The Incredible Hulk trailer is on its way. It debuts Wednesday night at 9:56 pm on all the MTV channels and Spike TV and VH1. It gets shown Thursday at ShoWest. And it plays this weekend in front of Universal pics in the theaters. (But it's also being teased on YouTube now.) I'm told the pic's producer-screenwriter-star Edward Norton helped get the trailer ready last week and loves it.
But does he also love the movie? Not yet.
I'm told that's because Norton and Marvel are clashing over how to cut the pic. Insiders say Norton was "promised tremendous involvement and access" after Marvel invited him into the core team to rewrite Zak Penn's script. Says one insider, "There's a lot of posturing going on between Edward's camp and Marvel over how you edit the final version." Sources also tell me that, starting last night and continuing at least throughout today, the actor will be holed up with Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel, Marvel Studios president of production Kevin Feige, and director Louis Leterrier to try to "reach an amicable resolution" to this $150+ million film feud.
Some insiders blame Marvel for not accepting Norton's POV about the movie. "There's a problem. Marvel won't listen to Norton about the cut," one source claims. But Norton has bonafides: he did that uncredited rewrite of Frida for his then girlfriend Selma Hayek and made his directorial debut on Keeping the Faith.
Some blame Norton, known to be prickly. Remember his problems with Paramount over The Italian Job and with director Tony Kaye over American History X? "Never let an actor write a script," one insider commented. "Marvel made a mistake letting the wolf into the hen house."
But I say that, after Ang Lee's troubled The Hulk left audiences cold, The Incredible Hulk needs Edward Norton's warm support if the pic's gonna have any street cred. Some fear things blowing up to the point where Norton might not publicize the movie. And Marvel is petrified that the new Hulk may be judged "prematurely and unfairly." (Or that bloggers will start claiming the Hulk franchise is cursed.)
Right now, Marvel is said to be about 4 to 5 weeks away from locking the movie for its June 13th release by Universal whose top execs haven't yet seen it ("though some marketing guys have been working off a rough cut that's in pretty good shape," I'm told). "At this stage you always have discussions about what's in the film and what's not going to be in the film. Everyone's very passionate, and Edward is very opinionated." Said another source, "There is a very healthy exchange of ideas going on. Discussions now are even more heated. But some of Ed's best movies have had this exact dynamic to them. Everyone's in the process of figuring it out and working it out. But I expect it'll all get resolved pretty quickly."
Messy Messy Messy.
Comment by Carlo — March 11, 2008 @ 7:59 am
When the first one was announced I remember thinking, “Who, on this planet, is actually out there waiting for them to make a Hulk movie?”
The superhero movies make commercial sense but the Hulk was always a second-string oddity, more at home as a guest in other characters’ titles.
And then when I heard they were giving the Hulk a sequel my thought was, “What, you didn’t learn the first time?”
Comment by Steve — March 11, 2008 @ 7:59 am
Um, Ed. Love your work, dude. But, um…
YOU’RE NOT THE DIRECTOR!
It’s HIS job to cut the movie the way he sees fit, not yours.
Take pride in your script and acting and let the director do his job. If you really want final cut on your films then DIRECT THEM YOURSELF!
Sheesh.
Comment by JoeCool — March 11, 2008 @ 8:01 am
This is why people don’t usually hire him. Why didn’t they see this coming?
Comment by Guy — March 11, 2008 @ 9:27 am
If you hear more on this I would be grateful if you can report it. Esp if there is any info on what they are differing over in the cuts.
Norton is the main reason I am interested in this adaption of the Hulk. It would be horrid after all the effort that has been put in so far for things to fall apart.
PS In Apples Safari webbrowser (v3.1beta) the text for the Name, Mail & Website fields are in a dark yellowish colour which makes it impossible to read what was written. (Its the same colour as used in the surrounding comment box)
Comment by Robert McGovern — March 11, 2008 @ 9:27 am
I think Norton makes terrific decisions as an actor, but it must be maddening as the director having your star trying to make editing and writing decisions. I don’t care how great your leading actor is, you can’t let him or her take over creative control of the picture.
Comment by My Double Edged Norton Sword — March 11, 2008 @ 9:36 am
Ed’s people need to get him in check. Who is going to want to work with this guy after he pulls these stunts time and time again? He’s a great actor no doubt but there are other great actors out there who aren’t such a pain in the ass. Especially on a movie of this size? No one is going to want to take these kinds of chances with him in the future if he keeps throwing temper tantrums when he doesn’t get his way.
Comment by Ba Actors — March 11, 2008 @ 9:54 am
The 16 second teaser trailer already looks much warmer than Ang lee’s HULK!! I hope Marvel and Ed work things out!
Comment by Stanley — March 11, 2008 @ 10:38 am
Me Hulk! Hulk very angry! Hulk no like Norton! Hulk smash Norton! Smash! Smash! Smash! Hulk want new movie to be great big success! Hulk no want another disappointment like last movie! Ang Lee make Hulk mad! Hulk no like Marvel either! Hulk think Marvel don’t know what Hulk wants! Only Hulk know what Hulk wants! Hulk may be fictional comic book creation but Hulk gets what Hulk wants! And right now Hulk wants final cut! No final cut for Hulk no Hulk movie in June! Hulk will smash all prints of the picture! Smash! Smash! Smash!
