Edward Favreau

The director also confirms Edward Norton wont appear in Iron Man 2 as The Incredible Hulk

Along with confirming that "Incredible Hulk" star Edward Norton won't be appearing in "Iron Man 2" and that Favreau won't be directing "The Avengers," the filmmaker shared some thoughts on his approach to making the Marvel movies all tie together.

Along with reports that some of the 'Iron Man 2' scenes have been filmed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, two photos of star Robert Downey Jr. and director Jon Favreau on location are outed.

Months of speculation about Edward Nortons possible role in The Avengers came to an abrupt end on Friday when HitFix reported that Marvel had decided to recast Bruce Banner, aka the Incredible Hulk. Edward Norton is out; a new actor to be announced will step in. That wasnt a huge surprise, but the wording of Marvels official statement on the matter was a bit unusual. Specifically, the studio said, Our decision [to recast the role] is definitely 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. Thats a shockingly pointed comment in these days of company decisions that are carefully worded to be as safe as possible. Edward Nortons agent took umbrage at Marvels wording and has released a statement in response. Whats interesting isnt so much the tone of the response, but the detail it contains about how close Norton came to appearing in The Avengers. HitFix also has this rebuttal. Brian Swardstrom of WME gets right to the point when he says, This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. OK, thats the expected response, but the argument there is really between Kevin Feige and Nortons camp. Im staying out of that, but heres the interesting detail from Swardstrom: Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings. Wed heard several times that Norton was possibly interesting in doing the film, but this is the most detail weve had on how the negotiations actually went. This is only one side, and if this really gets ugly no doubt well hear more from both Marvel and Norton. In the meantime, this is also the closest weve had to an official confirmation that Joss Whedon will direct The Avengers. Marvel hasnt released an actual statement to that effect, though the company is often slow to officially confirm information that has leaked out though non-company channels. Edward Norton Will Not Be Reprising His Role as The Hulk for The Avengers Jon Favreau Wants the Mandarin For Iron Man 3 Villain; Will the Film Be 3D? Interview: Iron Man 2 Screenwriter Justin Theroux Jon Favreau Will Not Direct The Avengers Ed Norton Cautiously Doesnt Say That He Wont Appear in The Avengers Many Captain America and Avengers Possibilities Leak Out of Comic Con

… depleted by year end as producers cut back production in the face of record-low natural gas prices. Write to Edward Welsch at edward .welsch@dowjones.com Copyright © 2012 Dow Jones Newswires

… run-scoring double to Omar Infante. Jarrod Saltalmacchia started the winning rally in the eighth with a double off Randy Choate. Edward Mujica (0-3) came in and served up Middlebrooks' long, tying shot. Then Nava, who had six singles in the last two games …

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… dealt the Marlins their 13th defeat in 15 contests. Jarrod Saltalamacchia doubled to center leading off the Boston eighth. Edward Mujica then replaced Randy Choate on the mound, but Middlebrooks smashed the tying homer on a 2-2 pitch over the wall in …

… mask their donations by setting up limited liability corporations or other front companies. One of Restore's first donors, Edward Conard, made a $1 million contribution last year behind a front company, W Spann LLC, until public pressure forced him to …

… inappropriate" Brown's demand that the widow of Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy not endorse in the race. Brown's campaign manager Jim Barnett said the response by the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and the University …