The war of words between Ed Norton and Marvel continues to heat up.
Following the revelation that Marvel has decided to cast another actor as the Hulk in "The Avengers," Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed the news in an unusual statement that seemed to suggest that Norton was not an actor "who [thrives] as part of an ensemble."
"This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light," responded Norton's agent, Brian Swardstrom (WME) over at Hitfix. "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," the statement continued. "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 Comic-Con 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," continued Swardstrom. "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," he added. "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."
Marvel has previously recast Don Cheadle as Jim Rhodes in "Iron Man 2," which left Terrence Howard out of the sequel. Norton himself was essentially a replacement for the title role in "Incredible Hulk" only a few years after Eric Bana had starred in Ang Lee's "Hulk."
The Hollywood Reporter suggests that Norton's replacement will be named before the San Diego Comic-Con and that the full cast of "The Avengers" will be on stage Saturday for Marvel's official unveiling.
"The Avengers" will assemble in theaters on May 4, 2012.
What are your thoughts on Swardstrom's response to Feige? Should Norton have been allowed to return as the Hulk? Soak up your gamma rays and let us know what you're thinking in the comment section or on Twitter!