Comment by Anonymous — March 11, 2008 @ 10:38 am
I love Edward Norton’s work, and I hate what this imbicile is doing. MY WISH: THAT SOMEDAY HE DIRECTS A MOVIE HIMSELF WITH SOME STAR (like Brad Pitt) AND THEN THE STAR (BECAUSE HE’S BIGGER THAN NORTON) LOCKS HIMSELF IN THE EDIT BAY (WITH THE STUDIO’S BACKING) AND RE-EDITS NORTON’S PICTURE. AND NORTON CAN THEN KNOW THE GUT-WRENCHING FEELING OF HAVING A STAR STEAL THE MOVIE FROM THE DIRECTOR.
That’s my Christmas wish for the little bastard. But don’t get me wrong, I still think he’s a wonderful actor… and another thing - where in the hell is the DGA while all this is going on? Wimping out again? Hello? Director’s Guild? Anybody home??
Comment by Jon Chambers — March 11, 2008 @ 12:37 pm
“The Incredible Hulk needs Edward Norton’s warm support if the pic’s gonna have any street cred.”
Because if there’s one thing the kids on the street care about, it’s Ed Norton’s approval.
Comment by Kragthor — March 11, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
Sorry but can anyone take Edward Norton seriously anymore?
He thinks he’s hot shit and was turning scripts down left and right when he had a multi picture deal at Paramount and the only reason he did THE ITALIAN JOB is because Paramount threatened to sue his uppity ass to kingdom come.
Then there was the AMERICAN HISTORY X fiasco where he almost drove the director to suicide and out of the business thanks to his “meddling”.
Then he was bitching about not getting co-writer credit for “rewriting” FRIDA for his then girlfriend Salma Hayek after the WGA deemed his changes to be minimal at best.
Then while promoting THE PAINTED VEIL he tried to tell anyone who would listen that he broke his back during filming but didn’t realize it at the time and simply jumped back up and continued with the scene. HELLO??? If you break your back, you won’t be getting up and finishing a scene. My grandmother slipped a disk in her back and her life was never the same. Breaking your back would be even worse.
He pretends to be some great actor but his pathetic performance in THE SCORE opposite De Niro and Brando just showed how bland and fake he is when it comes to acting. Doing that movie was a bad movie because those two guys really showed him up.
Also, the first and only movie he’s directed was an overlong romcom that I had the misfortune of finally seeing a couple of weeks ago on cable. Jesus! Was that terrible. And the fact that the movie kept going on and on (an almost two and a half hour romcom) just goes to show what an ego he has.
And now he’s done a HULK flick and he still has illusions that he’s a great actor. News flash, Edward. If you were a great actor you wouldn’t be wasting your time with this cinematic drivel.
I mean, the guy isn’t even box office so why does Hollywood put up with his uppity act?
Comment by Francine Fishpaw — March 11, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
It’s funny reading all these posts about whether or not the “actor” should be involved in the editing process.
If it’s in his contract to let him have access then he is more than just the “actor”.
He is writer, producer, actor with aditional privaledges in the production.
They gave that to him. And that gives him the right.
Now, none of us knows what the final cut looks like.
He may very well be saving the film by being passionate and “opinionated” about it.
What I do know is that I like almost every movie this guy has ever made. He’s a top-notch talent.
Nothing is more annoying than to be the writer only to have a director misinterpret your vision of the story.
And I trust Norton over Leterrier(sp)any day!
Norton has an incredible body of work, what does Leterrier have….”the Transporter”???
Comment by Ripper — March 11, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
Actually, Norton IS a director.
My concern here is with Marvel. Without enough time to get the script worked out, they insisted that Venom be included in Spider-Man 3, replacing the director’s preference,The Vulture. That resulted in the very dissappointing sequel and is probably why Raimi won’t commit to another one until a script is done.
Comment by kmaguire — March 11, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
Yeah, and I mean, you think Ang Lee didn’t bring the street cred? They’re obviously worried about another autuer stirring the pot. Though I don’t know why they hired him in the first place.
Comment by Rob — March 11, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
If he’s one of the acting Exec producers, presumably he wanted the role so he COULD have a say on the look and feel of the film? And if it’s going way off the mark he has a right to say so, surely?
Granted he’s more vocal than the usual actor, but he’s passionate and a perfectionist - things that should be lauded in these apathetic take-the-money-and-run times.
I hate this assumption, by the way, that actors are somehow thicker than the average producer or diretor, and couldn’t possibly know what they’re talking about when it comes to the look and style and direction of a film. There are bimbos out there, sure, and they may make up the majority. But you won’t find them turning up again and again in the kind of work Norton has done. Give this actor=idiot cliche a rest.
Comment by CosmoB — March 11, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
Funny Nikki, I was thinking to myself “Hulk and other comic-book movies are cursed”…and that was right BEFORE I got to your line above about the very same thing
Comment by Michael Dobrofsky — March 11, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
I actually don’t think he’s all that great of an actor. I watch Ed Norton and get extremely frustrated. He comes off as exceptionally emotionally closed off and seems very self-involved. This sort of proves that that’s true. It’s all about him.
Comment by penny — March 11, 2008 @ 3:49 pm
Ripper just got it spot on.
