Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Tribune mentions celebs helping the planet and mentions EN

* Edward Norton: An outspoken advocate of solar power, Norton helped launch BP's Solar Neighbor's Program (www.bp.com), which focuses on renewable solar energy, including providing solar panels for low-income homes in the Los Angeles area.

Happy Birthday Edward!!!

Today is Edward Norton's 38th Birthday!

LA Times, WGA, Pride and Glory release date

Tomorrow's LA Times has more on EN's screenwriting role on Incredible Hulk

Norton shows muscle on 'Hulk'

A few weeks ago, a minor controversy sprung out of Marvel's "Incredible Hulk" panel at Comic-Con that had a lot of fans both scratching their heads and pointing their fingers. And no, it wasn't griping about Liv Tyler being cast as Betty Ross or fears that the Hulk was going to CGI-fly again. As with most mini-scandals, it turns out to have been both more and less than it first appeared to be.

When it was revealed that Edward Norton, who had been cast as the scientist-gone-green Bruce Banner, had also written the script, it surprised and confused a lot of folks who thought that Zak Penn had written the screenplay. Penn, who has worked on half a dozen Marvel movies, including the last two "X-Men" installments, "Elektra" and, as one of his first Marvel assignments a dozen years ago, what eventually became the first, Ang Lee-directed "Hulk," had actually spent a year writing the screenplay before Norton became involved.

At first blush, it looked like just another case of a screenwriter getting disrespected while a movie star with a reputation for aggressive involvement in scripts had bullied his way into writing this one.

"Both panels were excellent for Marvel Studios," says Marvel Studios president of production Kevin Feige, who was also there presenting "Iron Man." "I think the only bit of bungling on my part was not clarifying Zak's role up there in front of 7,000 people, which I then tried to clarify in some round tables I did 20 minutes later after the 'Iron Man' panel."

Of course, nothing prevented Norton from speaking up about Penn, and it didn't help that the actor, by many accounts a very smart guy (and a closet comic book geek), had long since acquired a reputation for stepping on writers' toes when it came to script revisions.

Widely credited with doing substantial uncredited work on "Frida" for then-girlfriend Salma Hayek (who was the film's producer and star), Norton had also shown up on the set of "Red Dragon," for example, with new script pages not only for his character but for Dr. Hannibal Lecter as well. Other people on the film describe director Brett Ratner fighting with Norton over the issue, and Anthony Hopkins reportedly expressed his comfort with speaking the original lines written by Ted Tally, an Oscar winner for his adaptation of "Silence of the Lambs." (Norton's publicist maintains that Ratner asked him to write new pages.)

In the case of "Hulk," after another writer's treatment was declined in early 2006, Marvel hired Penn, who wrote three drafts over a year. By spring 2007, Penn was about to go off to promote his movie "The Grand," but the studio and the director, Louis Leterrier ("The Transporter"), still felt that the screenplay needed work.

When Norton came in to meet about starring as Banner in April, the film had already been greenlighted and there were just three months before shooting was scheduled to begin, just after Independence Day. But Norton had well-established (if underground) writing experience and strong ideas about how to separate the film from any confusion over its connection to the 2003 Ang Lee version by casting it in a more distinct, starting-over vein like "Batman Begins" or "Casino Royale."

So Norton's initial deal included payment not just for his acting services but for his writing talents too, with his draft contractually stipulated to be turned around in less than a month. As it turned out, Norton delayed work on another screenplay job to do "Hulk," and he continues to tweak the script as principal photography hits its halfway point outside Toronto.

Meanwhile, Penn is writing a big-budget version of "The Avengers" and yet another potential "X-Men" spinoff.

As for Norton's writing services, now that he's finally gone "legit" as a paid double threat, other filmmakers may come calling. "Yes, he is that good a writer that I would definitely work with him on another movie that he wasn't starring in," says Feige.

Robin noticed that one of the newest members of the Writers Guild of America East is an Edward Harrison Norton. WGA new members. She also found out that Pride and Glory release date is March 14, 2008 [Thanks to Robin for the info!!!]

Deleted, Pic, Pizza Man

A curious development to yesterday's post on the Cinematical story with Zak Penn's comment. It's been removed and instead there is a non-explanation posted at From the Editor's Desk: "Yesterday morning, I wrote a post regarding Edward Norton's involvement (screenwriting-wise) on next summer's The Incredible Hulk. For certain reasons (which I can't really go into), I've had to pull back the post. Sorry for the inconvenience, and I promise to update you as soon as I can." [Thanks to Robin for the info!!!]

