We’ve heard the original story that Marvel Studios wasn’t going to be bringing back Edward Norton to reprise his Incredible Hulk role of Dr. Bruce Banner. Then Marvel Studios released an official statement as to why they were going to recast the role. Norton’s agent wasn’t to thrilled with what Marvel had to say, and decided to tell the world about it.
But up until now, the one person who has been strangely silent on the whole controversy is Norton himself. That is, like I said, up until now.
Norton took to his Facebook page and released this statement –
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you take the high road.
Of course, responding with a blistering attack could only be seen as reinforcing Feige’s assertion that Norton is not “an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members.”
Either way, I’m hoping that we have now put the whole story behind us except for seeing who Marvel ultimately casts in the vacated role. Will it be the rumored Joaquim Phoenix? With the San Diego Comic Con coming up next week, I don’t think we have to wait too long to find out.
Several things:
1. It does seem like it’s the high road, or at least different in tone than that of his agent. Somehow I think there will be a meeting in the future between said agent and Norton to discuss things.
2. Gracious though it may sound, the “thanks for extending the offer” thing raises questions. Does he mean originally, for the first movie, which he accepted? Or is he trying to hint this is money related after all.