Comment by Jai Hogg — March 11, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
The only reason the movie has a chance is b/c of Norton, if they gave him access to the final cut in his contract, then give him access. I think he’s more than proven himself worthy. Also, stop w/the Norton bashing - after all, we don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors. I’m sick of people mentioning AHX everytime….in that case the studio ASKED Norton to help edit the film b/c Kaye (the director) sat on it for 11 months and they wanted a movie. I’d say it turned out pretty good, so I say Marvel should listen.
Comment by Shelby — March 11, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
Norton used to be an interesting actor. But when was the last time he actually did a good movie? He was terrific in Primal Fear. He was terrific in American History X.
Everything else?
SUCKED!
Why does he continue to get offered anything?
Comment by Sandy Daley — March 11, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
So many issues, but bottom line for me, the ONLY reason I would see this film is because Ed Norton is in it..
I thought American X was a great film and he was great in it. And The Score, come on, he more than held his own with two men who re-defined acting. I’ve liked everything he has ever done and he HAS the talent to back up his requests. If he is given this control in his contract ( and I’m assuming he wouldn’t sign on if he didn’t get it) then he is entitled to use it. More power to him!
Peggy Lane O’Rourke
Comment by Peggy Lane O'Rourke — March 11, 2008 @ 7:29 pm
Norton’s career/profile has certainly declined but I recall him being very good in Spike Lee’s underrated 25th Hour a couple of years ago. As others have said though, his sole directorial effort - that film about the priest and the rabbi falling for the same girl (yikes!) - was woeful.
However, if the producers invited Norton to write and co-produce then they can’t really complain about him getting overly involved. If you want the actor to stick to acting then only hire them to do that!
Comment by msd — March 11, 2008 @ 7:40 pm
Did you know Edward Norton supposedly gets furious if people call him Ed Norton, as he doesn’t like being compared to Art Carney’s famous and beloved character.
Edward WISHES any work he’s done has been half as memorable.
Comment by Net Rumor Monger — March 11, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
Well…I am sure that my kids will be happy to see it! There have to be fanatics for everything. I am sure there are Hulk fanatics as well!
Comment by Blabbinit — March 11, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
Given Marvel’s decisions with Daredevil, Elektra, the Fantastic Four and worst of all The Punisher (fire hydrant in a back pack). I think its a good idea for someone other than them and the director of Transporter 2 to provide some creative input.
Norton’s the only person attached to this project whose done any solid work in the past and if it was my decision I’d put my faith in him.
The Hulk is an interesting and dynamic character compared to some of the dull cut outs that have gotten movies and deserves a decent treatment on screen.
Comment by Sumguy — March 11, 2008 @ 9:14 pm
“Norton has an incredible body of work, what does Leterrier have….’the Transporter’???”
I’d still take Leterrier.
Comment by James — March 11, 2008 @ 9:54 pm
I have been following Edward for a very long time. And as a true fan, I know that anything he takes the time to really step into turns out much better…he really has an eye for what a movie needs.
I trust you Ed.
Comment by Jace — March 11, 2008 @ 11:27 pm
@Comment by Ripper — March 11, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
I agree. If they allowed him access to the editorial process in his contract, then they made there bed and are unwilling to lie in it.
However, I don’t have sympathy for the evil director ‘misinterpreting the writer’s vision’ thing. Reinterpreting the material is the director’s job. Once the script is sold it’s out of your hands. If you worry about what’s going to happen to your baby, don’t sell it. Raise the money yourself and shoot it. If not, you have nothing to complain about.
Beside that, how do you think the ORIGINAL writer felt when his script was torn to shreds by a big shot actor who felt he needed to shape it to his liking? Everyone gets their shit ‘reinterpreted’ until you get up to the guy with the big checkbook. A fact of Hollywood life you either accept or go nuts trying to find a way around the impossible situation.
Comment by manny — March 12, 2008 @ 3:27 am
i love edward norton, i think he is the most intelligent and brilliant actor that we can seeing in a long time,i am agree with everything that he does. i trust him at all
Comment by ireca — March 12, 2008 @ 4:00 am
strong he is brilliant and very intelligent as actor and as person, is an incredible human being..
Comment by ire_ca — March 12, 2008 @ 4:16 am
i love everything that he does, is so intelligent and an incredible human being
Comment by carmen — March 12, 2008 @ 4:31 am
All of you people bashing Norton’s behavior because he’s only an actor instead of the director need to realize that he’s also both the screenwriter and the producer. He has a legitimate claim for being involved in the editing process, and a great track record for knowing what works.
Comment by Heffaloo — March 12, 2008 @ 5:07 am
edward norton is the best actor alive
Comment by irene — March 12, 2008 @ 8:07 am
Norton is a passionate actor that is also a comics fan.Basically he brings credibility and box office power to “Hulk”,without his presence you might as well call “Hulk” Shrek 4 minus Donkey!Give the man some credit people!!!
Comment by gary — March 12, 2008 @ 8:43 am
Let us all hope that Ed will soon be done with The Hulk so he can get back to curing cancer.
Comment by PipeDownEd — March 12, 2008 @ 10:15 am
“All of you people bashing Norton’s behavior because he’s only an actor instead of the director need to realize that he’s also both the screenwriter and the producer. He has a legitimate claim for being involved in the editing process, and a great track record for knowing what works.”
Since when does a screenwriter get his own cut of a movie?
Or for that matter each of the dozen of so producers?
And for that matter what track record?
The movie he directed is unwatchable and his writing contribution on Frida so small that the DGA denied credit.
