It’s been announced that Edward Norton will not be reprising his role as Bruce Banner / The Hulk in the forthcoming ensemble superhero movie The Avengers.

But it’s only because Marvel Studios can’t afford him, and not because he’s a gigantic pain in the slats or anything.

In a statement, the studio explained that the 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”. Oh. They probably can afford him. It’s because he’s a gigantic pain in the slats.
The studio went on to say “The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements”. Ouch.

These accusations of the star’s ‘difficult’ nature will come as a huge surprise to fans of American History X – reportedly re-edited by Norton against the wishes of director Tony Kaye, Red Dragon – Norton would turn up on set with new script pages written by himself and kick-off with the director, and The Incredible Hulk itself – Norton demanded a screenwriting credit and attempted to take control of the whole project.

Way to go team-player.

Ed’s agent hit back at Marvel Studios:

“This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light.”

Ed, perhaps more wisely, wrote on his Facebook page:

Hulk is bigger than all of us, that’s why we love him, right?

More of that attitude a bit earlier and he might still have a job.

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