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When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), most fans regard it as one of the most successful and meticulously planned cinematic universes in history. Yet even colossal accomplishments have humble beginnings. One of Marvel Studios’ most important early lessons was the failure of Edward Norton’sThe Incredible Hulk, which brought to light the value of teamwork as well as its limitations.
After being largely criticized as a disaster, Bruce Banner/the Hulk was recast after this 2008 MCU venture. Still, Norton was a little taken aback by the way that decision was made. An alleged disagreement with the producers led to the actor leaving the franchise after portraying the title character in Louis Leterrier’s film. Despite being a part of a sizable franchise, the 2008 movie only made $264.8 million at the box office.
Read More:Edward Norton Did Not Agree with Marvel’s Decision to Bring Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk into Avengers after His $265 Million ‘The Incredible Hulk’
Edward Norton’s Uneasy And Tense Split From Marvel Studios
The $264.8 million film, which looked like guaranteed success at the box office, fell apart, endangering not only the earnings at the box office but also Marvel Studios’ hopes of winning. Yeah, we are referring to the 2008 summer release,The Incredible Hulk, starringEdward Norton, which is still among Marvel’s least popular films.
Nonetheless, it imparts to Marvel Studios some crucial early lessons regarding the limitations of teamwork. According to the new book,MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios,Kevin Feige’s MCU discovered that“top-down authority”and“creativity”are not necessarily incompatible. Marvel was eventually able to distill that moral to its essence. According to one Marvel performer quoted in the book:
“We have a no-a**hole policy on our movies.”
Meanwhile, Feige revealed toVulturethat Norton’s interactions with the other members of the film crew were the reason for his exclusion from the MCU. The President of Marvel Studios made it clear that they did not approve of the behavior that thePrimal Fearactor was exhibiting on set. The former remarked:
“We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. 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.”
Read More:‘You recast Edward Norton’s Hulk, you can recast Kang’: Fans Reveal MCU’s Long History With Sudden Recasts Proves Jonathan Majors is Replaceable
Edward Norton Called Kevin Feige’s Recasting Of Hulk ‘Unprofessional’
While critics and fans initially gave Edward Norton’sThe Incredible Hulkfavorable reviews, the film did not perform well at the box office.But initially, Edward Norton, 54, did not react well to the shocking announcement of his MCU departure. In an official statement on the actor’s behalf, his agent said thatKevin Feige‘s recasting of Hulk was (viaThe Independent)
“Unprofessional, disingenuous, and clearly defamatory.”
Still, Norton revealed that he enjoyed the experience and got along well with the MCU boss. As perMovieWeb, the former shared:
“I laid out a two-film thing: the origin and then the idea of Hulk as the conscious dreamer, the guy who can handle the trip. And they were like, ‘That’s what we want!’ As it turned out, that wasn’t what they wanted. But I had a great time doing it. I got on great with Kevin Feige.”
It is hard to say how much Feige’s remarks affected Norton’s career overall. It is also evident that the Oscar nominee has not had any trouble finding new films.He appeared in two Academy Award-nominated films in 2014,The Grand Budapest Hoteland Birdman.Other noteworthy movies are Wes Anderson’sThe French Dispatch(2021) andCollateral Beauty(2016).
The last time we saw Norton was as Conrad Earp in the 2023 comedy-dramaAsteroid City, which was written, produced, and directed by Wes Anderson.
Disney Plus offersThe Incredible Hulkfor streaming.
Read More:“I should have married Edward”: Courtney Love Regrets Dumping Edward Norton For a “Bad man” Who Stole All Her Money
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