As Brando rightly said “don’t confuse the size of your paycheck with the size of your talent”.
There’s a reason that Norton never works with the same creative minds twice. He’s an unbearable egocentric ass.
Comment by simon — March 12, 2008 @ 11:03 am
Nobody liked Hulk, but I say it was the bst comics adapation aside form Sin City. It just got panned for not enough BIFF BAM POW!! But I think it was a great Hulk.
Comment by Enzo — March 12, 2008 @ 11:48 am
I highly respect Edward, and I love everything he does. He never fails to impress me. I don’t know what some of you people get out of bashing him or the things he does, but the only reason I am planning on seeing Hulk is because he is in it, and heavily involved in it’s making. If in his contract it says he is allowed to be a part of the editing process, nobody should be raising any kind of hell, and they should certainly listen to him.
Comment by mandy — March 12, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
When was the last time Edward Norton had a hit (as the lead actor)?
Anyone?
*crickets chirping*
Considering the one movie he directed was so frigging abysmal, I can’t see why any studio would hand Norton the reins.
Norton is only good when he has a strong director telling him what to do. When he has a weak director, he’s weak.
Comment by Sandy Daley — March 12, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
simon are you stupid? before talk you must take information,DGA denied credit for frida script because edward norton wasnt menber…but he wrote frida enterly. I suposse edward norton is not for everybody,any way we are many many people in the world knows how brilliant he is, im from spain and can say when i see him in a film he touch my senses, he touch my heart with his performances, he isnt the more handsome he dont need, he is just one of the best actors i seeing ever
Comment by carmen — March 12, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
please respect this man,he doesnt idiot, hes smart and very very good person.How many actors are so strongly involved in charity as he is?
Comment by betty — March 12, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
edward norton is my favourit actor, i will go to see hulk because he is in it..(i relly dont like superhero movies) edward is such a magnetic man to me i love all about him
Comment by helen — March 12, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
Ok well I respect evryone’s opinion. But personaly however if it wasn’t for Edward Norton being in this film I wouldn’t waste my precious 10 bucks on this flick. Enough said.
Comment by Snookie — March 12, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
“simon are you stupid? before talk you must take information,DGA denied credit for frida script because edward norton wasnt menber…but he wrote frida enterly. I suposse edward norton is not for everybody,any way we are many many people in the world knows how brilliant he is, im from spain and can say when i see him in a film he touch my senses, he touch my heart with his performances, he isnt the more handsome he dont need, he is just one of the best actors i seeing ever”
First off, no I don’t consider myself especially stupid although replying to this is seriously making me wonder.
Secondly to state that Edward Norton wrote all of Frida is an insult to the credited writers.
and thirdly “Death to Smoochy”.
Comment by simon — March 12, 2008 @ 8:20 pm
Yeah great idea to give Ego Norton all that freedom. Lord knows Frida was such a smashing success.
Norton is such an egomaniac prick. I really hope they give him what he wants. And the movie becomes the biggest bomb in cinema history.
Norton needs to check himself.
Comment by Natazz — March 12, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
Carmen, Betty and Helen?
Come on, not by any chance the same person?
Perhaps this is the Spanish Branch of the Ed Norton fan club?
Three full dues paying members, and all the same person?
and why did no one bring up the charity aspect before?
and which charity is it we’re talking about? Just curious.
Comment by Anonymous — March 12, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
Let’s use some logic in this silly arguement. Let’s ask ourselves “who is the target market for this movie featuring a second-tier comic book character?” If your answer is boys from 12 to 22, then CONGRATULATIONS; you actually pay attention to the movie business.
Now, let’s go ask 100 members of this target audience (or 1,000 if you have the time) “Say, young man, do you know who Edward Norton is?” Again, there’s the sound of crickets chirping. Is there anyone who actually believes that this target audience is going to go see a movie just because somebody named ED NORTON is in it? Dream on, kiddies, The Actor has never opened a movie in his life.
And if Ed Norton is your favorite actor, then by all means have a great time at this teenage-targeted CGI-fest. Just don’t expect Acting. Or a Plot.
The Shadow. Daredevil. The Phantom. Hulk I. Hulk II.
Comment by Uncle Ben — March 12, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
The trailer is shit. Norton might be right.
Norton might be a ween personally - WHO CARES. The point is he carries incredible gravitas with the kids - I’m talking young men and women, between the ages of 18-25. Exactly the age group who is disgusted by the industry pigs I’m assuming you all are. A similar amount of love, warranted or not, is lavished by this group onto ‘Boondock Saints’ and in music, Morrissey. I have no idea why in any of these cases.
ILM’s effects are, based on the trailer, GARBAGE. The nerd breakdown on AintItCool was deadly accurate.
What did work, was Norton’s neurotic, crackly voice and the trailer’s slow build. A chase scene through an alley recalled ‘Casino Royale’. Relying on cg is from 2008, a very bad, straight to DVD idea. Having a giant, practical, working green fist for close ups would have been bracing and different.
Let Norton ransack the editing. Marvel has very bad taste and critically damaged Spider-Man, and arguably, Fantastic Four. They should have been including him from the beginning.
If Marvel screws up Doctor Strange, I’m going to go OFF.
