ANT-MAN Thread v.2 (Dragonlord's Review)

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: July 14, 2015

Dragonlord's Review of ANT-MAN (No Spoilers)

Bottom Line: Wagering on an unorthodox main character most people have never even heard of, Marvel Studios' gamble pays off by transforming Ant-Man into a fun heist action flick.

Marvel's Ant-Man had a lot of going against it. Second only to Guardians of the Galaxy, this was Marvel's riskiest venture yet. Most moviegoers don't know who Ant-Man is, let alone his alter ego Scott Lang, and most thinks his powers (shrinking and controlling ants) are stupid. And when fan-favorite director Edgar Wright left the project, nearly everyone was predicting the film would now suck.

Cut to the present, and although it doesn't reach the same heights as past Marvel Studios origin films, Ant-Man is entertaining, and unlike other superhero movies before, it's also a fun heist film. Director Peyton Reed does a commendable job of filling in for Wright, giving the film a playful tone that amiably balances the vintage sci-fi, superhero action and caper aspects of the film. Despite no longer involved with the film, Wright's presence still looms with its quick, whiz-bang edit cuts, irreverent humor and rebellious overtone.

Loosely based on the "To Steal an Ant-Man" story in Marvel Premiere #47, Paul Rudd stars as Scott Lang, a reformed burglar chosen by genius inventor Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to steal a dangerous tech from falling into the wrong hands. The charming performances by Rudd and Douglas enhances the film, as well as the terrific chemistry of their mentor-protege relationship. They also did an amazing job de-aging Douglas in the 1989 setting prologue.

Corey Stoll as Darren Cross was a pretty good villain with just the right amount of savviness, instability and ruthlessness. Evangeline Lilly was acceptable as Hope Van Dyne, Hank Pym's feisty daughter, who may have a future in the MCU. Though a lot of people will probably find his scenes funny, Michael Pena's schtick was merely amusing to me. David Dastmalchian and T.I. were unnecessary comic relief characters. The humor doesn't always work and at times felt cheap, like when Scott interrupts a 'healing moment.'

The action scenes involving Ant-Man were pretty cool with the constant motion and shift in size perspective. The training montage was also enjoyable. The different type of ants were adorable and as much a part of the cast as the human characters. One of the best moments was a pre-heist that leads to a brief but memorable meeting with an Avenger. The film did an outstanding job of showcasing Ant-Man's powers and abilities, and hopefully enlightening doubters that the character is a bad-ass in his own little way.

Despite Ant-Man being a standalone movie, I love the fact that it's fully immersed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with established characters popping up and references to other events and characters, but done in a natural manner. This film is also the first time Spider-Man is somewhat mentioned.

Regardless if it was entertaining, the film could have been better. Under the guidance of a slick director, say Matthew Vaughn, the movie could have transcended the material. The actual heist was fun but could have elaborated how tough the security was. They also missed a great opportunity to utilize the cop Paxton (Bobby Cannavale) as a foil to the heroes during the planning stages to heighten the tension in the actual heist.

Wagering on an unorthodox main character most people have never even heard of, Marvel Studios' gamble pays off by transforming Ant-Man into a fun heist action flick even though it never quite soars compared to its brethrens' origin films. Lastly, watch out for the two post-credit scenes, one at the middle and one at the very end.

RATING: 7.5/10

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: February 7, 2016

Ant-Man Battles The Hulk in Coke Super Bowl Commercial

Earlier this week, Coca-Cola and Marvel teased a team-up during the Super Bowl by sending out mini-cans of Coke branded with different members of the Avengers. Both sides promised not to reveal the contents of the commercial until it aired during the Super Bowl. Now that it’s aired we know that the biggest and littlest Avengers — Hulk and Ant-Man — are doing battle over the last can of Coke.

The commercial starts inside Dr. Bruce Banner’s lab where a shrunken Ant-Man runs off with the last Coke from the office fridge. Banner is not happy and and goes busting out of the building in Hulk form, chasing after Ant-Man throughout the streets trying to get his soda back. When he finally catches up to him, Hulk has such giant hands, he can’t open the can and his Avengers counterpart has to help out.

The commercial was advertising Coke’s new mini-cans, for people who don’t want to drink a full 12 ounces. While neither Mark Ruffalo nor Paul Rudd appear in the ad, it does sound like Rudd at least provided the voiceover for his character.



It’s Hulk vs. Ant-Man in the Hilarious Coke Super Bowl Commercial
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Update: October 28, 2015

ANT-MAN Crosses $500 Million Worldwide Thanks to China

Disney/Marvel’s incredibly shrinking superhero is getting a whole lot bigger. Off of a fantastic run in China where the cume is $86.4 million after 12 days, Ant-Man will pass the $500 million worldwide box office mark today. The total as of close of business yesterday were $179 million domestic and $319.5 million international for a global $498.5 million. Ant-Man is the fourth Disney release of 2015 to cross the $500 million mark in a record-setting year for the studio.

Ant-Man is the 7th consecutive and 9th overall Marvel Cinematic Universe film to reach the $500M threshold. The film debuted No. 1 in the U.S. with $57.2M on July 17. At its China opening, it was the 2nd biggest three-day weekend for a Disney or Marvel release in the territory. China is the film’s top foreign market, followed by the UK, Korea, Mexico and France.

Marvel's Ant-Man Crossing $500M Global Box Office As China Provides Extra Legs
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Update: October 21, 2015

Peyton Reed Returning to Direct ANT-MAN AND THE WASP

Marvel Studios is getting busy with its deal-making. Less than two weeks after dating a slew of movies including an Ant-Man sequel for 2018, the studio is in negotiations with Peyton Reed to return as director of Ant-Man and the Wasp.

