Der Schauspieler Edward Norton (FIGHT CLUB, RED DRAGON) ist nicht der der unglaubliche Hulk. Die Künstleragentur und WME und Marvels Kevin Feige hatten sich ein Wortgefecht geliefert, nachdem bekannt wurde, dass Norton in THE AVENGERS nicht den Hulk geben sollte, während Robert Downey jr. (IRON MAN, SHERLOCK HOLMES), Chris Hemsworth (STAR TREK, THOR) und Chris Evans (CELLULAR, FANTASTIC FOUR) ihre Marvel-Charaktere auch dort spielen.
Kevin Feige schrieb: »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 (Jackson), Scarlett (Johansson), 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.«
»This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light,« schhrieb der Agent Brian Swardstrom (WME). Er versuchte Norton zurück in die Rolle zu bekommen.
Letzten Mittwoch jedoch, so Swardstorm, »after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal,« entschied sich Marvel endgültig für einen neuen Mann. »We accepted their decision with no hard feelings,« sagte Swardstrom. »We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige’s mean spirited, accusatory comments. Feige’s statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton’s talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel’s fans.«
Auch Edward Norton äußerte sich via Facebook: »As most of you know, I don’t like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience’s fullest enjoyment of the ›magic‹ that films can have,« schrieb er. »But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and the Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So here goes: It seems it won’t work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in ›The Avengers.‹ … I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be part of the Hulk’s long and excellent history.«
Bild: Edward Norton (2009) aus der Wikipedia
Die Teilnehmer des Worldcons stimmen in jedem Jahr über den wohl bedeutensden SF-Preis ab, den HUGO. Der HUGO 2010 ist gestern auf dem AUSSIECON 2010 (dem diesjährigen Weltcon) vergeben worden.
