After weeks of silence over a reported "feud" between Marvel Studios and Edward Norton over the final cut of the upcoming release of The Incredible Hulk, Entertainment Weekly published a response from Norton, citing that arguments arise all the time between studios and creative talent and the only reason this one turned into anything was because it was made public.

Although I rather think the argument should have been over whether or not it was even a good idea to make another Hulk movie after the disastrous box office showing of Ang Lee's 2003 incarnation Hulk, the studio and the star came to blows over Marvel's two-hour commercial cut and a longer more meditative cut favored by Norton. After news broke that there was a difference of opinion on the film, both sides stopped talking to each other full-stop.

The actor, who has built up a bit of a reputation as being difficult to work with after starring in American History X, a Tony Kaye directed flick in which it was reported that the director took so long cutting the film that Norton took matters into his own hands and cut a version himself, commented "Every good movie gets forged through collaboration, and different ideas among people who are all committed and respect the validity of each other's opinions is the heart of filmmaking. Regrettably, our healthy process, which is and should be a private matter, was misrepresented publicly as a 'dispute,' seized on by people looking for a good story, and has been distorted to such a degree that it risks distracting from the film itself, which Marvel, Universal and I refuse to let happen." Which, I'm sorry, but it's a little too late for that, Edward.

Being that nearly every reaction to hearing about this summer's release is "Wait, they're making another one? Why?" Norton should be out talking up the film instead of first taking his toys and going home and then instead of just jumping back in the game, following it up with a dissertation on why he took his toys and went home. Studios take note: Don't make Edward Norton angry. You wouldn't like him when he's angry.

Tags: edward norton, entertainment weekly, marel studios, the incredible hulk