Edward Norton refuses to promote Hulk
By Alexandra Heilbron on June 13, 2008 | 63 Comments
Edward Norton has decided not to do publicity for The Incredible Hulk, despite playing the starring role. Early reviews say his performance is, well, incredible, so why is he refusing to promote it? Interestingly enough, although co-star Liv Tyler is confirmed contractually for two sequels, Norton’s contract was for this movie alone. Rumor has it that Norton, who made substantial rewrites to the script to add more dialogue and make Bruce Banner more human, wanted the movie to focus on being character-driven, while Marvel saw the movie as action-driven, winning out in the final cut. So, while Tyler and director Louis Leterrier make the publicity rounds, Norton has slipped off to a desert island retreat.
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Good for him.
i say good for him too that he stands up for what he believes in..but at the same time he is being a cry baby and not promoting this movie. so does that mean he doesn’t believe in this project just because they aren’t brining him back? that sounds kinda like a temper tantrum to me.
This really wasnt his movie to take over and re-write in the first place. He is just an actor, nothing more. I agree, he is a big baby and he should just get over himself and do his job.
If I was Edward Norton, I would be Incredible Hulk ticked-off at MARVEL too.
Edward Norton is easily one of the best actors around right now, and I’d hate for the Hulk to not allow Norton to preform to his full potential, something like the Italian Job. Good movie, but a subpar performance by Norton.
In all honestly, if I wanted to see another Marvel movie full of action, I’d go watch the Spiderman and the X-Men sequels, or the 2003? version of the Hulk. The most interesting part of this movie is the cast, which is what drew my attention in the first place.
He is a whiner. Good actor, but that doesn’t give him the right to bend the movie to his will. He should have said no to the script when he read it if he didn’t like the way it was.
He should decide if he wants to be a writer or an actor…He was hired to act in this film.
I agree that he should not have tried to change the script and should stop his whining. He has completed his ‘job’, which was to play his part in this movie and promoting it is not part of that job description, I guess. He needs to stop acting like a two year old and realize that alot of these directors and crews are buddies and they watch and hear the entertainment news as well, so he may have a little trouble finding work with any of the good directors in the business!
I think Eric Bana already made the movie Norton wanted — didn’t he get why they wanted a remake? Though I have to say, I loved him in it and hated Liv Tyler — her acting was terrible, and she should have asked for some line rewrites too. “Oh, Bruce…” Bleck.
All of you guys who say he shouldn’t be allowed to change the script probably don’t understand a whole lot about how movie contracts go.
Actors can’t just walk onto a movie set and start creatively making changes unless that is written into the contract and unless the boss (usually the director) agrees to them.
Even though some of us think actors are walking gods, they are not. They have rules too.
I do however think that it’s kind of lame that he won’t promote his movie, but if that wasn’t in his contract, then why should he do it?
These types of movies are about action not so much about character. Marvel has every right to make the movie they want to make. Mr.Norton had to know what type of movie he was getting into. Just look at the other Marvel movies. If he wanted character driven he could just have said no.
Norton was contracted to act in and co-write the film. Idiot.
I agree, why promote a movie it took hundreds of people to make?
Hundreds of people from the key grip guy, to the make up girl – who need this movie promoted so that they can put it on their resume for their next job.
Especially when there is a whole gaggle of actors in Hollyweird who could have done the job just as well as he did and not whined about it.
I mean, Ed was only paid millions for this movie. Common….millions? Heck, I wouldn’t be promoting a movie either if I was paid mere millions for it.
Key grip guy only got his union hourly wage and had to work obscene hours without breaks, while Ed was in his trailer drinking Perrier and watching re-runs of Miami Vice.
This is the ME ME ME generation – why should he think about all the little people on the set (you know…the ones who make him look good, feed him his lines, give him the proper camera angles, spend hours transforming him from skinny kid from Maryland to big green dude – so he can make the big bucks??)??
You go Ed…think about yourself while your basking away on that island paradise.
And hey, while you’re at it…..the next homeless guy you see..don’t give him your lunch or a warm coat…..why don’t you give the guy a little kick in the shins instead??