It marks one of the first deals surrounding Marvel's recently dated movies. In addition to Ant-Man and the Wasp, those films include Black Panther -- which moved up from July 6, 2018, to a Feb. 16, 2018 -- and Captain Marvel, which was pushed out from Nov. 2, 2018, to March 8, 2019. The studio also scheduled three untitled movies for 2020.

It wasn't immediately clear that a sequel to the tentpole about the world's smallest hero, played by Paul Rudd, would be part of Phase 3, but the movie and the character proved quite popular. The character will be seen next in 2016's Captain America: Civil War.

Domestically, Ant-Man took in $178 million to become one of the top 10 movies of the year, and it also did solid business overseas. And, in a big heap of icing on the cake, Ant-Man made a huge showing in China over the weekend, earning $43.2 million for an updated worldwide total of $455 million.

Director Peyton Reed in Negotiations to Return for Ant-Man and the Wasp (Exclusive)

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: October 8, 2015

Ant-Man Sequel ANT-MAN AND THE WASP Announced for 2018

Press Release: Now that Phase 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has officially reached its conclusion with the release of Marvel’s Ant-Man, we have new details on what to expect in Phase 3!

Following our hero’s debut adventure in this summer’s Ant-Man, Scott Lang will return alongside Hope Van Dyne on July 6, 2018 with Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp. The sequel will mark the first Marvel Studios film named after its heroine.

Additionally, Ant-Man’'s second adventure will lead to a couple of other films shifting their dates, with Marvel’s Black Panther moving up to February 16, 2018 and Marvel’s Captain Marvel landing on March 8, 2019.

Finally, three untitled Marvel Studios films will premiere on May 1, 2020, July 10, 2020, and November 6, 2020.

The announcement of Ant-Man and the Wasp follows the success of Ant-Man, which has earned $178.5M domestically and $231.3M internationally for a global total of $409.8M. It's the #9 film of the year domestically, and opens in its final international market, China, on October 16.

'Ant-Man and the Wasp' Announced for July 2018; Marvel's Phase 3 and 4 Updates
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Update: July 26, 2015

ANT-MAN Outsizes Competition, Remains No. 1 for 2nd Week

Paul Rudd's Ant-Man narrowly beat Adam Sandler's new action-comedy, Pixels, at the North American box office in another blow for Sandler, whose standing at the multiplex has been on the wane.

In its second weekend, Ant-Man grossed an estimated $24.8 million from 3,868 theaters for a 10-day domestic cume of $106.1 million and global haul of $226.5 million for Disney and Marvel Studios. Both films, along with Minions, competed for family love in North America.

Pixels debuted to an estimated $24 million from 3,723 theaters, not a good start for a summer tentpole that cost Sony and its financing partners at least $88 million to produce after rebates. The movie hopes to make up ground overseas, but is off to a muted start with $25.5 million to date from 56 markets for a global total of $50.4 million.

Box Office Report: 'Ant-Man' No. 1 for 2nd Week; 'Pixels' and 'Paper Towns' Stall
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Update: July 22, 2015

GAME OF THRONES Author George R.R. Martin Loves ANT-MAN

George R.R. Martin: "I saw ANT-MAN last night at the Violet Crown down the street from the Cocteau, and loved it. I had a lot of trepidation when this movie was announced. Would they do it right, would they capture the original Ant-Man from TALES TO ASTONISH and AVENGERS #1, the character I'd loved... or would they fuck it up?? I was eager for the film, but apprehensive about it as well, especially when I heard it would be about Scott Lang, not Hank Pym.

I am relieved and delighted to report that they did it right.

ANT-MAN has a proper balance of story, character, humor, and action, I think. A couple reviewers are calling it the best Marvel movie ever. I won't go that far, but it's right up there, maybe second only to the second Sam Raimi/ Tobey McGuire Spider-Man film, the one with Doc Ock. I've liked most of the Marvel movies, to be sure, I'm still a Marvel fanboy at heart (Excelsior!). Overall, I had a swell time. For a few hours I was thirteen years old again.

Click HERE to read George R.R. Martin's full review of Ant-Man.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: July 22, 2015

Alternate Opening and Ending Scenes for ANT-MAN Revealed

As director Peyton Reed tells Cinema Blend, the original opening would have added another flashback to the film, one that followed a young Hank Pym on an early Ant-Man mission.

"It was basically a standalone sequence where you really did not see it was Hank Pym. He was retrieving some microfilm from this, originally Cuban general and then it because a Panamanian general. It really was designed in those early drafts to be almost like a Bond movie standalone scene in the beginning. It was going to show the powers. You never saw Ant-Man, it almost felt like an Invisible Man sequence, and it's really, really cool."

"It started to feel tonally disconnected from the movie we were making and story-wise, and it also kind of like, it set a standalone adventure, but it didn't just connect to the rest of our story."

There is some hope though. Reed says there was discussion at one point about releasing the scene as part of a standalone Hank Pym adventure. Sounds like it could make for a fun Marvel One-Shot on the Ant-Man Blu-ray, if Marvel decides to go that route.

Reed also revealed that the original plan for the ending involved Martin Donovan's Mitchell Carson. "At the end of the movie he gets away and has these Cross particles, and there was a sequence where Ant-Man has an encounter with him," Reed explained. "But then for a couple reasons, it felt like maybe we should leave those particles out there. In that original thing, he took Martin Donovan out and got the particles."

