It simply doesn’t seem possible for anyone to care this much about who plays the seventh lead in a comic book movie that won’t be released for another two years, but leave it to Marvel to make a simple casting decision feel like an event. All that was missing from the “Let’s toss Edward Norton under the bus!” e-mail that Kevin Feige sent out this weekend was an option to read it in 3D and a picture of Scarlett Johansson wearing a skin-tight leather jumpsuit. But there is good news: Once Comic-Con hits in two weeks, all these Avengers stories, rumors and innuendos will be over. But until then: Have you heard the one about Joaquin Phoenix?
According to Devin Faraci over at CHUD, sources tell him that Marvel has an offer out to Phoenix to take over for Edward Norton as Bruce Banner in The Avengers. Because nothing says “actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members,” like a dude who got crapped on for a faux-documentary.
Phoenix is supposedly “mulling” the offer over — oh, there’s that grain of salt I was looking for — because of “the bigger implications” of starring as a possible franchise character. As in: Why would the famously shy Joaquin Phoenix want to play someone who could wind up being lunch-box ubiquitous? No word yet on the other actors that Marvel is looking at to replace Norton, but rumor has it that Mel Gibson has quite the Hulk-like audition tape available.
EARLIER: Marvel To Norton: Sorry But You’re Kind Of A Jerk [UPDATE]
![Marvel To Norton: Sorry But Youre Kind Of A Jerk [UPDATE]](http://www.celebrities.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/7bc54_norton_hulk_225.jpg "Marvel To Norton: Sorry But Youre Kind Of A Jerk [UPDATE]")
And who says that those in power never listen to the common man? Yesterday we reported that Marvel Studios was allegedly going to go with a new actor to play Bruce Banner/the Hulk in their big action ensemble, The Avengers. Edward Norton had previously played the tortured scientist/purple pants enthusiast in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, but got into a bit of tiff with Marvel execs over his script and the focus of the movie. But late last night Marvel Studios released a statement to HitFix explaining away the whole situation.
And for a Hollywood statement, it’s a remarkably candid document:
“We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. 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.”
Wow. There was no, “We had separate visions” or “We enjoyed working with Ed Norton and wish him all the best,” or any other typical Hollywood breakup boilerplate. What kind of a colossal dick must Norton have been to Marvel for them to publicly announce that they’re only looking for easy collaborators and actors who work well with others, and that ain’t you, babe? The “this isn’t about money at all, by the way” proviso is just salt in the wound.
Color me
…
Full Story »
And who says that those in power never listen to the common man? Yesterday we reported that Marvel Studios was allegedly going to go with a new actor to play Bruce Banner/the Hulk in their big action ensemble, The Avengers. Edward Norton had previously played the tortured scientist/purple pants enthusiast in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, but got into a bit of tiff with Marvel execs over his script and the focus of the movie. But late last night Marvel Studios released a statement to HitFix explaining away the whole situation.
And for a Hollywood statement, it’s a remarkably candid document:
“We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. 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.”
Wow. There was no, “We had separate visions” or “We enjoyed working with Ed Norton and wish him all the best,” or any other typical Hollywood breakup boilerplate. What kind of a colossal dick must Norton have been to Marvel for them to publicly announce that they’re only looking for easy collaborators and actors who work well with others, and that ain’t you, babe? The “this isn’t about money at all, by the way” proviso is just salt in the wound.
Color me disappointed
…
Full Story »