"Edward Norton will not be reprising his role as Dr. Bruce Banner [in The Avenger], reports HitFix, who say that Marvel Studios plan to cast a new actor in the part.
The report theorizes that a deal could not be made, despite Edward Norton wanting to join the ensemble cast that will include Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Chris Evans as Captain America.
Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige confirmed the report with the following statement he sent to the site:
'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.'
Marvel Studios is planning a May 4, 2012 release for The Avengers.
UPDATE 2:
From ComingSoon.net:
"This looks to be turning into a war of the press statements. Brian Swardstrom of WME, which represents Norton, fired the following off to HitFix after they posted Feige's above comment:
'This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel 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, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.
We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but 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. Feige's statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel's fans.'
UPDATE 3:
From ComingSoon.net:
"Edward Norton has posted his official statement on the matter:
'As most of you know, I don't like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience's fullest enjoyment of the 'magic' that films can have. But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and the Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So here goes: It seems it won't work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in "The Avengers". I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone, but it hasn't turned out as we all hoped. I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be a part of the Hulk's long and excellent history. And I really can't thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you've sent my way about what Louis and I tried to do in our turn with the legend. It means a lot of me. I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been an fan of every incarnation. I'm really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, and that's why we love him, right?
Sincerely, Edward Norton.'"
Somewhere, Eric Bana (Bruce Banner from 2003's Hulk) is dancing with joy, screaming, "And now, you know how it feels!"Here's a video detailing Edward Norton's impressive performance from The Incredible Hulk set to the "The Lonely Man" theme that would end every episode of the famous "The Incredible Hulk" TV series. A fitting end...
I've already heard rumors that Oscar-nominee and recently crazy man Joaquin Phoenix (Johnny Cash in Walk the Line) is set to replace Norton as Bruce Banner. If he can clean up his act and grab some serious geek love, he might just appear at Comic-Con when the cast of The Avengers is announced.
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