Hulk

Marvel Studios /

"The Incredible Hulk" (2008)

The character: Mild-mannered scientist Bruce Banner, who turns into the eponymous muscle-bound, green-hued monster in Marvel's new $150-million adaptation of its beloved comic book character.

Stickler for details: During the last four months, Norton and director Louis Leterrier lobbied for a longer, nuanced film with more in-depth exposition while the studio has stood firm, insisting on traditional slam-bang, action-movie pacing and ultimately refusing Norton the power of final cut.

Back story: The actor-writer hasn't done much to promote "Hulk" outside of issuing a terse 257-word statement to Entertainment Weekly. It recasts the so-called "dispute" between Marvel/Universal and himself and Leterrier as a media misrepresentation that's really a "collaboration" in which the principal parties have simply agreed to disagree. Thanks for clarifying, Ed.