MCU boss brutally explains why they recast Hulk

Edward Norton is a brilliant actor, albeit a supposedly polarising one on set.

It’s perhaps one of the MCU’s least-watched films, but 2008’s The Incredible Hulk saw Norton bring the Avengers’ greenest character to life.

The film is … fine; it’s watchable, but nothing to rave about.

Norton did a decent job at portraying Bruce Banner but was replaced in subsequent MCU projects.

As we’re all well aware, Mark Ruffalo has played the character ever since.

As for why Norton didn’t stick around, well, I always suspected that he just wasn’t interested in tying himself down to a long franchise role.

I’m wrong though; Norton’s recast is actually due to him reportedly being an “asshole”.

In MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios by Dave Gonzales, Gavin Edwards, and Joanna Robinson, the topic of Norton’s behaviour was addressed.

“We have a no-asshole policy on our movies,” one Marvel performer is quoted as saying following the production of The Incredible Hulk.

Craig Kyle, a key Marvel Studios producer at the time, added, “It’s a great policy.”

As for what Norton did, he was reportedly given permission to rewrite the film’s script despite screenwriter Zak Penn being the only credited writer on board.

With the film turning out to be a flop, you can see why Penn wasn’t thrilled with being credited for Norton’s changes.

Actor Tim Roth has been on record to say that he received rewritten material everyday of filming, showcasing just how manic production was.

Norton had to keep in certain set pieces but reportedly was more interested in making the film character focused.

Apparently, around 135 minutes of material was cut from the final version of the film, much of it containing Norton’s changes.

Norton has spoken out about the creative differences between himself and the wider Marvel team.

It was undoubtedly a tricky period for Marvel, but at least it all worked out well for Hulk in the end.

Mark Ruffalo may still be awaiting a solo film, but he’s a firm fan-favourite of the MCU.