The Movie That Tainted Edward Norton
Assuming what Marvel Studios is saying isn't a pack of lies, one has to wonder why Marvel would claim that Norton could not be a part of "players who thrive working as part of an ensemble."
Then you look at his work on The Italian Job, and things start to fall into place:
Norton is known for changing the scripts, especially for his own characters (as he did in The Incredible Hulk). Some directors and studios are flexible with this sort of thing; others aren't. Marvel was clearly the later.
On the other side, it sure sounds like Norton was being a jerk on TIJ set, and if true, well, people talk. However, I've never read anything about Norton being a pain in 25th Hour, in fact the guy used his own money to help finance the flick. And trust me, if someone pisses off Spike Lee, you'll here about it.
Nevertheless, a stigma is a stigma. If I was Norton's rep I'd put a call to Robert Downey, Jr. for some PR help.
Then you look at his work on The Italian Job, and things start to fall into place:
Edward Norton made it clear that his participation is a result of contractual obligation, not choice. He signed a three movie deal with Paramount, of which Primal Fear (1996), his breakthrough movie, was the first. He kept dismissing scripts for the other two, until Paramount coerced him into accepting a role in The Italian Job.
Norton is known for changing the scripts, especially for his own characters (as he did in The Incredible Hulk). Some directors and studios are flexible with this sort of thing; others aren't. Marvel was clearly the later.
On the other side, it sure sounds like Norton was being a jerk on TIJ set, and if true, well, people talk. However, I've never read anything about Norton being a pain in 25th Hour, in fact the guy used his own money to help finance the flick. And trust me, if someone pisses off Spike Lee, you'll here about it.
Nevertheless, a stigma is a stigma. If I was Norton's rep I'd put a call to Robert Downey, Jr. for some PR help.
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