In my opinion I don’t think he has to promote his movies just because a lot of people think he’s a good actor not all but most do…so even if he doesn’t promote people will go see it…if the movie doesn’t do that great than maybe the directors should have listened to his ideas and tried them out…cause if you are gonna remake a movie that just came out in 2003 you might want to change it up a bit…right?Either way he gets paid…so I wouldn’t give a shit either….and for those of you who don’t think he’s a good actor…watch American History X or even Fight Club…and then get back to me…
Kind of hypocritical to have a hissy fit, try to make a point, but take all the money on offer…
If he wants to make a stand for his acting integrity, don’t cash the cheque!
This is just another example of a big giant corporation (i.e. Marvel) trying to make $$$$$ and forget about integrity or honor. Who needs good character development???? ………
…… Let’s just have a green man run around smashing stuff … and give him some M & M’s to smash while you’re at it … and then to a tie in with DQ blizzards! …. yep, screw good film-making.
But, on the other hand, you shake hands with the …. you sold ya’ soul …. you are not making a decadent torte pie, you are MAKING a giant ball of chocolate, smashed with CRAP and MARSHMALLOW’S AND MORE CHOCOLATE … do be consumed by the MASSES!
Truly, in the end … just enjoy it for entertainment … everyone stop judging other people, it really doesn’t affect you anyway. Just move on, there will probably be 2 cuts released anyway, and this controversy will just make the power’s that be, more $$$$$.
Next!
Big deal! He’s not promoting the movie. Maybe it wasn’t part of the contract. Sure he gets paid millions, but we all get paid to do our jobs.
Would the rest of us go out on a hectic tour schedule meeting with a gazillion people and “promote” our workplace and not expect to be paid for it?
If the movie is good, watch it. If it isn’t, all the promo work in the world isn’t going to help it at the box office.
And hey, do we know what’s going on in his life? Maybe he’s got other projects with deadlines that he’s working on!
It’s easy to speculate on things we’ve only been spoonfed selective information on by the oh-so-reliable media.
My thoughts exactly, JK.
Edward Norton is the man, one of the greatest actors to date. Tell me one movie where he fell shy of being good. Edward Norton is not promoting the movie not because hes crying but as a silent fight for what he believes is right.
Are you now going to call Che Guevara a whiner because he stood up for what he believed in.
Grow up.
Edward Norton
G.O.A.T (Greatest of all Time?)
Well maybe if they went back to having just a huge human being play the part instead of some gay-ass computer-animated building-jumping Hulk. The character of the hulk used to just smash his way through a building to get to the other side, not JUMP over it. They have gone too far with this whole computer-generated- thing. If I were an actor with a bit of clout I’d feel the same way. He’s probably embarrassed to be a part of this piece of shit once the computer effects are added. Theatrical Overkill at it’s very worst!!(or finest!!!)
Are you seriously comparing Edward Norton to Che Guevara?
This is not the first movie that Norton has refused to do any promoting for – I think that The Illusionist is the first… but there may be others ones that he has not promoted as well. I have heard it said that he does not generally promote his movies – that was when The Illusionist came out.
Most actors will have it stated in their contract if they are to promote their movie or not. We have no way of knowing if he is contractually obligated to do the promotions for the Hulk or not. If he is and refuses to, then it is up to the studio as to if they want to pursue action. If its not in his contract then he does not have to if he doesn’t want to.
E-Nort is the only reason anyone gives a shit about this sequel, the CG Hulk is still going to look retarded and the first movie stunk overall. Making it character driven would make it a real movie instead of a bad cg gong show, so Edward was probably 100% right. Also, don’t nobody like Liv Tyler, I wish Jennifer Connely has stayed.
Oh and “The Truth” has downeys, Norton made me want to punch myself in the balls he was such an assclown in The Italian Job, and I’m assuming also sucked in Death to Smoochy since everyone hates that movie.
Every great Marvel movie is character driven first; action second. Norton was right on ; and marvel should know better. People relate to the “characters” in the movie… the actions of these characters is the “icing” on the cake ; not the cake itself.
Perhaps now Zac Efron will headline the sequel.
Marvel make Edward angry! Not like mindless actin movie! Edward/HULK SMASH MARVEL! RIP APART! STOMP! STOMP!
Oh, fer cryin’ out loud!
