This may or may not be a surprise to some...but Edward Norton has announced on Facebook that he will not be playing Bruce Banner in the planned Avengers film:
“It seems it won’t work out 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.”
Actually Darenhat, there's been quite a bit of buzz and "he said/she said" about this on the 'net over the past couple of days. It all began with a pretty scathing missive from Marvel producer Kevin Feige (Norton does have something of a rep of being difficult to work with and there were rumblings that he and the producers clashed on the set of The Incredible Hulk):
"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."
Norton's agent then fired back his own online rant basically accusing Feige of defamation:
"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. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige's statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel's fans."
In his comments Norton seems to be trying to take the high road and trying to put as positive spin as possible on his departure but as of right now, yeah, he's gone.
By way of AICN, here's a new pic of Thor, Odin and Loki from the new movie:
Also of interest, both Thor and Captain America will be released in 3D. I'm a little concerned about this. While I like 3D Thor was shot in 2D and will be converted in post-production; quite honestly, every movie that has gone that route so far has looked at best fair and at worst terrible. Kevin Feige is assuring everyone that Marvel will take its time to do a proper conversion and for his sake, I hope that they will.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Hmmm...still no helmet pics? Ooookay...
Odin looks great though. Very Kirby-esque. B-)
I don't know what it is with this 3-D craze of late but I was never really a fan of the concept anyway; I've always found the glasses too distracting. I just see it as another ploy to boost ticket sales since I'd have to drive across town just to see it in 2-D at another theatre...if I'm lucky to find it in 2-D.
Just stop already with that and just give me a solid film.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
LiamNow where was I? Let me see...Posts: 50MI6 Agent
Agreed. If the film sucks a third dimension won't let it suck a bit less.
I like 3D; I've never had a problem wearing the glasses and as long as its implemented well and suits the material I don't mind it. What I do mind is when its implemented as a last not well thought out last minute minute addition as was the case with Clash of the Titans and Alice in Wonderland. All I ask is if you're going to do it, try to do it right.
I just bought a 3D TV (as you know I'm hopeless when it comes to gadgets) and was showing some native 3D games to my brother. His jaw dropped to the floor at how colorful and immersive they were. When its done well it can be a lot of fun. I only hope Marvel spends the time and money to get it right. In any case, there will always be 2D showings for people who do not like or physically cannot watch 3D movies.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I like 3D; I've never had a problem wearing the glasses and as long as its implemented well and suits the material I don't mind it. What I do mind is when its implemented as a last not well thought out last minute minute addition as was the case with Clash of the Titans and Alice in Wonderland. All I ask is if you're going to do it, try to do it right.
I just bought a 3D TV (as you know I'm hopeless when it comes to gadgets) and was showing some native 3D games to my brother. His jaw dropped to the floor at how colorful and immersive they were. When its done well it can be a lot of fun. I only hope Marvel spends the time and money to get it right. In any case, there will always be 2D showings for people who do not like or physically cannot watch 3D movies.
Yeah, you're a tech-guy by nature so of course I'd expect you to embrace it. I'll give the film the credit it deserves but I'll wait for it somewhere in 2-D.
I remember taking my son to see Spy Kids 3 and could barely drive home because of the headache I'd gotten from the glasses. The quality wasn't that good at all I recall.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Looks like Nic Cage will be reprising his role as Johnny Blaze...a very gereatric one on top of that.
Neveldine and Taylor Confirmed for Ghost Rider 2
by Silas Lesnick Jul 16th, 2010
Nicolas Cage also confirms his own return for the comic book sequel
Nicolas Cage will return for a Ghost Rider sequel helmed by Neveldine/Taylor, the actor confirmed tonight on "The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson."
"There's gonna be a new one," Cage told Ferguson after the host presented him with a model of a flaming skull, "I just made the deal today."
He also confirmed the recent rumor that Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (Crank, Gamer) will direct the film, still rumored to be called Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
Please someone explain to me how the writers of Crank and Jonah Hex continue to stay employed in Hollywood? Mind-boggling.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
The first Ghost Rider had its moments and some pretty impressive imagery as well but yeah, you'd think they could do better than two guys who's biggest accomplishment to date is Crank.