Director Peyton Reed Reveals Alternate Opening and Ending Scenes for 'ANT-MAN'
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Update: July 19, 2015

ANT-MAN No. 1 With $57.2 Million; 2nd Lowest Marvel Studios' Debut

The North American box office was a mixed bag this weekend. While Amy Schumer's female-fueled R-rated comedy Trainwreck overperformed, Disney and Marvel's Ant-Man came in somewhat behind expectations with $57.2 million. While that's certainly not a shabby number, it marks the second-lowest debut for Marvel Studios since it went solo and launched its cinematic universe, beginning with Iron Man ($98.6 million) in May 2008. Only The Incredible Hulk opened lower ($55.4 million).

The opposite was true overseas, where Ant-Man earned $56.4 million from its first 37 markets, well ahead of the first Captain America and Thor. That puts Ant-Man's global bow at $114.4 million.

Costing $130 million to produce, Ant-Man easily claimed the top spot in North America ahead of holdover Minions, which took in $50.2 million in its second weekend for a domestic total of $216.7 million. Ant-Man, earning a promising A CinemaScore, is by the far the most comedic and family-friendly superhero film to to hit the big screen, vying with Illumination Entertainment and Universal's Minions for family love (indeed, Minions fell a hefty 57 percent).

Heading into the weekend, Ant-Man was expected to debut to $60 million-$65 million. As a way of comparison, the first Thor and Captain America installments both opened to roughly $65 million as Marvel went about launching new franchises featuring lesser-known superheroes. And last summer, Guardians of the Galaxy stunned in launching to $94.3 million domestically.

Box Office: 'Ant-Man' No. 1 With $57.2 Million; 'Trainwreck' Laughs to $30.2 Million
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Update: July 1, 2015

James Gunn Praises ANT-MAN, Calls the Film a Complete Blast

Director James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) wrote on Facebook: "Ant-Man may just be my favorite Marvel film since Jon Favreau's Iron Man (well, maybe excluding one film to which I'm partial). Honestly, the movie is a complete blast!

I was so happy after seeing it. It's never boring for a second and it's hilarious and warm throughout. It doesn't get caught up in the webbing of its own science-fiction concept like so many movies do these days, remaining simple and elegant. It's a part of the Marvel universe without being ruled by that fact.

Paul Rudd is nuanced and charming and funny and is a surprisingly natural fit as a modern superhero (side-fact - Paul must be a nice guy, because he and I dated the same girl in college, and yet I still love him). Michael Peña KILLS IT - this movie is going to make him a huge star. My old pal Judy Greer (she was Deadly Girl to my Minute Man in The Specials (film) many moons ago) is great in a small role. And Michael Douglas is awesome.

I think all of Peyton Reed's years directing have led him to making something as deft and nimble and joyous as this; he did an incredible job. And, despite Edgar Wright's parting from Marvel, his spirit is felt through the entire project, and there is no doubt everyone owes him a huge debt of gratitude. I left the theater incredibly happy. So often I see movies by people I love which are just okay - it's great to love a movie as much as I love the people who made it.

Congrats to the the whole Ant-Man team. Amazing work, guys! And, for the 99.99% of the people reading this who aren't part of the Ant-Man team, go check it out when it hits theaters (in a lot of places) July 17.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: April, 13 2015

Full Trailer for Marvel's ANT-MAN Packs a Tiny But Powerful Punch

Marvel Studios has released a new full-length trailer for its other big release of summer 2015, Ant-Man. Paul Rudd stars as Scott Lang, who's recruited by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to become the Ant-Man.

This trailer seems like a vast improvement over the first Ant-Man trailer. At least there's a much better sense of tone. Rudd's dry humor shines through without undermining the more serious superhero stuff, and Evangeline Lilly and Corey Stoll get some fun moments as HopeVan Dyne and Darren Cross. Plus, there's a cheeky little moment there at the end, where the dastardly Yellowjacket is almost taken out by a toy train. Thomas the Tank Engine never looked so menacing.

Some had doubts about the box-office potential of Guardians of the Galaxy, but it went on to become one of the highest-grossing movies of 2014. The movie was supposed to be directed by fan-favorite Edgar Wright, but Wright dropped out right before production started due to creative differences. Journeyman director Peyton Reed stepped in to deliver what Marvel hopes will be another breakout hit for the studio. Ant-Man opens July 17, 2015.



New Ant-Man Trailer: Paul Rudd Is the Ultimate Secret Weapon
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Update: March 20, 2015

Bobby Cannavale Reveals Details About His Character in ANT-MAN

Several weeks ago, Blue Jasmine and Boardwalk Empire actor Bobby Cannavale revealed that he would be playing someone new in Marvel's Ant-Man, and would only say that he shared a lot of scenes with Judy Greer and his real-life buddy Paul Rudd. But now we have some more details about his role.

"Judy Greer is in it and she plays my wife," Cannavale divulged in an Esquire interview. Greer is playing Scott Lang's (Rudd) ex-wife. That should lead to some awkward dialogue between Cannavale and Rudd, who have "a lot of scenes together."

The character was included in the original Ant-Man script that was written by Edgar Wright, but when he left the project Rudd and Adam McKay did some major rewrites. "They sort of pumped the part up a bit in the new version and they both called me and said, 'You've got to do this.'," Cannavale recalled.

"I have to say, the whole thing, for as big as it was, felt like an indie film," Cannavale said. "With the exception of all the blue screen and the ridiculous suit that Rudd is in. And the fact that I've got to look at something that's not there and react to something like an explosion when there's no explosion. Aside from that, the actual scenes themselves were really fun and funny and we improvised a lot. It almost felt like an Adam McKay film."