Just Jared has posted photos of EN and Liv Tyler on the set of Incredible Hulk.

AICN has posted a little bit on the set of Incredible Hulk but I'm going to give you just the interesting paragraph

Here's the mysterious part. Ed Norton was dressed in a red cap, a red jacket, and was carrying a red pizza delivery case (the kind that keep pizza's warm), so it looked like he was playing a pizza delivery guy. In this scene he was coming out of the house and putting the pizza case into a bicycle with a giant basket for pizzas on the front. What the hell is going on? Is the Hulk delivering pizzas? Is this something he is doing while he's on the run? Seems more Peter Parker than Bruce Banner, but I'll withhold judgment, because I have no idea what was really going on. Strangely there were a few other guys with red hats and caps scattered around the set. I'm not sure if they were stand-ins or stunt guys, or what.

Boring and Argumentative

This probably is not the best week to get a good impression of EN based on the articles that have come out. First we have yesterday's LA Times article with a brief mention of EN and Ratner fighting on the set of Red Dragon. Today, another brief mention, but this time on the set of Choke: " Make no mistake; this is not Fight Club. [Fight Club author Chuck] Palahniuk says the production feels 'entirely different' and that Gregg and Rockwell are getting along much better than that film's director and star (David Fincher and Edward Norton)". Still another article today, this one with the heading : Edward Norton Teaches Matt Damon To Be Boring. The article is actually not as bad as the title. Starpulse never mentions where the info comes from, but based on experience with this source, Damon probably made this offhand comment during a TV appearance while promoting The Bourne Ultimatum

Matt Damon has taken boring lessons from actor pal Edward Norton in a bid to ward off the paparazzi. Norton convinced Damon that he keeps his face from the pages of newspapers and magazines, by leading a dull life.

Damon, 36, reveals, "Edward Norton taught me that as long as you don't do anything they can't get another picture. They can keep taking the same picture, but they can't sell that picture."

Another not-so-happy article came out today courtesy of Cinematical with comments from Zak Penn (the former screenwriter of the Incredible Hulk). "Anyway, though Zak's contract does not allow him to say one thing about the film (with the exception of what has already been said), he did confirm that Edward Norton is now writing The Incredible Hulk. Exact words: 'I was writing it, now Edward is.'" I had not been too ecstatic about Penn ever since I read the comment of Penn referring to EN as "El Norte", but there was one thing in the Cinematical article that did bother me: "Even more bizarre is that Penn's name has been completely erased from IMDb as having anything to do with the film ... ever." I don't think that anyone deserves that fate.

I would advise EN that he may want to get a little positive press out there, like talking about his Solar Neighbors Program.

mention in LA Times article

There is an article on director Brett Ratner in today's LA Times with a mention of EN. " Getting along with actors is one of Ratner's gifts: He and Edward Norton initially fought constantly on "Red Dragon"; now they are close friends."

Toronto Casting Call

The following is a bonafide posting and has been authorized by the background casting for both films.

Splash Promotional Staff is an established background agency and we work with the top background casting directors in the city. We provide opportunities for Talent to work on the biggest major motion pictures as well as tv shows filmed here in Toronto.

We are registering people at our office(Yonge/Queen)in the upcoming weeks

IMPORTANT: We abide with craigslist guidelines for posting in the TV category we do NOT have fees to register with our agency. We do not sell courses or photos and we do not have monthly costs or renewal costs.

We are currently offering free registration to people who meet the criteria below for the following Feature Films. Those selected to register with our agency will be promoted to background casting for a chance to work as “EXTRAS” in the following Feature Films.

The Incredible Hulk MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

ATHLETIC MALES (Military roles)
Between 18-30 years
Must be 5’10 and taller
Size 42 jacket or larger

Must have short hair or be willing to have a military cut by the production

FEMALES (Military Roles)
Between 18-30 years
Must be between 5’7 and 5’10
Must have hair without noticeable highlights or multiple layers

Flash of Genius MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

MALES
18 years and older
All sizes
Must have shaggy hair that covers ears and forehead (longer hair past neck must be willing to get it cut into a shaggy style cut)

FEMALES
18 years and older
All sizes
Must have chin to shoulder length hair that is NOT layered and does NOT have noticeable highlights or streaks.

NOTE: AS HAIR STYLE IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT FOR THESE MOVIES IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU SEND A PHOTO WITH YOUR CURRENT HAIR STYLE.