If he’s not doing publicity, explain his appearance on moviefone.com’s Unscripted with Liv Tyler and Louis Leterrier!
Doesn’t anyone here know a fact checker???
Zac Efron for HULK 2!
I never miss an episode of Scrubs.
Eric Bana made a better Hulk than Eddie Norton.
Laura is dead on with her comments — Norton was signed on as an actor for the movie — not as a principal writer — sounds like he got his input re: the script anyway — just not enough for his liking — oh well , ED , c’est la vie — I personally feel the writers and producers did a good job on this one — more character development ? — maybe Marvel can do a version of Hamlet, or Othello …. !
Ok, he wrote and maybe re-wrote the script, so he had his hand in the final product. I Think Norton is a great actor and maybe is actually tired of all the work he did on the project. We don’t know the details of his contract since we weren’t there for the signing. He might now have to promote it.
Maybe he’s letting the work speak for itself. Maybe he doesn’t want to be around for any backlash because it’s a BETTER remake of the ‘original’ from 2003 but he thought it might not have been..who knows.
Who cares as well. If he doesnt want to travel the globe (since he apparently was in South America, and States and kick-ass tranquil Canada) for the filming, maybe he’s tired.
This movie ended up kicking ass so he should be proud of it and therefore sign up for another. Maybe gain a few more pounds, not so much like American History X (which is his best movie if you ask me), but with all that Hulk smashing and hitch hiking you’d think he’d have tonned up and gained a few and make an even better new version sequel.
I think now that the reviews are pretty good, he can sign a new contract, help write another version and promote the movie, he can NOW be pretty proud of the final product.
Those that think he’s a pre-madonna might very well be right or totally off base. Either way, we aren’t Ed Norton, we just watch movies and enjoy escapeism for a couple hours. But if anyone thinks that movies based on “ACTION” comics should be mostly character driven and all about the dialogue, including Mr. Norton, would have to be morons.
Absolutely hilarious Silent Bob, thanks for sharing. Bar none, Ed Norton is the best actor of his generation. It is only a matter of time before he gets an Oscar. If he wants to take a stand and not promote the movie, for whatever his reason, I believe it is his right to do so.
When a movie is well done, it should stand on it’s own. I’ve always been turned off by actors who make a movie and then they are on every single talk show, radio show, etc. promoting it. That is usually an indication to me, not to go and see it. So by Ed not promoting it, means it’s outstanding and I do plan to spend the $13 dollars to go and see it, because if for not the plot and/or action sequences, I know that Ed Norton’s performance will be nothing short of brillant.
Enough said, peace out!
didn’t a story driven hulk movie flop one already?? marvel i think made the right choice… but we will see today!
apart from american history x norton hasn’t done anything worth remembering (fight club was great, but it was driven by brad pitt). the hulk is about a guy that turns green and smashes things… how much character development can you put into that?
Ed, your all mighty attitude is getting old. Write your own screenplay(not change the words in someone else’s) get your girlfriend to produce it and then you will have all the control in the world. Until then, dear, grow up.
You people are giving Hollywood waaaay to much credit. If anything, writers need a smack upside the head with the garbage coming out these days. A decent actor wants to make some changes so the movie doesn’t suck and he’s told by fans to shut up and act? Wow. Good ideas are good ideas, whether they com from the writer, director, or actor. And standing up for what you believe in is what free societies are built on.
Alan, I totally agree with you. Also, who gives a damn if he doesnt want to promote the movie, the movie speaks for itself. Its “Hulk’ for godness sake! I dont blame him for not promoting it. Too many Hollywood stars just love to hear their own voices and blow smoke up their own a**** anyway!
I can’t wait for the Avengers movie. It is gonna be Badass
Doesn’t Norton do enough to promote the film by participating in making the movie a blockbuster? If it’s a good movie he’s done his job and allowed the audience to promote it through word of mouth. If it wasn’t good, well, then that would’ve been the end for his role as Banner.
Hey everyone anyone see who made it to number one this weekend at the box office? Oh sounds like someone who didn’t bother promoting his film…obviously he didn’t need to….
Well, that was a 50/50 chance! His choice though, I don’t really give a BEEP what he does!
Hey, Zac Efron does kinda look like the Hulk! Cool. I hope they use him for the sequel!