'Boardwalk Empire' Actor Bobby Cannavale Reveals His Role in Marvel's 'Ant-Man'
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Update: January 29, 2015

ANT-MAN Prelude Comic to Offer Glimpse of Hank Pym's Past

If July's release of Ant-Man seems too far away to get your fill of ant-sized superheroic antics, Marvel Entertainment has something for you. Next month sees the release of Ant-Man Prelude, a comic book prequel to the movie that reveals what the creator of the Ant-Man technology did with it before Paul Rudd came along. Ant-Man Prelude will be released in comic stores and digitally in February.

"We love to be able to explore the backstories of our main characters so we can give fans a taste of what's to come while also giving them that extra bit of insight that we sometimes aren't able to include in the final feature simply due to running time," Marvel Studios creative research director Will Corona Pilgrim told Newsarama.com. "For Ant-Man we get to have more time with Hank [Pym, as played by Michael Douglas in the movie] and his adventures wearing the suit."

Corona Pilgrim explained that the two-issue Ant-Man Prelude series, which he will write with Miguel Sepulveda illustrating, will see Pym on a field mission that pits him against a major distinguishing landmark of the Cold War: the Berlin Wall during a time when Mikhail Gorbachev was the leader of the Soviet Union. Click HERE and HERE to see the preview.

Marvel's 'Ant-Man Prelude' Comic Book to Offer a Glimpse into Hank Pym's Past
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Update: January 6, 2015

First Teaser Trailer for Marvel's ANT-MAN Starring Paul Rudd

Disney has released the first Ant-Man trailer for director Peyton Reed and Marvel Studios’ upcoming superhero film. Paul Rudd plays con-man Scott Lang, who must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), plan pull off a heist that has massive repercussions.

The teaser trailer is a bit surprising in that it’s very…somber, and somewhat lacking in charm. There are a couple of brief moments of levity, but it’s definitely a shift in tone from the first trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy. Ant-Man does look to be the most personal Marvel film yet from a character standpoint, and it’s refreshing not to see someone trying to save the entire world (yet), though given the film’s tight schedule it’s understandable that there aren’t many effects shots here. Ant-Man opens July 17th.



First Full Ant-Man Trailer Reveals the Newest Addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: December 18, 2014

Evangeline Lilly Says Hope Van Dyne Raised by 2 Superheroes

Evangeline Lilly: "She [Hope Van Dyne] is the daughter of the founders of The Avengers, Ant-Man and the Wasp. She is a very talented, intelligent, capable woman and a force to be reckoned with. [Ant-Man] is very much a heist film. It has all the fun, tension and drama of a good heist film. The heist is being masterminded by myself, my father and Scott Lang."

"I was raised by two superheroes. So, I'm a pretty screwed up human being. I am also fairly capable, strong, and kick-ass, which is wonderful to play, but the most fun to play was just how messed up she was from being raised by two superheroes. And the clear message sent by name is that I'm not a big fan of my father and so I took my mother's name."

"On Ant-Man, I took a rubber stamp from the office of Hank Pym, who's played by Michael Douglas. If something is small enough to go in my pocket and it will be neat memorabilia, it's gone."

Evangeline Lilly Shares New Intriguing Details About ANT-MAN and Hope Van Dyne
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Update: December 10, 2014

Jordi Molla Joins ANT-MAN as Castillo; New Details Revealed

Stitch Kingdom has released an updated synopsis for Marvel's Ant-Man which reveals a late addition to the cast as well as new information on some of the supporting characters in the film. First, Spanish actor Jordi Molla (Riddick) has been confirmed joining the film and is set to play the villain named Castillo. The character is said to be a variation of Cuban President Fidel Castro. Molla is best known for playing the main antagonist in Bad Boys II.

It was previously reported that actors Bobby Cannavale and Michael Peña will be playing Paxton and Luis, respectively, in the Peyton Reed-directed moive, but the new synopsis now reveals that that Tip "T.I." Harris is Dave, David Dastmalchian is Kurt, Wood Harris is Gale and Judy Greer's character is named Maggie , who the actress previously revealed will be Scott Lang's ex-wife.

Jordi Molla Joins the Cast of Marvel's Ant-Man, Set to Play a Variation of Cuban President Fidle Castro
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Update: November 2, 2014

Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter Confirmed to Be in ANT-MAN

While very little is yet known about Ant-Man, one of the more persistent rumors has been that the film would feature a flashback sequence with Howard Stark, Peggy Carter and a young Hank Pym. Well, a small part of that rumor has been confirmed today as Marvel Studios is casting a body double for Marvel's Agent Carter star Hayley Atwell to serve as a stand-in for the actress.

"Casting directors are looking for an actor to work as a stand-in for the actor Haley Atwell. Haley Attwell is 31, 5'7 and 112 pounds," says Project Casting. The candidate they're seeking should be in Atlanta, where the film is being shot. They're looking for a second stand-in as well...this one certainly not for Atwell:

"NLC is looking for a a body double….sizes are 6’2″, 225 lbs., Jacket 42R, Shirt, 16/34, Waist 34, Inseam 34, Shoe 13EE. We need you to come for a fitting at the studio in Fayetteville this afternoon or in the morning."

Casting Notice Confirms Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter to Appear in Marvel's ANT-MAN
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Update: October 6, 2014

Martin Donovan Joins the Cast of ANT-MAN in a "Pivotal Role"

Veteran TV actor Martin Donovan, known for his role on Weeds and his numerous collaborations with Hal Hartley, has been added to the cast of Marvel's Ant-Man. Peyton Reed is directing the Disney and Marvel film, which stars Paul Rudd as the movie's lead, Scott Lang. The cast also features Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll and John Slattery.

