Marvel has parted ways with Edward Norton as the Hulk over creative and/or professional differences — not money — according to a statement released by the studio to Hitfix.com.
The movie website broke the news on Thursday that Norton would not be back as the Hulk for Marvel's "The Avengers," a coming-together of several superhero franchises including Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and Nick Fury.
Marvel chief Kevin Feige sent Hitfix a statement indicating that relations with Norton, not money, was the reason he was shut out from the project.
Norton's agent responded Sunday in a sharply worded statement of his own, indicating that Norton had already indicated his interest in being part of Joss Whedon's ensemble cast, but abruptly learned that he was being cut out even as "good faith" salary negotiations were under way.
The Oscar nominee, who co-wrote the "Hulk" script, reportedly had contentious relations with the studio as the project was wrapping up over the ending and other creative matters. However, as Norton's WME agent Brian Swardstrom told Hitfix in his statement Sunday, Norton had met with Whedon and was enthused about reprising the role.
Here's the bulk of Marvel chief Kevin Feige's statement to Hitfix:
"Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks."
And Swardstrom's response:
"This offensive statement … is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative … this is no excuse for Feige's mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his.
