"Edward Norton will not be reprising his role as Dr. Bruce Banner, reports HitFix, who say that Marvel Studios plan to cast an unknown 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."

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67821

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Yeah...I kinda expected that.

Another reason why TIH was unnecessary.

It wasn't unnecessary.. It was very much made and needed to wipe the crapassstic taste out of the fans mouths for Ang Lee's abortion in 2003 and the problem is, is that Ang Lee fucked it up so much that no one gave TIH a chance that it really deserved.. In this world, you have 1 shot at making an impression and Ang Lee fucked that up for Norton's TIH.. Being a fan and all, I'm really all for the continuity of the AVENGERS in tieing our actors together and creating chemistry and seeing Norton and RDJ on the same screen would've been cool.. I really hope the AVENGERS is good, but this does suck that he's not in it..

They probably didn't like his attitude when filming the last one. Didn't he get really pissed when they edited his version of the film. He may have wanted creative control on the character

That's all kinds of bullshit. Continuity is important. Shows how much they care, all they're after is maximizing profit. Not that i really care about some cheesy superhero flick, just saying...

I would rather have Norton and drop Sam Jackson or even Downey.

This news blows.

I'm sure lots of people would prefer to see Norton continue as Banner vs. Jackson as Fury.

Although after how trashy and dull Iron Man 2 was, maybe Norton was smart to jump ship.

I doubt this, though. Norton, a respected actor and well-known star who is established in the role, is just super-eager to participate, but Marvel says, "Oh, no, we're not even going to entertain the notion! No, sir!" Eh?

I have a feeling Norton didn't want to be involved, for w/e reason.

He probably realized how beyond ridiculous this movie could be with some of the superheroes in it. I just don't see how Iron Man's world and to a lesser extent The Incredible Hulk's world will fit in with Thor, Ant-Man, and Skrulls on the big screen.

You sir, FAIL

I more than hope I'm wrong, BKB. I just think the odds are stacked up against it, especially if they go after that Skrulls storyline. Edward Norton not being in it just seems like an early warning signal.

Totally agree. It doesn't fit. Will flop.

I don't think that would hurt any since we are talking about superheroes here. My guess is Banner will be on the screen for less ten minutes and Marvel didn't want pay Ed Norton 5-10 million for that amount of screen time.

This movie is going to be a huge disappointment.

Unless Norton returns, then it has a fighting chance.

maybe they'll bring eric bana back

and norton isnt a draw in anything so it's not like they're hurting themselves.

Norton is a great actor, but truth is he acted like a jerk 2 years ago and refused to promote the movie. Everyone else was promoting it except him because he was pissed that he didn't get it his way. He wanted a more character driven movie kinda like HULK (2003), which Marvel didn't want.

So ya I think Marvel wants to avoid all that again.

Edward Norton's agent responds

"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."

http://www.hitfix.com/articles/2010-7-1 ... tement?m=k

Feige is a douchebag. His statement was toxic and unprofessional, and he's removed one of the greatest living American actors from the movie for what seem to be personal-grudge reasons.

God forbid a person use their clout to stand up for their artistic vision...

norton is an actor. his job is to act.

They had no problem allowing him to rewrite the script (the untalented) Zak Penn wrote.

Avengers isn't going to clear 400m anyway.

It's probably coming up rotten too. lol

Norton raised American History X by a few bars. Had he not rewritten the script, the movie probably would have been mediocre. He knows what hes doing

Unfortunately I have to agree on both counts.