Donovan's role is being kept under wraps, but sources say it is pivotal to the story. The film, scheduled for release on July 17, 2015, centers on con man Scott Lang (Rudd), who has the ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength. He must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas), protect the secret behind his Ant-Man suit from a new generation of world-ruining threats.

Donovan, who appeared in numerous Hartley films including Trust, Simple Men and The Book of Life, will next be seen in Paul Thomas Anderson's hotly anticipated next project, Inherent Vice, starring Joaquin Phoenix. Donovan also has a busy TV career, appearing on Homeland, Hannibal, Boss and Lifetime's summer series The Lottery.

HOMELAND Actor Martin Donovan Joins the Cast of ANT-MAN in a "Pivotal Role"
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Update: August 18, 2014

ANT-MAN Begins Shooting; John Slattery and Judy Greer Join Cast

Marvel's Ant-Man has official begun production and the full cast has been revealed. In what may be the biggest casting news since Ben Affleck was announced to play Batman, Anung Un Rama's favorite actress Judy Greer (Jurassic World) has joined Ant-Man, making the film his most anticipated Marvel film of all time.

In other noteworthy news, John Slattery (Mad Men) is also on board, presumably to play Howard Stark in the 1970s, and possibly confirming Latino Review's scoop last week that a prologue scene would include the appearances of Peggy Carter, Howard Stark, Arnim Zola and Alexander Pierce.

Set for release in the United States on July 17, 2015, the film is directed by Peyton Reed (Bring it On, The Break-Up) and stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, and Michael Douglas as his mentor Dr. Hank Pym and Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne, daughter of Hank Pym.

The film also includes outstanding additional cast including Corey Stoll (House of Cards), Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire), Michael Peña (End of Watch), Abby Ryder Fortson (Togetherness), David Dastmalchian (The Dark Knight), Wood Harris (The Wire) and multi-hyphenate T.I. (American Gangster).

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: July 29, 2014

Janet Van Dyne Omission from ANT-MAN Provokes Outcry

The announcement this weekend that Evangeline Lilly would be playing a character called Hope Van Dyne in Marvel's troubled Ant-Man came as a surprise to many comic book fans that had been expecting her character to be called Janet Van Dyne - better known to most as the Wasp, founding member of the Avengers (indeed, the character who named the team), former wife to Ant-Man and Marvel Entertainment's second female hero, behind the Fantastic Four's Invisible Woman.

By contrast, Hope Van Dyne is the daughter of Hank Pym (Michael Douglas in the movie) and Janet. But where if her daughter exists in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, does that mean that Janet does, as well? Apparently not. In a recent interview, Douglas explained that the backstory of the movie includes "a tragic personal accident [that] happened with my wife." Janet, it seems, is no more.

Oddly enough, this is the second time that the Wasp has missed out on an appearance in a Marvel movie; the character was also in early drafts of Joss Whedon's Avengers screenplay, only to be removed later to focus on the already-established characters. In response to this latest perceived slight to the character, fans have launched a social media campaign directed against Marvel Studios, based around the pun-ny hashtag #JanetVanCrime.

Marvel's Omission of Janet Van Dyne from Ant-Man Movie Provokes Online Outcry
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Update: July 29, 2014

Twitter Reactions on Janet Van Dyne's Omission from ANT-MAN

- I am furious! She is a fucking founding Avenger. She is the one who thought of the name 'Avengers.'

- For a company that loooves to boast about being diverse, @Marvel seems to have no problem erasing leading women. #janetvancrime

- Marvel once again proving that though they say they want more strong female characters, they actually DON'T care about them. #JanetVanCrime

- It's seriously not that hard to add certain people to your movies. You found a voice for a rac****. You could find a Janet #JanetVanCrime

- I don't understand the reasoning for erasing Janet. Only thing it's telling us is you have reached your female quota #JanetVanCrime

- Cos including the hero who ACTUALLY NAMED THE TEAM would mean cutting down on quips from Stark? i'm sure we could survive :| #JanetVanCrime

- Janet was there before captain america. before black widow. before hawkeye. leaving her out of the MCU is a disgrace. #JanetVanCrime

- Marvel can make dozens of little post-credit scenes, but can't be bothered fitting in a founding Avenger? Fix that quickly. #JanetVanCrime

- Honestly, I am just sad. Janet is a great influence to young girls. She is a scientist, fashion designer, leader.. #JanetVanCrime

- So in the MCU they avoided dealing with Hank’s abuse towards Jan by making him KILL HER IN A LAB ACCIDENT. Uh, guys? #JanetVanCrime

- It's a #JanetVanCrime that the only founding female Avenger and the woman who named the Avengers is going to be killed off.

- Marvel not only won't give us a movie with a female lead they're killing off the first female Avenger as a plot point. #JanetVanCrime

Angry Fans' Twitter Reactions on Janet Van Dyne's Omission from ANT-MAN
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Update: July 27, 2014

Michael Douglas Reveals Janet Van Dyne's Fate in ANT-MAN

In an interview with EW, Michael Douglas let slip some very interesting details about his role in Ant-Man. As many fans suspected, his wife Janet will be in the movie, but dies in some sort of accident. It's possible that this occurred during one of their first missions fighting crime together, so could this be why Hank Pym has such a low opinion of superheroes? That's all speculation for the time being, but The Wasp will obviously have only a very minor role.

"My name is Dr. Henry Pym," Douglas said. "I'm an entomologist. I'm also a physicist and I discovered in 1963, a way, a serum to reduce a human being to the size of ant maintaining the strength. Not only that, but I was able to find a way to communicate with the ants. But unfortunately during this process, a tragic personal accident happened with my wife, my daughter, Evangeline, Hope. So I've had to pass my powers and strengths onto a mentor."

