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Featuring Zach Galifianakis, James Franco and Ed Norton.

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(Source: youtube.com)

Edward Norton is in negotiations to play the villain in Universal’s “The Bourne Legacy” opposite Jeremy Renner.

Edward Norton Releases Statement About Marvel’s Casting Decisions for The Avengers | /Film

This is getting juicy. Previously, Marvel indicated their decision was not about salary, as sources had indicated to HitFix originally  but “instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members.”

Here’s what Norton’s rep had to say…

Brian Swardstrom of WME responds with the following:

“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.

Brian Swardstrom
WME

“According to Marvel sources, the company has decided that they are going to cast “an unknown” to play Bruce Banner and The Hulk in the film.” Most likely to keep costs down because Norton is too expensive, but the article continues to say that Norton would be game to negotiate. Why you gotta be like the Marvel.

Sad news.

Regarding the Hulk: “We certainly plan on it. He was there in ‘The Avengers’ #1 and in ‘The Ultimates’ #1 so certainly the Hulk is a key part of these films leading up to ‘The Avengers.’ ‘Iron Man 2’ has some clues to where these timelines take place as they relate to each other. So I certainly think Hulk will be a player on that team.”

Regarding Norton: “A lot of it depends on the story, a lot of it depends on the schedule and a lot of it depends on the lofty ideas that we have. You also have to work with the real ties of people’s schedules as to when they are available and stuff like that. So we reserve the right to say Hulk will be in it for sure, we’ll see about Banner.

Norton’s turn as Bruce Banner/Hulk was just as good, if not better than RDJ’s Iron Man. The Avengers with a one dimensional Hulk and no Banner to back it up, or Ed Norton to fill the shoes, will be dissapointing. I can’t image Whedon backing that up.

maeby:

(via lonelytourist)

I have this feeling that Ed Norton is a comedy nerd. He liked Modern Family so much that he’s going to be guesting in an upcoming episode.