Now for something (hopefully) a little better: by way of Superherohype.com (who lifted it from the LA Times) here's another picture from Thor; I'm liking what Branagh is doing with the Asgard sections of the movie. And look: helmets! Even Loki seems to be wearing his horned rig on the left side of the screen.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Superb find, Tony. B-)
I see that Branaugh's tried to respect the source material as much as he possibly could without ticking off fans and for that much I appreciate. Alot of the Jack Kirby influence shows. Still no Thor helmet yet so I'm still a little antsy...
However, the longer I stare at this photo the more Wagnerian it starts to look. Is it just me?
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Given that we see Loki's horns, I'l be shocked if we don't get at least one scene of Thor wearing the helmet. Branagh seems to be trying very hard to stay true to the source material so omitting all reference to the winged helmet would be a strange decision. For all we know, he could be holding it under his left arm in that very picture.
And yeah, I do get the Wagnerian vibe from that pic; it seems appropriate given the subject matter.
oog...more 3D? I can't watch those comfratbly on account of the ACTUAL glasses I have to wear to see the movie at all anyway. The 3D glasses sit on the edge of my nose and I end up peering at the screen with a very old school librarian look. X-(
BUT. the fact that Kenneth Branagh is directing Thor makes a happy, happy person. and the cast looks great. can't wait! hopefully there will be a midnight show that I can drag some folks to
Looks like the moment when the fallen god reclaims Mjolnir. I wonder if this location ties in to that last shot from Iron Man 2 right after the credits. Hmmm.....
So do you think there will be someone else playing Donald Blake or some CGI trickery to make Helmsworth look smaller, because Blake should look quite a bit different than Thor and deffinatly not that big
So do you think there will be someone else playing Donald Blake or some CGI trickery to make Helmsworth look smaller, because Blake should look quite a bit different than Thor and deffinatly not that big
At a press conference early on in the movie's production, Kevin Feige stated
that there would be no Donald Blake in this version of Thor. Maybe they'll just give him that name as an alias when he comes to Earth or not mention it at all, but either way, unless a change was made and they managed to hush it up really well (unlikely at this point) it looks like the dynamic of the disabled alter-ego was shelved for the movie. In that respect, I guess it's the same thing as Tony Stark publicly acknowledging that he's Iron Man at the end of the first movie.
Just guessing here, but that could very well be since
Natalie Portman plays a doctor and there were some pictures posted (and then quickly pulled at Marvel's insistence) of the Destroyer in what looked like a desert setting a few months ago.
The 'behind the scenes' preview that Entertainment Tonight showed a bit of this set, and was filming in New Mexico...which ties in with Iron Man's post-credit tease.
I'm really impressed with how Hemsworth bulked up...his physique is spot on!
woah shizz. don't mess with him indeed. especially with Mjolnir in hand...
I think you guys might appreciate this song...being comic nerds...I mean aficionados and all http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ks-6CqqvUs
Hey! Observer! You trying to get yourself Killed?
mountainburdphotography.wordpress.com
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited July 2010
Whoa, Hems looks jacked!
In other Marvel movie news:
SDCC: Director Joe Johnson on Captain America
by SuperHeroHype
Jul 21st, 2010
"A slightly different spin on Steve Rogers"
Captain America: The First Avenger director Joe Johnston told the Los Angeles Times the screen version of the hero will be true to his roots up to a certain point.
"We're sort of putting a slightly different spin on Steve Rogers," said Joe Johnston, "He's a guy that wants to serve his country but he's not a flag-waver. We're reinterpretating sort of what the comic book version of Steve Rogers was."
"He wants to serve his country, but he's not this sort of jingoistic American flag-waver," Johnston added. "He's just a good person. We make a point of that in the script: Don't change who you are once you go from Steve Rogers to this super-soldier, you have to stay who you are inside, that's really what's important more than your strength and everything. It'll be interesting and fun to put a different spin on the character and one that the fans are really going to appreciate."
This concerns me somewhat but it was hardly unexpected. Making Rogers something he's not is just to pander to overseas audiences and not hinder their box office take. I swear every time Johnston opens his mouth on this project, I get a little worried.
