The break up took place back in 2010 and there were a lot of buzz trying to demonstrate the reason behind it. The buzz had stopped long ago. But, suddenly, after a four years phase of virtual muteness Edward Norton speaks up in an interview with NPR Fresh Air narrating the true story behind his break up with Marvel Studio.
In 2008, Marvel reintroduced one of their most popular superheroes The Incredible Hulk with Norton playing the title role. A couple of years later, Marvel reported that Norton would be replaced by Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk for The Avengers as they realized he wouldn't fit in such a team production. Norton's party claimed that the studio low-balled the actor.
But Norton's recent elucidation on the topic reveals a completely different story.
Norton states that it was due to his thirst for creativity and versatility as an actor that forced him to move away from the gigantic, green rage-monster's role. He didn't want to stick to a particular role, rather wanted to explore newer dimensions and diversity as an actor. He felt that playing the role of Hulk again and again would degrade his effectiveness as an actor.
Norton admits that he is glad to have played the role once but doesn't repent to have split up from it. He believes he wouldn't have made Moonrise Kingdom, Grand Budapest and Birdman if he had continued as the dates would have collided with The Avengers. Well, whatever happen, happens for good! While Norton is enlightening his acting talent with numerous critically-acclaimed roles, Marvel is happy with Mark for the role as he's a hit with critics.