Edward Norton is one of the best actors that this generation has ever witnessed. Known for his powerful performances in different roles in various genres ranging from drama to action. The actor became a popular name after his role in notable movies such as American History X, Fight Club, The Illusionist, and many more, making him the perfect actor to be a part of the MCU.
Despite being treated as an outcast, The Incredible Hulk is part of the MCU. And Edward Norton was a part of the franchise as he played the role of Dr. Bruce Banner/ Hulk in the film. The 2008 film was not a huge success as it earned only $265 million at the Box Office, a disappointing number for a massive franchise. Sadly, that was the only time when fans get to see Norton in the franchise before, he was replaced by Mark Ruffalo.
Edward Norton Clashed With Producers For his Ideal Version of the Movie
The Incredible Hulk suffered from a chaotic production because Edward Norton negotiated to be an uncredited screenwriter in the movie. While Zak Penn submitted the first draft of the movie, the Primal Fear actor submitted his version within a month. Tim Roth stated how Norton continued to make multiple edits to the script while it was in production, as there were daily rewrites.
In addition to making regular revisions, Norton along with Louis Leterrier, the director of the film clashed with the producers of the film for their intended cut of the film. Upon release, the Motherless Brooklyn actor gave limited appearances for his film. The film did not do well but the actor justified his action, by stating his belief and how “knowing too much” ruins the movie.
“It has always been my firm conviction that films should speak for themselves. And that knowing too much about how they are made diminishes the magic of watching them.”
The relationship between the actor and the studio continued to worsen, as the two parties exchanged words, which eventually lead to Norton’s exit from the franchise.
Edward Norton Quit The MCU
The situation between the actor and the franchise worsened because a report stated that in the 2010 International Comic-Con, Norton would reprise his role for The Avengers. And it turned out to be true when Kevin Feige said their definition is not based on “monetary factors,” but they look for actors who are ready to collaborate for a bigger picture.
“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.”
Intuitively, the Birdman actor’s agent labeled Feige’s statement as “offensive” and “a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light.” And in an interview in 2014, Edward Norton gave a clear explanation for his exit from the MCU.
“Experienced what [he] wanted to.”
“[And] didn’t want to have an association with one thing in any way degrade [his] effectiveness as an actor in characters.”
The actor has often expressed his desire that he will return to the MCU if he is given an opportunity. Moreover, he also stated that he has no ill feelings against Mark Ruffalo, who replaced him to be the new Hulk in The Avengers.
His co-star, Liv Tyler is set to return to the franchise as Betty Ross in the phase 5 movie – Captain America: New World Order.
The Incredible Hulk can be streamed on Disney+.
Source: MovieWeb
