So I was curious if anyone else has been reading about all the Marvel idiocy recently. It all started with Marvel issuing a statement about Edward Norton's departure.
Click here and
here. Kevin Feige, the Marvel Movie Guy said this:
Quote:
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. 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. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.
First and foremost, I do understand why Marvel would want to rid Norton. His re-writes, delays and everything cost The Incredible Hulk quite a bit and in the end, got mostly edited out anyway. However, the way Feige presented them facts is nothing but unprofessional, and Norton's agency picked up on it - saying:
Quote:
This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: 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. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.
Now
that is how a formal letter should be done.
The fact that ComicCon is in two weeks and its going to begin with negative press is nothing short of disastrous for Marvel, to be honest. They need some proper PR people to sort it out. The person, oddly enough, expected to be the next Bruce (according to
Chud) is Joaquin Phoenix. That makes it a bit weirder, since then it surely is about money and not egos. And it being about money isn't terribly surprising since Marvel love to lowball (as confirmed by them almost losing Favreau, Sam Jackson, Rourke and losing completely Terrence Howard).
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