Sci-Fi Storm

It appears that the big green guy’s alter ego will get a new face for the upcoming Avengers multi-superhero movie. Marvel has announced that Ed Norton will not return to the role of Bruce Banner that he himself took over from Eric Bana for The Incredible Hulk, with the producers opting to recast the role, alluding to wanting someone who might work better in an ensemble. Norton’s agent issued his own statement calling Marvel’s statement “offensive” and saying that Norton was “enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast.”

It seems that David Prowse may have stepped on George Lucas’ toes, and Lucas ain’t happy. It isn’t clear exactly what precipitated this, but the British actor who portrayed the figure of Darth Vader in the original films says on his official web site that he is not only not invited to appear at Celebration V in Orlando, but also isn’t welcome at future Lucasfilm-involved functions. Prowse has been known to have disputes with Lucas in the past, often stating that he assumed he would be providing the voice of Vader in addition to the form, and also about a leak regarding the character’s death and thus did not appear as Anakin in Return Of The Jedi, but there has been no official reason given other than Prowse having “‘burnt too many bridges.” I saw him last year, and he seemed reasonable personable, although I know others have different opinions.