“Rounders” and “The Score” were great films … these truly showcase his talent, and I doubt “The Hulk” will do that with a big giant green blob running around smashing everything. I have a friend who met Edward Norton a few times at a drinking hole in L.A., and said he found him to be very “well-read”.
This shouldn’t surprise us …. he’s one of the best actor’s out there.
If it makes you feel like a genius calling another person a two year old or ‘whiny crybaby’ then go ahead, he’s old enough to stand up for what he believes and it’s the battle between actor and studio. Big corporations tend to dick actors, I’m not saying he’s innocent, but don’t sit and banter people with only little perspective on the table to digest.
True, Edward Norton signed on to do the job, but who’s going to protect his reputation if he doesn’t. Actors get put in a situation where the project that they agreed to materially changes with the dynamics of the project. If the studio decided to put out a crappy movie with mal-development of character, which was agreed to by actors and studio, then it is within his interest to separate himself from the movie. It only makes sense. Those that are calling Edward Norton a crybaby probably works for Universal/Marvel. Oldest trick in the book. I wouldn’t be surprise
I would like for Edward Norton to play the Hulk in the “Incredible Hulk Two.” I think he’d be the best for it, considering he already played that part in the first Hulk movie. [2008] I really think he should reconsider it && play the part of Hulk again in the sequel.
Well, Danny…..I just so happen to be the one who said that Ed Norton should stop acting like a two year old…..and guess what? I’m old enough to stand up for what I believe as well, just as you are. We are here to comment on these articles that Tribute posts, and all we have to digest is what they put on the table for us. And, I do not work for Universal/Marvel…if I did, I certainly would not be here commenting on such topics.
Don’t buy into the mainstream media which is just “spoonfed” to you. If you want to sound smart, become smart … and do a little reading.
Ever heard the saying ??? … “Think before you speak” … we could all use that advice.
What’s to think about? He’s an actor in this movie, not a writer! They write it, ask him if he wants the part, he accepts and then tries to re-write the script and cries like a baby when he doesn’t get his own way! Do you tell your boss how to run the company? Maybe you should read up on that! And type up some new resumes while you’re at it!!
Apparently he was promised access to the script and lots of involvement behind the movie too, read it up.
Key word, “APPARENTLY”. Apparently, he thinks he’s got major pull and can change the script to suit what he wants, too.
Maybe I should have said “Read before you Think”, apparently you are not doing that either. Know the facts before you comment, please.
And what makes you think that what you have read is the truth? Maybe you should know the facts before YOU comment, please!!
So stop insulting people by saying that I don’t think, when you were not there anymore than I was! So how the hell would you know what’s what?
Wow, quite the debate going on here … maybe you should take some of your own advice, Nancy. C’mon, really : you’re the pot calling the kettle black … you called Edward Norton a 2-year old and a cry baby. Really, is that neccessary? I think not, you really should save your anger for more important issues … you definitely could stand to get a little more educated on the subject at hand, but that’s just my opinion and I am entitled to state my opinion, just as you are stating your opinion about Edward Norton, however wrong you are. At the end of the day, who really cares anyway, are you going to see the movie? Probably not, so why waste your energy … I actually saw it, and it’s not bad. But in the end, I’m sure it wasn’t what Edward Norton was hoping to be a part of … not going to win any Oscar’s, that’s for sure. But that’s to be expected ….. it is what it is.
Smile and breathe … you’ll live longer.
Actually, you just assume that I am angry…when I AM already smiling. He’s an actor…not a writer…plain and simple.
Oh, by the way, you really should try to switch your words around. Your wording is almost exact to about a week ago when you posted under the name, “Tribute Admin.”….at least I use my real name and don’t pretend to be someone I’m not! Lying is not good for your health. Carrying such stress can take years off your life! Read up!
Just to educate everyone, Edward Norton actually has writing credits! He is presently directing “Motherless Brooklyn”, for which he wrote the screenplay. He was not credited, but was involved in rewrites on “Frida”. And as has been noted, is credited for his writing contributions on “Hulk”.
So anyone who thinks he’s not a writer, should get educated. Stop trying to label people and put them in a “box”, unless you like being put in a box.
This has been interesting, later.
I love this ‘box’ I’m in!! 😀