Comment by franklin Ricahrds — March 12, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
“he carries incredible gravitas with the kids - I’m talking young men and women, between the ages of 18-25.”
are these the same crazy kids who lined up 10 deep to see “The Painted Veil”, “The Illusionist” and “Down in the Valley” and drove the combined grosses up into the ten of thousands?
sorry personality issues and skill as an actor aside, I ain’t buying any box office draw on his part here.
and the Ang Lee version has only just cleared out of bargain bins. Am I wrong isn’t this movie about 10 years too soon? I mean this isn’t Batman or Superman, it’s The Hulk, he’s green, he’s angry, yawn…..
Comment by simon — March 12, 2008 @ 10:44 pm
“ILM’s effects are, based on the trailer, GARBAGE.”
Maybe they are. But since they are not doing the effects for this movie, that would be Rhythm And Hues, we will never know.
“Relying on cg is from 2008, a very bad, straight to DVD idea. Having a giant, practical, working green fist for close ups would have been bracing and different.”
Really? Why dont you check out Mr Hyde from LXG circa 2003. Lots of prosthetics and practical effects. Nothing quite as sophisticated as a giant Hulk hand toy “for close ups” though so maybe that is why he looked completely ridiculous.
Comment by haroldpark — March 12, 2008 @ 11:46 pm
yeah not for nothing but norton is not so much a prick as much he has a amazing eye for quality. it was throug his rewrites that made this new hulk film actually decent if not excellent, since the script i heard of coming in sucked, but was a huge hulk fan. and giving Marvels quality as of late, i would trust NORTON over any of their suits who seems apt to run theirs properties into the ground that put out quality
Comment by chris — March 13, 2008 @ 2:58 am
WHEN EDWARD NORTON EXHALES HURRICANES DESTROY THE CARRIBBEAN!!!!!!!!
Comment by PAT — March 13, 2008 @ 3:01 am
I like Norton’s work, especially American History X. I think he’s a great actor. He’s just trying to make sure the films he star in won’t come out crappy. With that being said, I believe there is still a line in doing so, and from the looks of it, I think he’s crossing that line. Still, I like the guy and I hope it works out for him.
Btw, I think the film he directed was called “Keeping the Faith” starring him, Stiller, and Jenna Elfman.
Comment by todd — March 13, 2008 @ 3:59 am
Edward Norton is the proof that God exists
Comment by fallenangel — March 13, 2008 @ 6:01 am
uh, the Hyde character from League of Extraordinary Gentlemen looked amazing - the way he transformed was WICKED. I won’t defend the movie.
It doesn’t matter that Norton does bomb historical pictures, my point is that he CONTINUES to have that youth market good will no matter what, mostly because of Fight Club and American History X. He is a big reason why anyone around that age would see this movie, although I won’t.
Comment by Franklin Richards — March 13, 2008 @ 6:38 am
Im glad edward norton is makeing a fuss, he actually wants the movie to be good look how many times marvel has screwed there movies up, say what ya want norton is a big shot and knows what is good, ill actually see this movie just because he is in it.
Comment by Victor heffner — March 13, 2008 @ 7:14 am
Man, man, man. Every last one of u bashers are idiots. Yeah I said it idiots. Especially simon, I could name more names but it’s pointless to go over back and read it again. First off I’ve been readin comics since I was a kid. What makes a good comic? Great artwork, action, and a little dramatic story to boot. A lot of other factors play into it as well, same thing for making a movie too. It is “not” rocket science mixing the too. As long as they stick to the heart of the comic book they have a success. Second, don’t comment on what you don’t know. If Mr. Edward Norton was given creative control coming into the progect as actor, producer, and screenwriter then so be it. Whether its on contract or it was spoken, they are still bound to give him that creative control. It’s his right, nuff said. But the director should be allowed to do his job, besides it’s what Marvel’s paying him for. I also believe Norton is a real good choice to play Bruce Banner. You idiots were so busy bashing that not one of you even suggested a better candidate. (cricket) (cricket), well I guess that settles that. Back to the Hulk, he is not boring, far from it actually. If you liked Frakenstein, or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde then know you must know he is a blending of the two. If you know what its like to become angry, totally lose yourself and feel like you’ve become something else. Then it should not be hard to understand Bruce Banner/ Hulk. What would you do if you had all that strength? You’d probably do all types of bad stuff but the character hasn’t. Furthermore, the movie has to be made in cgi, its impossible to have a man do the things the Hulk can do. And who are they gonna find to be that tall, maybe around 7 feet at the shortest. And that muscular. It wouldn’t be realistic, so they gotta use cgi, plusits better than it was in 2003. duh! And if u wanna comment back to me in a negative, go ahead jus know that i’ll smah you.
Comment by trialz — March 13, 2008 @ 7:30 am
Before ya’ll get a chance I meant smash you dammit. But still i dare you to comment at me in a negative way.
Comment by trialz — March 13, 2008 @ 7:36 am
Steve - do you even read comics? Hulk is more a guest in other characters titles? What? Last year’s World War Hulk event sold more than anything DC put out.
Comment by messi — March 13, 2008 @ 9:37 am
seems to me people here talking nonsense about the Hulk as a character have never read a comic. Like someone who says if Norton was serious he wouldn’t be involved in this. Read a comic idiot. Hulk is a great character. Bruce Banner has a monster in him he wants out but he can’t kill himself, he is literally cursed but has the heart of a DC Superhero.