That will of course be Scott Lang (played by Paul Rudd), and Douglas had this to say about why he hires him as the new Ant-Man. "Because my partner, my partner, Corey over there, f___ked me good. Darren Cross, my partner, my mentor, my nemesis, has taken my company and taken it in a different direction. I need help, I desperately need help. I need someone who's a master thief, someone with a brilliant mind, and somebody who can pull off a really great heist."

Michael Douglas Reveals Plot Details for Janet Van Dyne and Darren Cross in ANT-MAN

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: July 25, 2014

Patrick Wilson, Matt Gerald and Kevin Weisman Exit ANT-MAN

Don't expect Patrick Wilson, Matt Gerald and Kevin Weisman to be at tomorrow's Marvel Studios Hall H presentation at Comic-Con. That trio has dropped out of the ever-morphing Ant-Man movie that has Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas and The Hobbit's Evangeline Lilly starring.

The movie has been in some state of flux after director Edgar Wright dropped out over differences in creative vision with Marvel's Kevin Feige, so not surprisingly there is speculation that the trio's exit is for the same reason that Wright departed and was replaced by Peyton Reed.

Deadline has been told by insiders that Gerald and Weisman's characters were omitted in the newly evolved version of the script. Wilson, on the other hand, had a scheduling conflict as production on the movie got delayed, and that is why he won't be there.

Patrick Wilson, Matt Gerald and Kevin Weisman Drops Out of Marvel's ANT-MAN
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Update: June 20, 2014

Yellowjacket Confirmed to Be a Villain in Marvel's ANT-MAN

Badass Digest is reporting that the main costumed villain in Peyton Reed's Ant-Man will be Yellowjacket. Comicbook.com has also confirmed the veracity of the story. In the comics, of course, Yellowjacket is one of a number of costumed identities taken on by the original Ant-Man, Hank Pym (played in the movie by Michael Douglas), but BD doesn't believe Douglas will be Yellowjacket in the film; instead, the prevailing theory is that it will be Patrick Wilson, who will apparently play William Cross.

In the comics, William Cross becomes the villain Crossfire, but word of a yellow-and-black color scheme for the villain in the upcoming film is seemingly what gave BD the idea he will become Yellowjacket. The Yellowjacket/Crossfire claims come on the heels that Corey Stoll will play the industrialist villain Darren Cross, William's brother and the film's main antagonist.

It's unlikely the Marvel Cinematic Universe will ever use the different Hank Pym identities, so why not use one of them for this movie and have it be a villain. Yellowjacket was Pym's identity when he famously beat his wife, and that iteration of Pym is pretty much the 'multiple personality disorder' version of him, so having Yellowjacket be a villain makes some sense.

Confirmed: Marvel Repurposing Superhero Name, Costume As Ant-Man Movie Villain

Comments: That's too bad it's being used by the villain since the Yellowjacket costume was always my favorite Pym costume. It just occurred to me that with this new development, they could finally do a Yellowjacket slapping Janet Van Dyne scene (or some other girl) without damaging Pym or Lang's image.

Loophole for the win!

Another good thing about Yellowjacket being a villain, aside from the possible actualization of the Wasp-slapping moment, is that there's a chance in the future we might finally get the Captain America versus Giant Man classic fight I and a few others have been clamoring for.

________________________________





Update: June 7, 2014

Peyton Reed to Direct ANT-MAN; Official Synopsis Released

When Marvel's Ant-Man hits theaters July 17, 2015, director Peyton Reed will help shepherd the hero into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a cast led by Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, with writer Adam McKay (Anchorman, The Other Guys) contributing to the film's script. The film also stars Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena, Corey Stoll and Patrick Wilson. Sources say that the single biggest thing Marvel is looking for is someone who can work with the talent already assembled.

Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Reed made his directorial debut with cheerleader comedy Bring It On. His second feature was the visually inventive 2003 musical Down with Love starring Ewan McGregor and Renee Zellweger. He went on to direct Vince Vaughn-Jennifer Aniston relationship comedy The Break-Up, which grossed more than $200 million worldwide. Reed most recently directed the Jim Carrey comedy Yes Man, which grossed $223 million worldwide.

It's Official: Peyton Reed to Direct ANT-MAN; Adam McKay to Work on Script
________________________________





Update: June 6, 2014

George R.R. Martin Outraged ANT-MAN and WASP Are Not in THE AVENGERS

The upcoming movie Ant-Man may already have a fan in George R. R. Martin, the author of the book series A Song of Ice and Fire, which the popular TV show Game of Thrones is based on. In a post on the official blog, Martin said that he has been waiting for the movie Ant-Man for a long time and he is outraged that both Ant-Man and Wasp weren't in The Avengers movie.

"So Marvel has dismissed director Edgar Wright from the long-awaited (by me, anyway) Ant-Man movie he was helming. Very distressing. I love Ant-Man (and the Wonderful Wasp). I am still outraged that they were left out of The Avengers film. They were founding members of the group, after all. Which can't be said for their replacements, Hawkeye and Black Widow."

"But hey, hey, have no fear. If you're feeling a serious lack of ant-based superheroics, the Jean Cocteau Cinema is coming to your rescue. Marvel won't be giving us Ant-Man until 2015, if ever, but this weekend the Jean Cocteau is debuting the first Danish superhero movie."

