Long before Edward Norton had his brief but memorable stint with the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Hulk, he found inspiration in another iconic character from the comics, and it’s none other than Doctor Strange.
In one of his movies, Norton’s portrayal was inspired by the epic sorcerer, and this creative choice adds an intriguing layer to his career. But who would have guessed that his relations with the studio would turn sour and put an end to any connections he could have had with them?
How Doctor Strange shaped Edward Norton’s magical transformation
Edward Norton portrayed the charming magician Eisenheim in The Illusionist, which went on to become a critical and commercial success. But many might not be aware that he was directly influenced by Doctor Strange, and he revealed more about the same in an interview at the National Film Theatre. (via The Guardian)
There was a great comic book when I was growing up called Doctor Strange. It was all about this magician with mystical powers, and that’s how he looked—he had the goatee and the swept-back hair. So I got a copy, took it to the makeup person I worked with, and that’s what we did
Norton admitted the comic book’s aesthetics influenced his approach to the period drama. The resemblance between Eisenheim and Marvel’s Doctor Strange is undeniable. In addition to their looks, both are enigmatic figures with an air of mysticism that commands attention.
Edward Norton’s Marvel exit and the Hulk recasting controversy
Interestingly, this wasn’t Norton’s only brush with Marvel because just two years after The Illusionist, he stepped into the MCU as Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk. His departure from the role is still one of the most talked-about recasts.
Norton’s performance in the movie was praised to no extent, but behind the scenes, creative differences reportedly led to his exit (via Screenrant). As per Marvel’s statements, they required someone who would thrive in an ensemble and be open to collaborations. Despite the abrupt end to his superhero journey, Norton’s legacy in the MCU still remains strong.
They replaced him with Mark Ruffalo, who did a great job, but there are still some fans who find the Fight Club star’s version to be the best. His work in The Illusionist is just as commendable, and maybe if he had never done the Marvel movie in the first place, Norton would be a great choice for Doctor Strange.
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