contract and the X-Men is bigger than any director. Nobody forced him to sign that contract and while he was up and coming he wasn't a A List director until after the X-Men. He just left Fox in the cold because he wanted more money and he saw an opporunity to tie up his time so Fox couldn't use them. As Fox was running out of time. I have lost respect for him for that. In fact he even stated he could have told Fox his plans but he was afraid Tom Rothman would talk him out of it. Of course Tom would. Singer had a contract and Marvel was getting ready to annouce the release date for X3.

Here I'll set the F'n record straight once again:

Blade: Love it.
Blade 2: Love it more.
Hulk: Loved it.
Ghost Rider: 7.5/10
Blade Trinity: Garbage
Elektra: Garbage
Daredevil: Garbage
Daredevil Directors Cut: Ok
X1: I hated it.
X2: I loved it but it did drag at times.
X3: I loved it for different reasons but.
FF: Medicore
FF2: Great flick but still needs work.
Spider-Man: Loved it.
Spider-Man 2: Better film than 1 but dragged at times a bit too much.
Spider-Man 3: Should have been spread over 2 films instead of 1 but still I loved it and had fun.
Batman Begins: Loved it.
Superman Returns: Loved it.
Hellboy: Loved it.
300: Loved it.
Sin City: Loved it.
Original Superman 1 & 2: Loved it.
Constantine: Stupid
V for Vendetta: Loved it.


Underfreakingstand?

No i dont, and i know your post history because you only go on the Marvel boards, for all the non Marvel films you love, i never see you saying a kind word about them, or defending them like you do Marvel movies.

And Singer NEVER signed a contract for X3, because Fox were dilly-dallying about and didnt offer him anything. And they treated him like **** on the first 2 movies, giving him lower budgets, reducing the budget of X1 and bringing the release date forward 6 months DURING production.

I dont blame him in the least for leaving.

Its there for all to see.

 

[HULKFish]

OK AVE, AD... That is OBVIOUSLY going nowhere with that arguement.

Honestly I've NEVER thought of AD as a Marvel groupy, he's been one of the most objective people on here. Not to mention ALWAYS breaks news first...

 

[antsiou]

OK AVE, AD... That is OBVIOUSLY going nowhere with that arguement.

Honestly I've NEVER thought of AD as a Marvel groupy, he's been one of the most objective people on here. Not to mention ALWAYS breaks news first...

not this one,

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

OK AVE, AD... That is OBVIOUSLY going nowhere with that arguement.

Honestly I've NEVER thought of AD as a Marvel groupy, he's been one of the most objective people on here. Not to mention ALWAYS breaks news first...

Well my opinion differs, simple as.

 

[Advanced Dark]

I'm just trying to help. The more stuff we put on here to talk about the more choices we have. I don't care if I'm first or not. I'm just so deep into movies that I could talk about them all day. I'm a movie groupie. I see more non-Marvel movies each year then Marvel. I have a 400 disc and 300 disc dvd player side by side filled with DVD's and a pile on the shelf next to them. Marvel films are not even in my favorite genre...hell comic book films aren't my favorite genre. Sci-Fi and especially sci-fi horror is. In fact the only Marvel film near the top 10 movies on my list is Blade 2 and perhaps Blade.

The argument about my posting is ignorant and getting tired and people that keep bringing it up are just trying to throw dirt because they have nothing else to say.

I only go to the Marvel boards? Yeah right. Another ignorant comment. My favorite threads are about Escape from NY, I have 2 good ones in the Dark Knight forum, Gears of War, 1st person shooter games, The Thing, Kurt Sutter's Dragon thread, Fantastic Voyage, I have several general box office threads started, one on GI Joe I just started, Condemned: Criminal Origins, Starship Troopers, DC's Infinite Halloween Special, Futuristic Racers, Die Hard, Piracy Threads, Vin Diesel's Hannibal project, Rambo IV, NFL Thread 2006, 2007, Point Break Sequel, Lost Boys 2, The Dark Knight Video Game, Batman Competition Thread, The Tripper thread, The Invisible Thread, Big Trouble in Little China, Breakfast Cereal Thread , etc...I was also active in the 300 thread, Superman Returns, comic-con threads, etc...That's just to name a few off the top of my head without look. Many of those threads I started.

IT doesn't take much research to say's AVe's comment is a 100% lie. Of course I love Marvel movies is that a freaking crime. It's just I hate when people take that and twist it into lies to make themselves feel better. The only reason I talk more about Marvel movies doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out anyways. How many DC films have been released in 15 years? LOL Marvel films? Bingo Pokey you win a stuffed bear.

And AVe, you've never seen me say a nice thing about non-Marvel movies? Another lie. Go to the Dark Knight, Superman Returns, 300, Batman Begins, Casino Royale, threads. Go to the thread on The Island, Transformers, Babylon AD, Green Lantern, and other hopeful films not by Marvel. GI Joe, The Crow, V for Vendetta...keep searching. More lies.

Batman Begins was the best comic movie in 2005, 300 was the best film this year, and after that Shooter IMO. I loved Superman REturns, I can't wait for The Dark Knight.

 

[Advanced Dark]

Well my opinion differs, simple as.

Your opinions about me mean nothing. You used to be cool here and now you just sling dirt for no reason. Except my opinion is based on fact which can be documented here just by doing some researching into my posting. Your opinion is based on ignorance or you're lying. One of the two. (see above post)