George R. R. Martin Outraged That Ant-Man and Wasp Were Not in THE AVENGERS

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: May 28, 2014

New Details Revealed on Why Edgar Wright Left ANT-MAN

After the abrupt May 23 exit of Edgar Wright from Marvel Studios' long-gestating Ant-Man movie, the studio has insisted the Paul Rudd film will be finished in time to make its July 17, 2015, release date. But while a source close to the studio says a search for a new director is underway, some observers believe Marvel president Kevin Feige will have a hard time pulling together the risky film in such a short time frame. In addition, sources say the film's key crew -- its heads of departments -- departed when it became clear production would not begin as scheduled July 28. Rudd's reps say he's still in, and a source close to the production says all key crew positions will be filled shortly.

Wright, 40, is an irreverent British filmmaker, and sources say Marvel had been unhappy with his take on Ant-Man for weeks. Originally set to begin shooting June 2, the production had been put on hiatus while Feige ordered revisions of the script that was co-written by Wright and Joe Cornish. According to sources, Wright had been willing to make revisions earlier in the process. But the new rewrites took place without Wright's input, and when he received Marvel's new version early during the week of May 19, he walked, prompting a joint statement announcing his exit "due to differences in their visions of the film."

Marvel has established itself as a reliable maker of hits. Feige essentially is the showrunner on $150 million episodes in a Marvel universe that expands in phases. The company "Marvel-izes" its projects, as a source with ties to the company puts it. That sometimes leads to clashes with filmmakers who have strong points of view. "Kevin Feige [and his top lieutenants] run Marvel with a singularity of vision, but when you take a true auteur and throw him into the mix, this is what you get," says a source. "They don't want you to speak up too much or have too much vision. People who have never worked there don't understand how they operate, but if you trust them, they have an amazing track record."

Ant-Man's tone might have been too quirky for the Marvel universe. Insiders say Marvel feels it already might have gone outside its comfort zone with August's Guardians of the Galaxy, a space adventure heavy on odd humor and featuring a talking racc00n. In 2011, Sony's similarly comic The Green Hornet with Seth Rogen failed to launch the franchise for which the studio hoped.

Kevin Feige's Ant-Man Script Revisions was the Reason Edgar Wright Why Exited Film
________________________________





Update: May 23, 2014

Edgar Wright Exits ANT-MAN Due to Marvel's Script Rewrites

It was reported a few hours ago that Edgar Wright left Marvel's Ant-Man over creative differences. What exactly were those creative differences? Well, after talking to sources all Friday afternoon and burning the midnight oil, Latino Review's El Mayimbe seems to have the scoop.

About 3 months ago, Marvel had notes. The meat of the notes were about the core morality of the piece, must include franchise characters. etc., These notes came from the big four at Marvel. Joe Cornish and Edgar Wright did two drafts to try and answer the notes without compromising their vision.

Six weeks ago Marvel took the script off them and gave the writing assignment to two very low credit writers. One of the writers were from Marvel's in house writing team. Edgar stayed cool, agreed to stay on the project, and read the draft.

The script came in this week and was completely undone. Poorer, homogenized, and not Edgar's vision. Edgar met with Marvel on Friday to formally exit and the announcement went out directly after. Edgar and Joe were upset by the sudden, out of nowhere lack of faith in them as filmmakers. Feige had always batted for them but this felt like it came from the higher ups.

Where does this leave the cast? Well, it is believed they don't have the option to walk like Edgar did. That is pretty much the gist of it.

The Inside Story On The Divorce Between Marvel & Edgar Wright Over 'Ant-Man'
________________________________





Update: April 24, 2014

Kevin Feige Explains Why Ant-Man Is Not in THE AVENGERS

As for why Hank Pym - the original creator of Ultron in the comic books - isn't in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Kevin Feige explained: "It was two things - a story Edgar wanted to tell that we'll see with Michael Douglas and Paul Rudd, and now we're 11 films in, it's looking at the characters we've already introduced who already have the technology and the brains to do...certain things [Laughs]."

He's obviously alluding to Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark there, an equally logical choice for the creator of Ultron in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As for whether Pym is the "original Tony Stark", he added, "He's certainly older. Original Tony Stark? In that he is an inventor and a scientist, but he has a very different demeanor that Tony and a very different ego, even when he was younger."

Finally, talk turned to the decision to cast Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, and Feige dropped a few very interesting hints about the Anchorman star's take on the character. "Look at that origin of the petty crook who comes into contact with a suit and does his best to make good, and then look at someone like Paul Rudd, who can do slightly unsavoury things like break into people's houses and still be charming and who you root for and whose redemption you will find satisfaction in."

Kevin Feige Talks Why Ant-Man Isn't in AGE OF ULTRON and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: September 18, 2012

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting Vol. 1: ANT-MAN

As you know, Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs the World) has been actively developing the Ant-Man movie for a couple of years now. It's too bad that this project was delayed as I really wanted Ant-Man/Giant Man and Wasp to be in Joss Whedon's The Avengers since they were the original founding members of the team in the comics. But it looks like the film will finally be greenlit after Wright is done with his current project, The World's End. Highlighting an innovative size-altering action sequence, the writer-director showed an Ant-Man test reel during Comic-Con last July to enthusiastic positive reviews.

The Ant-Man movie is speculated to come out in 2014 and I thought it would be fun to submit my dream casting for the comic book adaptation. My Hank Pym would be a cross between Earth 616 and the Ultimate versions, combining the heroic good-natured side of 616 and the coc.ky gung-ho attitude of the Ultimates. The villains I listed won't necessarily appear in the first movie, I'm just having casting them.


