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Studio intervention is a recurring issue on uncountable Hollywood projects. We have seen one of its most popular examples in theJosstice Leagueand the failure of the DCEU. Meddling with the vision of the director is a very bad move in most cases.
Edward Norton also faced a similar situation with hisKingdom of Heavenwhich later turned out to be one of his most regretted projects. The Ridley Scott movie was forced by the studio to cut its runtime and it turned out to be devastating.
After being seen in some of the most renowned movies likeFight ClubandThe Incredible Hulk,Edward Norton played the role of the masked King Baldwin IV inKingdom of Heaven.
He was kept uncredited from all the trailers and posters as the actor wanted the audience to stay in suspense. However, the collaboration with Ridley Scott went wrong due to all the odd reasons.
Also Read:“It would have spoiled it”: Like Matt Damon, Edward Norton Chose to Remain Uncredited for His Role in a Movie He Has Never Watched
Edward Norton blamed the studio for theKingdom of Heaven
When theKingdom of Heavenwas originally released in 2005, it was an extremely disappointing feature from the man who helmed projects likeGladiatorandAlien.But later, the release of a director’s cut proved that the failure was largely a result of studio intervention.
Even thoughEdward Nortondidn’t watch the director’s cut, he agreed that the script was wonderful, and he felt bad for Ridley Scott and writer William Monahan when the movie failed.
During an interview withThe Guardian, Norton admitted that the film would have worked far better as a three-hour feature and called it out as the worst decision by the studio.
“It was a really wonderful script, and it should have been a three-hour film. It was one of those classic Hollywood dynamics where someone else’s film comes out at three hours long and fails, so that means that yours can’t be three hours long either. It was all the worst kind of corporate decision-making.”
Ridley Scott also alleged that the heavy editing affected the movie in every aspect and it resulted in a disappointment at the domestic box office. The director also blamed the domestic failure on equally bad advertising. However, it did a pleasant overseas collection and ended up with $218 million against a budget of $130 million.
Also Read:“That is kind of a privilege”: Marvel Star Edward Norton Hates Method Acting for One Reason Despite His Infamous Control-Freak Nature
How was Edward Norton cast in the movie?
TheKingdom of Heavenconsists of an ensemble cast including Orlando Bloom, Edward Norton, Eva Green, Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, and many others. Norton added that initially he was not involved as deeply with the project. TheAmerican History Xactor got attached to the project as his company wanted to make a movie with Ridley Scott for a long time.
Edward Norton also had some prior commitments due to which the actor didn’t want to associate with the project initially. But he was intrigued by the character in the mask and asked the director about it. Upon knowing that the role would not take much of his time, and out of curiosity, the actor took the role of King Baldwin IV.
“I asked who was playing the guy in the mask. And he said he was just going to get a guy who could do a voice like James Mason’s. And I said I could do a pretty good James Mason. And when he said it would only take two weeks, I just had this thing in my head: I just wanted to see someone make a movie on that scale.”
Also Read:“This ain’t gonna work”: Matt Damon Made a Life Changing Decision With Ben Affleck After Edward Norton Schooled Him in an Audition For an Oscar Worthy Role
The Academy-Award-nominated actor couldn’t stop praising the director and stated that he knew the art of making grand-scale movies. Ridley Scott is all set to release hisNapoleonstarring Joaquin Phoenix this year andGladiator 2with Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington which will be released in November 2024.
Kingdom of Heavencan be rented on Apple TV+.
Source:The Guardian
Subham Mandal
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1461
Subham Mandal is currently working as a content writer for FandomWire with an ardent interest in the world of pop culture. He has written more than 1000 articles on different spheres of modern pop culture and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He’s also an experienced student journalist having demonstrated work experience with the Times of India. He aspires to be a column writer in the future.
