Marvel Studios has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, but at least two are reportedly not welcome back after butting heads with studio head Kevin Feige.
The reported names come from the new book MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, which goes into detail about the studio’s rise to prominence and the highs and lows that came with it. Among the lows were issues that plagued several of the studios’ productions which, in at least two cases, were enough to have Feige ban two names from ever working with the studio again. The reported names are actor Edward Norton and writer/director Joss Whedon, both of whom had significant clashes with Marvel Studios, according to CBR.
Norton originally played Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, which was the second entry into the MCU following the success of Iron Man. The actor and Marvel Studios reportedly clashing for most of production over differing visions of the film, ultimately leading to Feige announcing Norton would not be returning as the Hulk.
Feige’s issues with Whedon reportedly centered on the series Agents of SHIELD and how the studio head wasn’t happy with the show’s direction, specifically how it contradicted events on the movie screen. Whedon’s time in the MCU would ultimately come to an end following Avengers: Age of Ultron in which, despite the film’s success, more creative disputes took place between the director and studio.
The book made no mention of actor Terrence Howard’s status, as he also had a very public split from Marvel Studios following the first Iron Man film. After the first film’s success, contract disputes reportedly broke out between both sides due to an allegedly significant pay cut Howard was offered in order to return to role of Col. James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes, aka War Machine, for the sequel. Howard ended up turning down the offer and Don Cheadle would be cast as his replacement, portraying War Machine all the way up to 2023’s Secret Invasion series.
One actor and one director were reportedly not welcome to return for more Marvel Studios productions. Read More