GABRIEL MACHT as ANT-MAN/GIANT MAN

First of all, if you haven't seen the fantastic series Suits, go watch it now! There you would see the best Tony Stark performance done by actor Gabriel Macht, whose character Harvey Spector is a suave, smug, shrewd ladies man. But since Marvel Studios already have a Tony Stark (albeit a spoiled corny immature mumbler), Macht would also be terrific as Hank Pym. The film could go with the Earth 616 version of Pym or the Ultimate interpretation (coc.ky jock scientist but minus the uber douchy parts of course). Macht is a flexible actor and would nail either versions of the character. For further proof, watch Love and Other Drugs for Macht's brief but memorable turn.


ANNA KENDRICK as THE WASP

As I mentioned in the first page, I wanted Morena Baccarin or Grace Park for the role. But upon further mulling it over, I think the adorable Anna Kendrick (50/50) would be perfect for the role of Janet Van Dyne. The 27 year-old actress has the perfect aura, physique and personality to play the perky bubbly no-nonsense shopaholic Avenger. Kendrick can be seen next in David Ayer's End of Watch (looking forward to this), the musical comedy Pitch Perfect and Robert Redford's The Company You Keep. [2nd Choice: Janet Montgomery (Human Target, Made in Jersey)]


CHRISTOPH WALTZ as KLAW

For those unfamiliar with the character, Ulysses Klaw is a Dutch physicist who has been transformed into solid sound, and who wears a sonic emitter on his right wrist as a prosthetic device. He has often been shown in conflict with the Fantastic Four and the Avengers and is a major adversary of the Black Panther and Ka-Zar. Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz would be absolutely perfect for the role. The Austrian-German actor's performance in Water for Elephants is how I envision the character to be portrayed - sophisticated intelligence with a sadistic rage boiling underneath.


MICHAEL ROOKER as WHIRLWIND

David Cannon is a mutant, who after discovering at an early age that he could move at great speeds turns to a life of crime, which led into conflict with Giant-Man and the Wasp on several occasions. Whirlwind offensive capabilities include the two sawblades on his wrists and shurikens, whose damaging potential is greatly increased by the velocity of his whirling powers. Whirlwind is considered to be a B-lister villain but is no less dangerous, and who better to play him than the talented Michael Rooker, whose portrayal of Merle Dixon in The Walking Dead hits all the right notes for the character.


MICHAEL FASSBENDER as ULTRON

Normally I don't like to cast someone who already is portraying another famous comic book character but for Michael Fassbender, I'll make an exception because of two factors. The first is I am so impressed with the actor's performance as the android David in Prometheus. The second is Fassbender won't be seen anyways as he will just be relegated to voicing Ultron, with some audio enhancements of course. You know who else the Irish-German actor would absolutely be perfect for -- Ultron's creation, The Vision!


TERRY CREWS as THE ABSORBING MAN

An extremely violent boxer turned criminal, Loki bestowed his powers upon him, and he was transformed into the Absorbing Man, granting him powers to absorb any material and take on its properties. Physically, I thought Stone Cold Steve Austin would be appropriate to play "Crusher" Creel a.k.a. The Absorbing Man but the former WWE wrestler just can't act and has the wrong personality for the part. Crusher is a loud and obnoxious New Yorker, so I thought Terry Crews would be able to bring those qualities to the big screen effectively.




Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: CAPTAIN MARVEL (w/ Fan-fiction and Marvelous Measurements)

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: FANTASTIC FOUR

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: INHUMANS

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: PREACHER

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: JUSTICE LEAGUE

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: DAREDEVIL

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: X-MEN Reboot

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: ANT-MAN

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: BLACK PANTHER

Dragonlord's Fantasy Casting: DOCTOR STRANGE

 

[Linkuei]

I'm actually pretty excited for this.

 

[MaveDeltzer]

Yeah, that's the first moment that springs to mind. Hell, the entire team assembled in uniform the first time would also have been pretty epic had it not been shown in the Super Bowl trailer. I'm making good on it this time though, no trailers/spoilers for me. Wish you guys luck in avoiding them if you decide to as well!

I watch two trailers per big movie, the reveal and a story one. Then I avoid everything about the movie till its release. The new trailer coming out in a few days will probably be the last I partake in Avengers until May.

 

[prod2821]

29 million meh views! congrats Barfvel

 

[irish_thug]

Next up... Squirrel Girl the Movie!!

The world would probably explode. Too much awesome for one movie. Maybe that's how they can finish off the infinity gauntlet/war/whatever. Have Squirrel Girl put a whooping on Thanos.






















Again.

 

[irish_thug]

Re-watched it sober. Still like it.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: January 29, 2015

Peggy Carter Meets Hank Pym in Official ANT-MAN Prelude Comic Book

Peggy Carter Meets Hank Pym as Marvel Tells Some Official Cinematic Universe History

 

[Cool Hand Luke]

easily something to put into a potential future episode of agent carter

 

[Chesten_Hesten]

Damnit.

I swore I saw thread title as:

ART-MANN Movie (First Teaser Trailer Released)

Yeah, I might watch it...

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: February 26, 2015

ANT-MAN PRELUDE #2 Preview Featuring Hank Pym in East Berlin

Marvel Comics has provided ComicBook.com with an exclusive preview of Ant-Man Prelude #2, the conclusion to the prequel to Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man movie. Written by Will Pilgrim, with art by Miguel Angel Sepulveda, the comic follows the exploits of Hank Pym as the original Ant-Man, before he hands the mantle over to Scott Lang, as he infiltrates Cold War era Berlin.

Exclusive Marvel Preview: Ant-Man Prelude #2

 

[PAUonePUNCH]

Damnit.

I swore I saw thread title as:

Yeah, I might watch it...

Art Man >>>>> Ant Man