Edward Norton says he’s “sad” about Marvel Studios decision to go with another actor for the role of The Incredible Hulk in the upcoming Avengers movie.
Marvel Studios announced their decision over the past weekend, basically calling Norton a non-team player.
The movie will also star Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr. among others. The film was developed by Buffy The Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon and is set for a summer 2012 release.
Marvel said of their decision:
“Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborativ spirit of our other talented cast members.”
Ed Norton then released an open letter to his fans:
“It seems it won’t work 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. I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad.”
Norton then added:
“But I am sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be a part of the Hulk’s long and excellent history. And I really can’t thank fans enough for how much enthusiasm you’ve sent my way about what [director] Louis [Leterrier] and I tried to do in our turn with the legend. It means a lot to me,” the actor continued. “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?”
Recent rumors from PopCrunch point to Joaquin Phoenix as Norton’s replacement, although no confirmation of those talks have come about at this time.
