1. Edward Norton - The Avengers
Edward Norton is a notoriously difficult actor. He butted heads with American History X director Tony Kaye over the way he was editing the film and essentially cut the final version himself. He clashed with director Brett Ratner during the making of Red Dragon. He made it crystal clear that his participation in 2003's The Italian Job was purely the result of a contractual obligation to Paramount Pictures. So there is very little surprise that Norton clashed with Marvel Studios over 2008's The Incredible Hulk. When Norton signed on to play the title character, he also managed a deal to rewrite the script. Because Norton submitted his script with only two months before shooting was set to begin and he couldn't include any major changes, Nortons rewrite included mostly dialogue and character motivation for Bruce Bannerin other words, more Norton! When director Louis Leterrier cut all the footage together, Marvel was not pleased and insisted on a shorter, more action-oriented version. Norton, of course, was not happy. A feud of epic proportions ensued between Norton and Marvel, as Norton expected the studio to bow down to the considerable creative control he had been granted. Marvel, however, wanted the most commercially viable version of the film to be released. Eventually, Norton relented to Marvels cut of the film. The film wound up beingOK. Norton had intended to reprise the role of Banner in The Avengers and had even met with director Joss Whedon. Marvel, however, preemptively fired Norton to avoid similar drama on The Avengers, the studios flagship film that the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe had been building toward. Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige stated that the decision was "not 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." Nortons agent fired back, calling the statement purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint in a negative light. In the end, audiences wound up with a fantastic Avengers film and most were more than pleased with Mark Ruffalo in the role of Banner/Hulk. Still, can you imagine the off-screen battles between Norton and Robert Downey Jr. over who would get more screen time?