Norton Snubbed For Hulk in Avengers Film

Over the weekend, Hitfix broke the news that Edward Norton will not be reprising the role of Bruce Banner/the Hulk , for the upcoming The Avengers film.  Kevin Feige, Marvel President of Production, said in a statement yesterday:

“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.”

Norton’s agent, Brian Swardstrom blasted back today that Feige’s statement was “unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with [rumored director] Joss [Whedon] and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his.”

Swardstrom continued by saying that Feige had called two months ago to tell him Marvel wanted Norton to play the Hulk in the upcoming film and was looking forward to unveiling the news at the San Diego Comic Con. Norton was “enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith,” he continued. “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. ”

As of now, there is no news on who will be the third man to portray Bruce Banner/the Hulk in the Avengers film.  Norton had replaced Eric Bana after Ang Lee’s 2003 version failed to impress fans and audience goers.  Whoever gets the role will be joining a cast that includes Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and possibly Don Cheadle as War Machine.

The Avengers is slated for release on May 4, 2012.