Summary
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has reportedly confirmed that two people will never get a chance to work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe again: Joss Whedon and Edward Norton.
The architect behind theMCU’s overwhelming success has always been open to giving chances to new actors and directors in the iconic franchise. Whether it was Chadwick Boseman or James Gunn, Feige’s decision to rope in not-so-renowned people turned out to be a masterstroke. However, the MCU chief is not keen on working with Whedon or Norton again.
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In the new bookMCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios(viaDexerto), authors Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzalez, and Gavin Edwards delved into the behind-the-scenes issues that have occurred with Marvel Studios various projects, leading to two names getting banned from theMCU by Kevin Feige. “If theInhumanscould be rehabilitated, apparently everyone in MCU history was on Feige’s call list,” reads the book. “Except Edward Norton, the franchise’s first Bruce Banner, and Joss Whedon, whoseAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D. characters remained in limbo.”
Norton’s departure fromThe Incredible Hulkwas due to creative differences, allowingMark Ruffalo to take over as Bruce Bannerin subsequent projects. The switch to Ruffalo as Hulk for future MCU projects has been widely recognized. At the time, Feige said, “We have decided to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner inThe Avengers. Our decision is 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.”
On the other hand, there were reportedly disagreements between Feige and Whedon regarding theMarvel Television seriesAgents of SHIELD. The book implies that Feige was displeased with Whedon’s handling of the show, as it clashed with the events depicted inCaptain America: The Winter Soldier. These creative conflicts between Feige and Whedon led to tensions surrounding the show’s direction.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has come a long way since Whedon and Norton departed, and Feige seemingly doesn’t want to take the franchise forward with people not in his good books.The Multiverse Saga can take any route, and fans might see familiar names in future projects. However, this latest revelation might upset fans waiting to see Norton and Ruffalo sharing a frame in theMCU. Fans are keeping their fingers crossed that Feige changes his mind.