Cap is a proud patriot and a flag-waver; it defines who he is. He was never, ever a zealot but he had a strong belief in American ideals. How can that possibly put him in a bad light? ?:)
And WHERE are CAP'S WINGS? X-(
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I read that too Rogue. I interpret it as them dialing back some of Cap's more 'square' tendencies - you know, like the time he pretended to have something in his eye after he brought a nature movie to Rick Jones' bachelor party only to discover it was actually a porno film. At times Cap was a little too straight-laced and they're probably just trying to dial that back a bit. As for the wings, I fear they may have been permanently clipped.
As for Hemsworth, I seem to recall someone worrying that maybe he wasn't ripped enough when he was first cast despite my best efforts to allay that person's fears....
I had fun trying to picture each actor in the role, but I realized there was a guy in there I didn't recognize. To my pleasant surprise, turns out that Hawkeye will be making an appearance in the film.
Thanks for the link Rogue; saw it on a friend's laptop and it looks pretty badass. Especially love the parts on Asgard, the quick glimpses of supporting characters like the Warriors Three and of course Thor throwing Mjolnir.
You've got to give Marvel credit, they can really churn these movies out in a workmanlike fashion and still make them look good. It makes you wonder why they showed so little at the Green Lantern panel even though that movie is premiering a month after Thor.
Best line of the trailer:
"Is it one of Stark's?"
"I don't know, he never tells me anything."
Comments
“It seems it won’t work out 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.”
Read into that whatever you wish, I guess.
"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."
Norton's agent then fired back his own online rant basically accusing Feige of defamation:
"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. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige's statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel's fans."
In his comments Norton seems to be trying to take the high road and trying to put as positive spin as possible on his departure but as of right now, yeah, he's gone.
Also of interest, both Thor and Captain America will be released in 3D. I'm a little concerned about this. While I like 3D Thor was shot in 2D and will be converted in post-production; quite honestly, every movie that has gone that route so far has looked at best fair and at worst terrible. Kevin Feige is assuring everyone that Marvel will take its time to do a proper conversion and for his sake, I hope that they will.
Full article is here: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/45758
Odin looks great though. Very Kirby-esque. B-)
I don't know what it is with this 3-D craze of late but I was never really a fan of the concept anyway; I've always found the glasses too distracting. I just see it as another ploy to boost ticket sales since I'd have to drive across town just to see it in 2-D at another theatre...if I'm lucky to find it in 2-D.
Just stop already with that and just give me a solid film.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Wilde
I like 3D; I've never had a problem wearing the glasses and as long as its implemented well and suits the material I don't mind it. What I do mind is when its implemented as a last not well thought out last minute minute addition as was the case with Clash of the Titans and Alice in Wonderland. All I ask is if you're going to do it, try to do it right.
I just bought a 3D TV (as you know I'm hopeless when it comes to gadgets) and was showing some native 3D games to my brother. His jaw dropped to the floor at how colorful and immersive they were. When its done well it can be a lot of fun. I only hope Marvel spends the time and money to get it right. In any case, there will always be 2D showings for people who do not like or physically cannot watch 3D movies.
Yeah, you're a tech-guy by nature so of course I'd expect you to embrace it. I'll give the film the credit it deserves but I'll wait for it somewhere in 2-D.
I remember taking my son to see Spy Kids 3 and could barely drive home because of the headache I'd gotten from the glasses. The quality wasn't that good at all I recall.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Neveldine and Taylor Confirmed for Ghost Rider 2
by Silas Lesnick
Jul 16th, 2010
Nicolas Cage also confirms his own return for the comic book sequel
Nicolas Cage will return for a Ghost Rider sequel helmed by Neveldine/Taylor, the actor confirmed tonight on "The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson."
"There's gonna be a new one," Cage told Ferguson after the host presented him with a model of a flaming skull, "I just made the deal today."
He also confirmed the recent rumor that Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (Crank, Gamer) will direct the film, still rumored to be called Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
Please someone explain to me how the writers of Crank and Jonah Hex continue to stay employed in Hollywood? Mind-boggling.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Now for something (hopefully) a little better: by way of Superherohype.com (who lifted it from the LA Times) here's another picture from Thor; I'm liking what Branagh is doing with the Asgard sections of the movie. And look: helmets! Even Loki seems to be wearing his horned rig on the left side of the screen.
