OMEN
07-12-2010, 11:12 PM
Edward Norton has responded to his recent exclusion from the upcoming Avengers film.
The star was reportedly axed from the role of the Hulk last weekend after Marvel Studios president Kevin Fiege claimed that the production sought an actor who "embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members".
In a message on his official Facebook page, Norton thanked fans for their support and admitted that he is "sad" to have let down followers of the comic series.
"As most of you know, I don't like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience's fullest enjoyment of the 'magic' that films can have," he wrote.
"But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and The Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So there goes: It seems it won't work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in The Avengers. I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone but it hasn't turned out as we all hoped."
He continued: "I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am so grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for the chance to be part of the Hulk's long and excellent history. And I really can't thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you've sent my way about what Louis and I tried to do in our turn with the legend. It means a lot to me."
Norton added that he has been a fan of the character since he was a child.
"I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been a fan of every incarnation. I'm really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that's why we love him, right?"
It was earlier rumoured that Joaquin Phoenix has been offered the role of the Hulk in place of Norton.
DS
The star was reportedly axed from the role of the Hulk last weekend after Marvel Studios president Kevin Fiege claimed that the production sought an actor who "embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members".
In a message on his official Facebook page, Norton thanked fans for their support and admitted that he is "sad" to have let down followers of the comic series.
"As most of you know, I don't like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience's fullest enjoyment of the 'magic' that films can have," he wrote.
"But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and The Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So there goes: It seems it won't work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in The Avengers. I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone but it hasn't turned out as we all hoped."
He continued: "I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am so grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for the chance to be part of the Hulk's long and excellent history. And I really can't thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you've sent my way about what Louis and I tried to do in our turn with the legend. It means a lot to me."
Norton added that he has been a fan of the character since he was a child.
"I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been a fan of every incarnation. I'm really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that's why we love him, right?"
It was earlier rumoured that Joaquin Phoenix has been offered the role of the Hulk in place of Norton.
DS