10 Actors Who Got Kicked Out Of Their Own Movie Franchises

It was easy to be enthusiastic about Edward Norton's casting as Bruce Banner for 2008's The Incredible Hulk, which effectively rebooted the character for inclusion in Marvel Studios' burgeoning Marvel Cinematic Universe.

With an excellent actor noted for his commitment to roles playing one of the most iconic superheroes of all time in a huge-budget movie, what could possibly go wrong?

Though Norton ultimately received praise for his performance as Banner, much has been said of his heavy creative involvement in the end product, as reportedly frustrated both original writer Zak Penn and the film's producers.

Despite Norton being contracted for sequels and The Avengers crossover film, producer Kevin Feige ultimately opted not to bring Norton back, with a statement citing "the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members." Ouch.

Norton meanwhile claims he opted not to come back because he "wanted more diversity" in his career, and by summer 2010, Mark Ruffalo had been officially cast as his replacement.

Ruffalo subsequently received rave reviews for his performance as Banner in The Avengers, and has since reprised the role four times in a starring capacity.

Though The Hulk hasn't received his own solo movie since the 2008 film, there's no denying that the big green guy remains a core component of the MCU, and so had Norton been a little keener to play ball, it could've become his defining role.