Comment by messi — March 13, 2008 @ 10:22 am
IJUST SAW HULK TRAILER WOW ITS SEEMS SO STRONG, I LIKE IT SO MUCH..I CANT WAIT TO SEE THIS.NORTON KNOWS HOW MAKE GOOD ANYTHING, I LOVE HIM
Comment by ainoa — March 13, 2008 @ 10:37 am
“Man, man, man. Every last one of u bashers are idiots. Yeah I said it idiots. Especially simon, I could name more names but it’s pointless to go over back and read it again. First off I’ve been readin comics since I was a kid. What makes a good comic? Great artwork, action, and a little dramatic story to boot. A lot of other factors play into it as well, same thing for making a movie too. It is “not” rocket science mixing the too. As long as they stick to the heart of the comic book they have a success. Second, don’t comment on what you don’t know. If Mr. Edward Norton was given creative control coming into the progect as actor, producer, and screenwriter then so be it. Whether its on contract or it was spoken, they are still bound to give him that creative control. It’s his right, nuff said. But the director should be allowed to do his job, besides it’s what Marvel’s paying him for. I also believe Norton is a real good choice to play Bruce Banner. You idiots were so busy bashing that not one of you even suggested a better candidate. (cricket) (cricket), well I guess that settles that. Back to the Hulk, he is not boring, far from it actually. If you liked Frakenstein, or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde then know you must know he is a blending of the two. If you know what its like to become angry, totally lose yourself and feel like you’ve become something else. Then it should not be hard to understand Bruce Banner/ Hulk. What would you do if you had all that strength? You’d probably do all types of bad stuff but the character hasn’t. Furthermore, the movie has to be made in cgi, its impossible to have a man do the things the Hulk can do. And who are they gonna find to be that tall, maybe around 7 feet at the shortest. And that muscular. It wouldn’t be realistic, so they gotta use cgi, plusits better than it was in 2003. duh! And if u wanna comment back to me in a negative, go ahead jus know that i’ll smah you.”
erh yeah whatever….if expressing my opinion is offensive to you so be it….later
Comment by simon — March 13, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
You can tell who the Edward Norton fanatics are by the very poor English. Says a lot about his piddling “fan base”.
Comment by Francine Fishpaw — March 13, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
ed norton approved the trailer for hulk (2008) and guess what.. it sucks donkey balls, this movie is cursed.
“i have a problem..see a shrink, yawn, liv tyler looks looks like she didnt even read any script. i knew this movie would suck when i heard ed norton’s name mentioned.
Comment by spicemonkey27 — March 13, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
This trailer looks absolutely sick. This new Hulk film is going to follow the footsteps of the 2nd Hulk video game. First one was disgustingly cheesy and the 2nd was a masterpiece.
I also found another trailer which is much funnier. Trust me.
http://www.236.com/news/2008/03/12/incredible_hulk_trailer_a_236_5121.php
I saw that trailer before I saw the new one. Kinda got my hopes up.
Comment by TseeBaeng — March 13, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
“uh, the Hyde character from League of Extraordinary Gentlemen looked amazing”
yeah? I remember him as looking like a man with weird obvious looking prosthetic attachments, most noticabley on his arms who had to be redone as CGI whenever he was actually called upon to perform in an action sequence. The transition was not seamless. The transition from obvious “man in suit” to fairly obvious CG character was not seamless.
” - the way he transformed was WICKED. ”
I rember this as involving a bunch of random blurry shots of said prosthetics flailing about before they cut back to Jekyll standing where Hyde was. Kind of like a jump cut basically with a bunch of sound effects and random visuals to distract you from the fact there was no transformation to speak of.
“I won’t defend the movie.”
We are in agreement.
Comment by haroldpark — March 13, 2008 @ 11:28 pm
Esto va dirigido a Francine Fishpaw, amiga mia tu ignorancia es atrevida..¿puedes escribir tu una critica en español?, tengo 25 años, una carrera universitaria, hablo ingles y frances aceptablemente, ¿podrías tu?. Edward norton es un actor muy respetado en todo el mundo por su trayectoria artística y su perfil humano,ha demostrado con creces ser capaz de escibir guiones, dirigir y hasta editar con exito cualquier pelicula,si yo fuese director estaría encantado de que un actor estuviese tan fuertemente implicado a todos los niveles en el proceso cinematográfico,porque está demuestrando no sólo su interés sino también su inteligencia. Si el señor Norton no es de tu agrado ¿cuál es el problema? no vayas a ver sus películas es así de facil… pero si vas a denostarlo al menos argumenta tus críticas con un poco de base. Y nada más Francine now can you reply this in spanish?
Comment by carmen — March 14, 2008 @ 2:53 am
Today NY Dayly News has another article on the editing disagreement between Norton and Marvel, there is a statement from Norton´s spokewoman, she say that Edward was brought on board by Marvel as a PRODUCER, SCREENWRITTER, AND ACTOR, so it shouldn´t surprise anyone that he has a lot of creative imput into the postproduction process…she also say that Louis Leterrier and edward norton are enjoying a terrific working relationship and any discussion happening now are part of the normal cretive process of making a movie.. they just trying to make the best movie possible, then why all of you don´t stopping criticise for a while?
Comment by carmen — March 14, 2008 @ 6:12 am
Carmen, you crazy puta. Fetch me another coke.
