Movies
Norton, Marvel fight over 'Hulk' movie
Published Wednesday, Mar 12 2008, 11:37 GMT | By Simon Reynolds | 3 comments
Edward Norton is reportedly in disagreement with Marvel Studios over the editing of his new movie The Incredible Hulk.
According to Deadline Hollywood Daily, "there's a lot of posturing going on between Edward's camp and Marvel over how you edit the final version".
Norton agreed to play the role of Bruce Banner, a scientist who transforms into the giant green Hulk, in the comic book sequel on the grounds that he was allowed to rewrite Zak Penn's script.
However, an insider claimed that Marvel is blocking Norton from the editing process: "There's a problem. Marvel won't listen to Norton about the cut."
Norton had previously clashed with director Tony Kaye on American History X. Kaye was eventually fired from the movie and Norton cut a new version of the film.
"Never let an actor write a script," a source added. "Marvel made a mistake letting the wolf into the hen house."
Norton is allegedly negotiating with Marvel's David Maisel and Kevin Feige and director Louis Leterrier in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
A source said: "At this stage you always have discussions about what's in the film and what's not going to be in the film. Everyone's very passionate, and Edward is very opinionated."
> Should Norton get his way? Share your views
According to Deadline Hollywood Daily, "there's a lot of posturing going on between Edward's camp and Marvel over how you edit the final version".
Norton agreed to play the role of Bruce Banner, a scientist who transforms into the giant green Hulk, in the comic book sequel on the grounds that he was allowed to rewrite Zak Penn's script.
However, an insider claimed that Marvel is blocking Norton from the editing process: "There's a problem. Marvel won't listen to Norton about the cut."
Norton had previously clashed with director Tony Kaye on American History X. Kaye was eventually fired from the movie and Norton cut a new version of the film.
"Never let an actor write a script," a source added. "Marvel made a mistake letting the wolf into the hen house."
Norton is allegedly negotiating with Marvel's David Maisel and Kevin Feige and director Louis Leterrier in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
A source said: "At this stage you always have discussions about what's in the film and what's not going to be in the film. Everyone's very passionate, and Edward is very opinionated."
> Should Norton get his way? Share your views
Your Views
3 Comments
Your Responses
matt, australia, on May 7th, 2008
I think he should. I like Norton. Especially since i caught him on his "Strange Days on Planet Earth" doco series (which he funded). He is wacky but has his own kind of special talent. I have no doubt he would probably be right artistically but the big studios are only interested in economics... if he gets his way I might even see the movie - if he doesnt i wouldnt even bother.
I think he should. I like Norton. Especially since i caught him on his "Strange Days on Planet Earth" doco series (which he funded). He is wacky but has his own kind of special talent. I have no doubt he would probably be right artistically but the big studios are only interested in economics... if he gets his way I might even see the movie - if he doesnt i wouldnt even bother.
Brooklyn, NY, on March 12th, 2008
First of all, this story is already slanted in favor of Marvel by asking "Should Norton get his way." Perhaps it's the other way around? Have you seen the contract? Secondly, Norton is NOT just an actor. He's also a writer, producer, director, editor, and activist. I'm not a judge but until all the facts are in, I'm in favor of the little guy... I mean, the green guy!
First of all, this story is already slanted in favor of Marvel by asking "Should Norton get his way." Perhaps it's the other way around? Have you seen the contract? Secondly, Norton is NOT just an actor. He's also a writer, producer, director, editor, and activist. I'm not a judge but until all the facts are in, I'm in favor of the little guy... I mean, the green guy!
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I think Mr. Edward Norton is a man of many talents and has dabbled (like Brooklyn, NY mentioned) in writing, directing, producing. I think he knows what he's talking about. If he practically rewrote the script for The Incredible Hulk movie (and it's fairly good as it is), think how much better it would be if they hadn't tampered with Norton's original vision. If they (Marvel) are negotiating with Norton (and if they want him to sign on for the sequels), I think they should offer to add Norton's version of the movie on the DVD (like a Director's Cut) and (if that's well received) to give him more creative control on the sequels. Who knows, if they give him the "Director's Cut" on the DVD, it might even boost sales; because of this dispute, people will be curious about his version and be more likely to buy the DVD to compare.