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE APPLICATION PROCEDURES. You must answer all of the questions. APPLICATIONS WHICH DO NOT ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS WILL BE DELETED.(sorry)

Rates of compensation for Extras "background performers" are regulated by ACTRA are standardized for all Union television shows and major motion pictures filmed in Toronto.

Requirements to Apply for FREE REGISTRATION:

1) Must be unrepresented for background (no other agencies)unless you are ACTRA

2) Must have a minimum of 3 full days free DURING THE WEEK Monday through Friday (filming occurs around the clock)

3) Must be legally entitled to work in Canada and have a SIN#

4) Must have voicemail

5) Must own a vehicle or be located on an all night TTC route

6) Must be 18 years or older (proof of age will be required)

To Apply please email us:

1) A photo taken in the last few weeks showing your current hair style

2) Your height and men’s jacket size(we require this in order to consider whether we would like to promote you for The Incredible Hulk)

3) Your first and last name

4) Your telephone number

5) The days of the week you have available

APPLICATIONS WHICH ARE MISSING ANY OF THE ABOVE WILL BE DELETED.

Look forward to your application, selected individuals will be contacted by telephone and invited to register with us at our offices at Yonge/Queen in the next few weeks.

NO TELEPHONE CALLS. WE AUTOMATICALLY REJECT APPLICATIONS OF THOSE WHO TELEPHONE US.

If you don't get an invite to join right away, we may be calling you sometime throughout the year for a role in the future.

Thanks for your interest!!!

We look forward to hearing from you!!!

Cheers!

Splash Promotional Staff

Go get ‘em tigers!

Joshua S Hill

8/6/2007

Source: Craigslist

First articles on Comic Con

The first articles of EN's appearance at Comic Con have been posted. EN has written the script. Here they are: Comic Book Resources, /Film, CHUD. Plus Mary Beth found one at FirstShowing.net

Just an aside, I remember reading an Tribeca Fest Interview with screenwriter Zak Penn (who wrote the earlier draft) where he actually said to a reporter "Edward Norton, or 'El Norte' as we call him..." and thinking, "You seriously call a respected actor you barely know this stupid nickname to his face? Pretty clueless!"

This Week in Baseball, new Hulk cast

This Week in Baseball will focus on "newest Hall of Fame inductees: Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn" and will include an interview with EN. "Norton is a huge Orioles fan and, of course, an admirer of Ripken. The actor will discuss why Ripken is so special in his eyes, and TWIB will show video from when Norton took batting practice with the O's star in 2001." This This Week in Baseball will air on Saturday. Check your local listings for times and channels [Thanks so much to Robin for the info!!!].

EN will be addressing a different sort of fan also on Sat when he attends the San Diego Comic Con to talk about the Hulk. Hopefully, we should be getting articles about his comments in the upcoming days. Two new cast members added to Hulk are Tim Blake Nelson (yea!) and Christina Cabot.

Hulk really goes green

Today's Variety has an article on the Environmental Media Association working with Incredible Hulk filmmakers.

Edward Norton told me he wants 'The Incredible Hulk' to be 'the greenest movie ever,' " says EMA president Debbie Levin. "So we've been working with (producer) Gale Anne Hurd and her team, just trying to see what we can do to push the envelope a little bit to make everything more eco-friendly."

The coaches will advise on myriad aspects of production - recommending purchases, suggesting ways to green the sets and, perhaps most tricky of all, helping producers navigate the fraught byways of carbon-offsetting.

Comic Con

Just announced! EN will be present at the San Diego Comic Con on Saturday, July 28. From SuperHeroHype.com

4:15-5:00 Universal Pictures—Universal Pictures' presentation features a cast and filmmaker panel from one of its most exciting titles for 2008: Marvel's new take on cherished superhero icon The Incredible Hulk. In person: stars Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, and William Hurt; director Louis Leterrier; and producers Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd, and Kevin Feige. Hall H

Hulk extras

The Belleville Intelligencer had an interesting article on an open casting call for Incredible Hulk The article also mentioned that filming in that area will take place on July 26 and 27. Hollywood hopefuls line up for The Hulk

High Line

Ecorazzi.com reports that EN, Steve Carell, and Aaron Eckhart attended the Friends of the High Line Summer Benefit on Wednesday night.

Hulk poster

JoBlo.com has posted the first promotional poster for Incredible Hulk.