Comment by Sandy Daley — March 14, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
THE ONLY REASON PEOPLE ARE GIVIN A DAMN ABOUT THIS FLICK IS BECUZ OF NORTON!!!!!!
let him take over
marvel’s other flicks come out cheezy and whether you believe it or not Norton brings the credibility to the table on this
especially after that last Hulk movie which was terrible, marvel needs to let Norton step in cuz Marvel doesn’t know what they’re doing as far as the movie thing goes. look how many crapola disasters they dropped.
if norton doesn’t promote this or do a sequel, it will be another failure to add to the list
Comment by King Of Chicago — March 15, 2008 @ 9:42 am
This is interesting. But you all have to admit one of the main reason why people are even giving Incredible Hulk a second chance is because of Ed Norton. We were all burned by the horrible movie that was Ang Lee’s Hulk. I felt honestly bad for Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly…it wasnt their fault Lee screwed the pooch.
But Ed Norton brings a tremendous credibility to the new film…everyone i talk to and that reads my blog sends me notes about how surprised they are that he is taking it on.
And I agree with the comment above…the new trailer alone outdoes the entire first movie!
Why so many complaints about Ed trying to have a hand in the final cut? Look at how well he did the trailer. He clearly has the best interest of the movie in mind, and im sure these “fights” between he and Marvel are over-exaggerated. Let him drive this home people..lets not get all worked up just because we finally have an actor that is worried about his film not setting right. The fact that he re-wrote the script himself etc..does put him above the director in a sense in this case (which i think is very embarassing for the director…to basically play second fiddle to such a strong actor/writer/director in Norton). But can you blame him? Had Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly done this ..maybe the first film would not have been so bad? Remember…Marvel approved it back then….so in the end I trust Ed Norton more than anyone else involved with this film.
Im truly can’t wait for it…i hope he finalizes it so we can start seeing a string of great trailers before the release.
This summer is going to be amazing, Dark Knight, IronMan, Incredible Hulk…just amazing.
Ninz
Comment by Movie guy Ninz — March 15, 2008 @ 9:57 am
i totally agree with Ripper!
Comment by cleefus — March 15, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
Worked on the film. Edward Norton is difficult & brilliant. That said, so is Louis the Director! Heard complaints on set from other actors about Edward taking over. All I can say is…. Louis was amazing to work with!!!!!!!!! Had a very clear vision for the film & if you’ve watched the trailers he’s on the right track! It looks great! I know, I was there!!!! Let the director do his job……….
One of my favorite directors I’ve ever worked with in the 27 years I’ve been in this business. He knows his stuff & will make it Incredible!!!!!!!
Comment by ToriT — March 16, 2008 @ 5:13 am
You people writing here are idiots! The way this works is simple and Norton had a clause in his contract that guaranteed him editing rights. What Marvel is doing is a direct violation of his contract and if I were him, I would be pissed too. If the studio didn’t want him involved with these things then he wouldn’t have been able to sign a contract with these lucrative stipulations. As far as the director goes with what every one on here is saying; he doesn’t have anything to do with the actual cut of the movie. The editors and the producer have final say in those matters, which Norton has stipulated in his contract. The problem with the whole thing is that Stan Lee needs to go back to writing comic books and leave movie making to people who know what they are doing.
Comment by jim — March 17, 2008 @ 2:36 am
I trust you Edward, go ahead!!!
Comment by bell — March 17, 2008 @ 5:07 am
not gonna comment on whether or not Norton has the right to have so much control on the film given that no one (well, at least me) is certain what were the exact terms when they signed the contract…that said, i have more faith in Norton for having an eye for a good movie than Marvel. Think about it, while Norton’s recent projects weren’t major blockbusters, they certainly have a class of their own…’The Painted Veil’ was one of the more memorable films in recent years, and was very beautifully shot…even ‘The Illusionist’ sticks in one’s mind. Marvel? killed Spiderman (in the 3rd one), killed X-men (in the 3rd one), killed Ghostrider (still have NO idea why on earth they made that film), killed Fantastic Four, killed Hulk (once, and God forbid it to happen again!)…nuff said really. but then, maybe we *could* trust in the director this time round…?
And to those who scoffed at the idea that 18-25s would watch a film because Norton’s in it, I’m 21 and am actually planning to watch this film *in the cinema* because he’s in it…THAT’s how influential Norton can be. oh and i’m not Spanish, i’m in fact Chinese.
Comment by Joan — March 17, 2008 @ 5:46 am
yeah Joan, but I don’t think that Marvel had much to do with the actual production of those movies you listed.
Once the properties were sold to studios their say was very limited.
Creative and of course financial reasons were the reason Marvel are striking out on their own.
that said, and I don’t know of course, but why would they then hand over control, 100%, to an actor?
and Jim you seem well informed, but if I read it right you’re saying that the editor has pull over the director in the final cut? and then later you say he has no input in the editing process. I’ve never heard of a director of a feature having no say in the way his footage is cut, that is unless he is kicked off a production.
Comment by jon — March 18, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
QUOTE: “You can tell who the Edward Norton fanatics are by the very poor English. Says a lot about his piddling “fan base”.”
Comment by Francine Fishpaw — March 13, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
Francine, you obviously did not take the time to read my post…
Since I’m in a good mood, I’ll do you the favor of posting it again.
“I have been following Edward for a very long time. And as a true fan, I know that anything he takes the time to really step into turns out much better…he really has an eye for what a movie needs.
