A decade after Mark Ruffalo replaced Edward Norton as the Hulk, Marvel finally acknowledged the re-casting of Norton in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law episode 2. With the series’ first season close, Kevin Feige admits he nearly hired the former Hulk actor in the Disney+ series. Following the success of Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man, Edward Norton’s The Incredible Hulk became the second flagship film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
There had been plans for Norton to feature as the MCU’s Hulk for many films beginning with the 2008 film, but the actor and the studio couldn’t resolve their creative disagreements during filming. Soon enough, Mark Ruffalo replaced Edward Norton as Hulk in The Avengers when Norton decided he no longer wanted to be involved in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Recasting The Hulk
After years of criticism, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige released a statement explaining why Edward Norton was replaced in The Avengers, saying they wanted to find an actor that reflected the same level of innovation and teamwork as the rest of their stellar ensemble.
The choice made by Marvel Studios was not made for financial reasons. Instead, it stems from our outstanding cast’s shared demand for a member who can best represent their innovative energy and ability to work together:
“Marvel Studios’ 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 Thought Matters
She-Hulk director Kat Coiro expressed in a recent interview that Marvel explored having Edward Norton reprise his role as Bruce Banner for the series’ final episode.
Coiro stated that she and Marvel Studios did explore the notion of switching out Mark Ruffalo for Norton for that sequence, as Banner was portrayed by a different actor when they last saw each other.
“There was a lot of talk about the fact that the last time they were together a different actor was playing the Hulk. And Mark [Ruffalo] made quite a few jokes about that. And we did entertain the idea of swapping Mark out for Edward Norton. But that did not come to pass.”
Would Edward Norton Return To The MCU If Given The Chance?
As reported by CBR back in 2010, Feige’s statements were met with a swift rebuttal from Norton’s team, who blasted them as an offensive, purposely false, and improper effort to depict the actor in a poor manner.
If Norton is correct, then the MCU must be inventing evidence to support their new artistic course. But if Marvel executives are true, then Norton was really tough to deal with, and they made the decision to not extend his contract because of that. As far as I can tell Edward Norton may not want to return to the MCU. Unless, of course, the things in the past are left where they are meant to be. Until then, Mark Ruffalo is who we get.
