NORTON OUT, RUFFALO IN?

Last week, there was some back in forth words coming from Marvel and Edward Norton's people. Kevin Feige for Marvel Studios said in his statement:

"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. 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."

That statement from Feige didn't go over well with Norton's agent and he released a statement. Here is some from that statement:

"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."

Then finally, Norton decided to jump in and release a statement of his own. He didn't bash Marvel or anyone there, but simply said that he was hoping it would happen but unfortunately it won't.

I am tending to lean on Marvel's side with this one. When The Incredible Hulk was released in 2008, Norton had a serious issue with some of the guys from Marvel. He said that he rewrote the whole movie and that it was a really great story and at the last moment they changed the ending he wrote and that they wouldn't give him a writing credit on it. Because of this, Norton refused to do any promotions for the film, which Marvel said was part of the reason it didn't make as much money as some thought it would. I'm not surprised that he isn't returning.

Now, reports have been going around about who the replacement might be. At first, it was Joaquin Phoenix which I thought would have been a really odd choice. I like guy, just not for the roll of Bruce Banner. Now all reports are pointing to Mark Ruffalo, who is apparently in final negotiations with the studio.

I like Ruffalo and think he is a very underrated actor. I don't think he is a perfect fit for Bruce Banner, but it will do.