I trust you Ed.
Comment by Jace — March 11, 2008 @ 11:27 pm”
QUOTE: “uh, the Hyde character from League of Extraordinary Gentlemen looked amazing - the way he transformed was WICKED. I won’t defend the movie.
It doesn’t matter that Norton does bomb historical pictures, my point is that he CONTINUES to have that youth market good will no matter what, mostly because of Fight Club and American History X. He is a big reason why anyone around that age would see this movie, although I won’t.”
Comment by Franklin Richards — March 13, 2008 @ 6:38 am
Franklin, though I may qualify for the “age factor” of Norton’s fans, I wasn’t hooked through American History X, or even Fight Club! Although both movies are fantastic, Red Dragon was the first movie I saw of Ed’s, and through that one, I’ve been hooked ever since.
For the rest of you bashers, calm down! The movie hasn’t even come out yet, but you’re already tearing it apart! Find something to do with yourselves until the movie comes out, then watch it. If you don’t like it, fine. Point is, let’s just take it one step at a time!
Comment by Jace — March 18, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
Im from Italy, first all sorry for my “poor english”( thanks francine fishpaw you are very “kind”with people from anothers countries where not speaking english, whom just trying to take part in this with their comments)Im a big fan of norton´s job since a long time, he is a very respected actor in the whole world and ,of course, in Italy, I dont understand this despise about him, he is such as great actor.. in fact Edward Norton,Sean Penn, Christian Bale and Johnny Deep are, for me, the best actor right now. I´ll watched this films just because he is in it. Lucia
Comment by lucia — March 19, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
To Francine Fishpaw:
I resent your comment about Edward Norton’s fan base being full of idiots due to their poor grammar. First of all, your grammar is all that great, so you have no room to bash others. And second, Americans are just stupid. All of them, Edward Norton fans or not. Our average reading level is a third grade reading level-so how can you expect everyone to have good grammar? No one reads anymore, we’re obsessed with movies, crappy reality TV, and game systems. The English language is deteriorating more and more each day. Whose movies we choose to see have no effect on our grammar, or vice versa.
Comment by N/A — April 21, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
it seems from this site that I’m the only one in the world who wasn’t completely insulted by the first hulk movie. granted there wasn’t alot of destruction and mayhem, but that was actually how i liked it. i mean the first thing you think of when you hear of the hulk is the smashing. ang lee took it in another direction by showing the more human side of things, is that so bad?
with that said, i mut admit that being 21, i should fall into the mr norton fan base that will support this movie, but in all actuality, before reading this post, I couldn’t have told you who he was…and about the dispute, if its in his contract, then they are obligated to honor it. i mean, if it were the other way around and he only acted half the movie and walked out, we would be pissed at the studio and marvel for not going after him wouldnt we?
Comment by Anonymous — May 27, 2008 @ 11:18 pm
before i heard any of this, the one reason i WASN’T interested in seeing this film was …. (drum roll please) … ED NORTON!!!!
now that i know the extent of his narcissistic inundation in this project, i call for a BOYCOT of this film!
I’m not spending that kind of money to see a ‘tard like norton please himself on screen… Neither should you!
Send Holier-than-thou-wood a message. If you suck, you WILL go broke!
Comment by Kraasch — May 29, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
Something’s gotta give!!As the spouse of an editor in shift and reporter for a well known news source, I’m tired of this dilemma over writer’s credit. A writer is the one that writes the lines of a story that in the end is not severely alter at the time of publishing.
Everyone has been mad at Norton. They assumed that he is intervening in matters that don’t concern him, but he did signed to be much more than an actor. He should get credit for the screenplay. “Re-writers” are so underestimated in any field. We take them for granted!!! Some writers expect to be credited for a product that is completely different from what they wrote, and this is upsetting. These kind of “writers” should only be credited for the the “idea” of a story and not the writing, specially when the product ends-up being completely different and much better than the original. I’m sick of people in the “business” that come-up with a written product or proposal for a story that needs a lot of work in order for it to be published, and when someone comes and makes that product publishable they still expect only their names as writers. Norton has everything against him in a business that don’t appreciate good writers or “re-writers” as they should.
Comment by Anna — June 12, 2008 @ 8:09 am
Well its out now and it looks like Marvel won the edit battle
Comment by Lamont Cranston — June 12, 2008 @ 6:37 pm
Sincere thanks to Ed for making sure this wasn’t yet another cheezy Marvel flop full of embarassingly horrible one-liners and so forth!
Comment by Jennifer — June 18, 2008 @ 5:41 pm
What went on was this:
Marvel was in it for the business and commmercial success more than anything else. They want to sell T-shirts and Toys of the Hulk when its all said and done.
Norton was in it for the art, and i respect this very much. He makes GREAT movies and is one of the best actors of this era. What is wrong with being a perfectionist? I can understand that Marvel would be frustrated with Norton’s want to input his own creative vision, but they should also know that without him, many people like myself would not have gone to see the movie. His suggestions that were mostly turned down were all character-based. Without these the hulk would have simply become just another transformers movie. A popcorn flick that is enjoyed then forgotten, which to some degree it is. I appreciate movies for their art and story more than for special effect and action; he has my full support. Control freak? maybe, but this one know’s what he’s doing.
Comment by Suzuki — June 20, 2008 @ 4:40 am