We weten sinds kort dat Edward Norton niet zal terugkeren als de Hulk in Joss Whedons The Avengers. Marvel kondigde onlangs aan dat er iemand anders gezocht zal gaan worden voor de rol van Bruce Banner. Het opvallende hieraan was de manier waarop Marvel dit bericht naar buiten bracht, met name het volgende:

“Our decision [to recast the role] 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.”

Deze woorden zijn overduidelijk een aanval aan Nortons adres. De acteur zou niet creatief en gemotiveerd genoeg zijn om samen te werken met de rest van de cast. Nortons woeste woordvoerder reageerde meteen met de volgende woorden:

“This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light.”

Dit was natuurlijk te verwachten. Helemaal als je bedenkt dat Norton de rol van de Hulk al zowat in de tas had. Het volgende komt van Swardstrom en laat zien dat Marvels statement totaal niet overeenkomt met de daadwerkelijke situatie:

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, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.

Afwachten of dit nog een staartje krijgt. The Avengers moet vanaf 3 mei 2012 in de Nederlandse bioscopen draaien.