Norton's rep fires back after studio implies actor doesn't have the necessary 'creativity and collaborative spirit.'By Josh Wigler Ed Norton in "The Incredible Hulk" Photo: Universal Pictures When "The Avengers" assemble in theaters everywhere in 2012, the rapidly growing superhero franchise will be minus one major player: Edward Norton will not be reprising his role as Bruce Banner, better known by mainstream moviegoers as Hulk. In response to a rumor that Norton has not been invited to reprise his role as Banner in "The Avengers," Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige released a statement to HitFix to confirm the news that the superhero team-up flick will move on without Norton's participation. "We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in 'The Avengers,' " Feige said.