Before Mark Ruffalo entered the MCU in the role of Bruce Banner, the title was carried by Edward Norton, who became the rogue scientist in The Incredible Hulk. The 2008 flick fared averagely by grossing $264 million and getting mostly positive reviews from Marvel fans. Since there had not been a movie solely dedicated to Hulk since the 70s, The Incredible Hulk was heavily anticipated. So, Norton’s transformation from the reclusive Dr. Bruce Banner into the behemoth of green fury came as a much-awaited visual spectacle. 

Despite the anticipation, there was one thing that bothered the Fight Club actor that almost stopped him from taking the role. And recently the reason has come to light. 

What did Edward Norton not like about The Incredible Hulk?

In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz during a watch-along episode of the Happy Sad Confused series, Louis Leterrier revealed the beginning of the movie’s making. As the director of The Incredible Hulk, he took over the script to Norton over a dinner. However, Leterrier could see that the 54-year-old “absolutely hated” it. Initially, Norton politely declined the part. However, later, he agreed to take it on if he was allowed to re-work the script. 

Originally written by Zak Penn, the Primal Fear actor wanted to modify the plot himself. Additionally, he wanted to help produce the movie too. Ultimately, it came down to the “creative control” for it, which he was then granted. After all, the Golden Globe award-winning actor ran a production company of his own, Class 5. Despite the studios giving in to his wishes, Leterrier revealed how things got “tense” with him later.

Eventually, the movie was released regardless of Norton’s protests.

The creative differences that led Norton to leave MCU

After the initial huddle of bringing the Birdman actor on, Leterrier disclosed how tensions ran high around the “end” of the project. Apparently, Norton had reservations regarding the “tone and level of humor” in the movie. He defended the “seriousness” with which his character was portrayed, which was something the movie’s director himself agreed on. After the movie came out, the actor parted ways with Marvel.

The official cause for his move was cited to be ‘creative differences’. Judging by Leterrier’s statements, it seems like the disputes over the film’s depiction of Hulk did not meet a satisfactory truce. Then, Mark Ruffalo, who teamed up with Netflix for a drama series, took the character on with The Avengers in 2012. Unlike Norton, Ruffalo chose to stay with the role to this day. 

Did you know that Edward Norton initially rejected The Incredible Hulk? Tell us your answer in the comments.