NY Times

Monday's New York Times has an article on the new chairman of Marvel Studios David Maisel, and leads off with a little bit about EN

This month David Maisel, the newly minted chairman of Marvel Studios, was discussing plot points in his Beverly Hills office with Edward Norton, the Academy Award-nominated actor whom he has cast as the star of a new version of “The Incredible Hulk.”

“It’s a nice environment,” Mr. Maisel said the next day, in an interview in that same office. “Some guys in their 30s sitting around and talking about a script, planning the movie. Edward is so into the Hulk.”

It's a good thing for Maisel that "Edward is so into the Hulk" since if the film has a good opening weekend, he's probably the guy whose going to try to talk EN into a sequel before noontime on Monday. Marvel Wants to Flex Its Own Heroic Muscles as a Moviemaker

Interview

The Manchester Evening News has a new interview with EN. INTERVIEW: Edward Norton

Signature Theatre

EN was in NYC at a Signature Theatre press conference where it was announced that all seats will be $20 for the next 4 years. Below is a quote of EN talking about Artistic Director James Houghton from an article on Backstage.com [Thanks to Robin for the article!!!]

"Jim is really confronting that question of…'Who are we doing this for?' " said Norton, a member of the Signature board of trustees. "Are we doing this only for rich white audiences? Are we doing this for only the people who can afford Broadway?… People talk a lot about keeping the theatre vital, but that is the kind of thinking that keeps theatre vital. It makes sure that people sit in those seats who might not be able to [otherwise]."

The New York Times also has an article on this announcement and features a picture of EN, Houghton; playwrights Edward Albee, Charles Mee, and Tony Kushner; director Ruben Santiago-Hudson and actress Daphne Rubin-Vega

More photos form the event can be found on BroadwayWorld.com

How is Signature able to offer such low prices? EN made some phone calls to corporate sponsors and talked them into underwriting the $20 tickets. "'Edward made the first phone call to our office,' TimeWarner's Dan Osheyack revealed yesterday - and, turning to look at the lanky star, he added, 'No one believed it was you!'" NY Post: Signature $avings from Norton

EN is on the Board of Trustees at the Signature Theatre. He performed in Edward Albee's "Fragments" and won an Obie award for his performance in the Signature production of Lanford Wilson's "Burn This."

Hulk casting, EN R&R

Today's Hollywood Reporter announced that William Hurt has joined the cast of Incredible Hulk as General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. Hurt hurtling to 'Hulk' cast

With filming starting soon, the German version of In Touch magazine got a pic of EN taking in some vacation time surfing on Oahu on May 28th. I've posted it on the home page [Thanks so much to Irene for the pic!!!]

Hulk end date

Canada.com has an article on films coming to shoot in Canada. In it, they speak briefly about the Hulk and mention that it will be filming until Oct 24.

Hulk synopsis

Comics Continuum has posted a Hulk synopsis that was released by Universal Pictures

"The explosive, action-packed adventure in one of the all-time most popular superhero sagas unfolds with a cure in reach for the world's most primal force of fury: The Incredible Hulk. We find scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) living in shadows, scouring the planet for an antidote. But the warmongers who dream of abusing his powers won't leave him alone, nor will his need to be with the only woman he has ever loved, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler).

"Upon returning to civilization, our brilliant doctor is ruthlessly pursued by The Abomination (Tim Roth) -- a nightmarish beast of pure adrenaline and aggression whose powers match The Hulk's own. A fight of comic-book proportions ensues as Banner must call upon the hero within to rescue New York City from total destruction. And on June 13, 2008, one scientist must make an agonizing final choice -- accept a peaceful life as Bruce Banner or the creature he could permanently become: The Incredible Hulk."

But there is no cure for another set of the horribly afflicted. Forced to use their liberal arts college educations to come up with convoluted hyperbolic phrases to ensure that each of the film's characters seem one-dimensional (and thus defeating the purpose of hiring versatile actors), this lonely band of wretches toil at their desks, desperately racing against time to get out the press release before the Memorial Day Weekend. They were victorious, and earned the right to call themselves members of the Universal Pictures PR Department

More Hulk casting

Variety.com reports that Tim Roth will play The Abomination in Incredible Hulk. This is not the first time that EN and Roth have worked together. In Everyone Says I Love You, they both competed for the attention of Drew Barrymore.

Hulk casting

Liv Tyler has signed on to play Betty Ross, Banner's love interest Comingsoon.net [Thanks to Hugh for the news!!!].