I see that Branaugh's tried to respect the source material as much as he possibly could without ticking off fans and for that much I appreciate. Alot of the Jack Kirby influence shows. Still no Thor helmet yet so I'm still a little antsy...
However, the longer I stare at this photo the more Wagnerian it starts to look. Is it just me?
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
And yeah, I do get the Wagnerian vibe from that pic; it seems appropriate given the subject matter.
BUT. the fact that Kenneth Branagh is directing Thor makes a happy, happy person. and the cast looks great. can't wait! hopefully there will be a midnight show that I can drag some folks to
mountainburdphotography.wordpress.com
http://www.comingsoon.net/gallery/23177/hr_Thor_2.jpg
Not to sure. But is Kenneth pulling a Hitchcock? Do I see Kenneth in the far right?
Don't mess with Kirk's dad
www.scottacademymartialarts.co.uk
www.scottacademymartialarts.co.uk
At a press conference early on in the movie's production, Kevin Feige stated
www.scottacademymartialarts.co.uk
Now that's just cool.
The 'behind the scenes' preview that Entertainment Tonight showed a bit of this set, and was filming in New Mexico...which ties in with Iron Man's post-credit tease.
I'm really impressed with how Hemsworth bulked up...his physique is spot on!
woah shizz. don't mess with him indeed. especially with Mjolnir in hand...
I think you guys might appreciate this song...being comic nerds...I mean aficionados and all
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ks-6CqqvUs
mountainburdphotography.wordpress.com
In other Marvel movie news:
SDCC: Director Joe Johnson on Captain America
by SuperHeroHype
Jul 21st, 2010
"A slightly different spin on Steve Rogers"
Captain America: The First Avenger director Joe Johnston told the Los Angeles Times the screen version of the hero will be true to his roots up to a certain point.
"We're sort of putting a slightly different spin on Steve Rogers," said Joe Johnston, "He's a guy that wants to serve his country but he's not a flag-waver. We're reinterpretating sort of what the comic book version of Steve Rogers was."
"He wants to serve his country, but he's not this sort of jingoistic American flag-waver," Johnston added. "He's just a good person. We make a point of that in the script: Don't change who you are once you go from Steve Rogers to this super-soldier, you have to stay who you are inside, that's really what's important more than your strength and everything. It'll be interesting and fun to put a different spin on the character and one that the fans are really going to appreciate."
This concerns me somewhat but it was hardly unexpected. Making Rogers something he's not is just to pander to overseas audiences and not hinder their box office take. I swear every time Johnston opens his mouth on this project, I get a little worried.
Cap is a proud patriot and a flag-waver; it defines who he is. He was never, ever a zealot but he had a strong belief in American ideals. How can that possibly put him in a bad light? ?:)
And WHERE are CAP'S WINGS? X-(
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
As for Hemsworth, I seem to recall someone worrying that maybe he wasn't ripped enough when he was first cast despite my best efforts to allay that person's fears....
And confirmation that it will appear in the movie:
http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/104605-sdcc-the-helmets-from-thor-revealed
http://marvel.com/news/all.13396.sdcc_2010~colon~_~apos~~apos~avengers~apos~~apos~_assembled~excl~
I had fun trying to picture each actor in the role, but I realized there was a guy in there I didn't recognize. To my pleasant surprise, turns out that Hawkeye will be making an appearance in the film.
http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/07/28/comic-con-movie-trailer-thor/
it's pretty amazing
www.scottacademymartialarts.co.uk
Drat! looks like it's been pulled already. Oh well, here's a pic (albeit from behind) of Thor wearing the winged helmet. Better than nothing....
FOR ODIN....FOR ASGARD!!!!!!!!!! B-)
http://www.jivid.com/?p=6809
Hope this helps...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Thanks for the link Rogue; saw it on a friend's laptop and it looks pretty badass. Especially love the parts on Asgard, the quick glimpses of supporting characters like the Warriors Three and of course Thor throwing Mjolnir.
You've got to give Marvel credit, they can really churn these movies out in a workmanlike fashion and still make them look good. It makes you wonder why they showed so little at the Green Lantern panel even though that movie is premiering a month after Thor.
Best line of the trailer:
"Is it one of Stark's?"
"I don't know, he never tells me anything."