Back in 2008, when Marvel Cinematic Universe was just getting started, we all became fans of MCU with its latest release of “The Incredible Hulk.” It was Edward Norton who played the role of the giant green figure in that movie. Though the movie wasn’t that successful financially, it created a firm base for later MCU movies.
In 2012, Marvel Studios replaced Edward Norton with Mark Ruffalo with the release of The Avengers. Mark Ruffalo, as Hulk, gave the Green Goliath his own unique interpretation. However, Norton’s Hulk has left a mark on the character through his performance in “The Incredible Hulk.” The 2008 movie was favorably liked enough that a casting change surprised viewers. But behind the scenes, the situation was entirely different.
Edward Norton is a very popular actor, director, and producer. The actor has done many breakthrough roles throughout his career. His recent movies include Knives Out 2, Motherless Brooklyn, and Asteroid City.
Why did Norton leave MCU?
It was announced prior to Comic-con International 2010 that Marvel intended to bring a new face as the Hulk. The studio announced their intention to replace Norton in the upcoming new movie of Marvel, 2012’s “The Avengers.” The announcement was a shock for the fans who loved Norton as Hulk.
Kevin Feige, who was the president of Marvel studio, announced from the set of Captain America: The First Avenger that they are letting Norton go from MCU. He further clarified that it was not done due to any financial problem but because of the chemistry between MCU studio and the actor. The choice, he insisted, was not motivated by money but rather by the requirement that the actor embody the imagination and teamwork of the other talented members of the group.
After the remarks, Norton’s agent issued a statement on his behalf. He said that the actor was very excited to work with Joss and other actors in The Avengers cast since they already were his friends, contrary to what Feige had said earlier.
What was Norton’s statement on leaving MCU?
Norton has expressed his desire to return back to MCU. While promoting his roles in Birdman and Moonrise Kingdom, Norton also mentioned how these projects would conflict with the demands of a big-budget franchise.
Norton also talked about his relationship with Ruffalo, who replaced him as the new Hulk. In a statement, the actor said that he holds no grudge against the actor after he took over as Bruce Banner in 2012’s The Avengers and replaced him.
2022 released She-Hulk: Attorney At Law’s director Kat Cairo last year claimed that the MCU studio was partly interested in bringing Norton back, much similarly it brought Tim Roth, who portrayed the role of Abomination in the 2008 picture, back.
Why did Mark Ruffalo replace Edward Norton?
Mark Ruffalo as Hulk has brought more dimensions to the character, and fans loved it. Leterrier, who is the director and producer of ” The Incredible Hulk,” had already said that Ruffalo was his first choice. Even though Norton was “more famous” and Ruffalo only “did smart intellectual films,” they actually preferred Ruffalo for The Incredible Hulk.
After Ruffalo’s debut as Hulk, he was able to prove himself and is now widely recognized as The Hulk, but at the time, he was an unusual choice because he wasn’t a well-established main guy like Norton.
We have witnessed Mark Ruffalo as Hulk in every Avengers movie. He had also played Hulk, aka Bruce Banner, in Thor: Ragnarok and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Although Norton did a good job portraying Bruce Banner, Ruffalo stands out from the other MCU starring males with a fuzzy, sheepish charm and someone who is terrified of his own power.
Also Read: Did Loki Really Die in Avengers: Infinity Wars? Answered
