Could Joe Cornish Direct Ant-Man?

We've been hearing lots of updates concerning the script of Marvel Studios' Ant-Man which is being written by Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish. The pair previously worked together on Steven Spielberg's The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of The Unicorn that's being produced by Peter Jackson. Last thing we heard is that the duo handed in a second draft which the studio seemed thrilled about. Now word from HitFix is that they're aren't finished the script leading us to believe that a third draft is currently being worked on. Joe also stated Edgar hasn't been announced as the official director and that he would leave all the announcements about the film to him [Wright]. Marvel Studios has neither announced a release date or even a director for the film.


I'm getting the feeling that Joe might be in a better position to direct Ant-Man than Edgar. Cornish is slowly gathering steam as a director with his cult film Attack The Block and unlike Wright doesn't have his plate full of projects. Marvel is notoriously cheap and would likely lock a director into a two picture deal. Something I feel could be too much for Wright who does as much producing as he does directing. Likely wanting the breathing room to make his passion projects such as Baby Driver, Them and World's End along with producing other things. Cornish was recently linked as a candidate to direct A Good Day To Die Hard the fifth film in the Die Hard franchise before John Moore was hired.

Edgar Wright's Ant-Man A Team Spy Film?

We've been getting a few hints on what we can expect from Marvel Studios' Ant-Man which is being written by Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim, Hot Fuzz) and Joe Cornish (Attack The Block, Tintin). From what is known we could be seeing a group of Ant-Men in a high-tech spy heist film. This makes a lot of sense considering neither Pym or Wasp won't be showing up in Avengers.

It will include at least two of the Ant-Men including Dr. Hank Pym and burglar turned-hero Scott Lang (2nd Ant-Man) which was confirmed by MTV. Also the film's leading lady Janet van Dyne wears a similar suit and is known as the Wasp. It would be nice to see another heroine in the film perhaps Lang's daughter Cassie. She becomes a Young Avenger known as Stature who shares the same powers as her father.
 
ThePlaylist was able to speak with Joe Cornish which he became coy when the question of Ant-Men was raised again. However, they mention several "Ant-Men" are rumored which could mean SHIELD Agent Eric O'Grady (3rd Ant-Man) could be in the film as well.

"We had heard that at one point Cornish and Wright were going to put several of the Ant-Men (meaning people that had put on superhero scientist Hank Pym’s suit) into the script, meaning that they could have thrown in our personal favorite Ant-Man – Eric O’Grady, low-level S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent turned shadily “Irredeemable” Ant Man."

Cornish smiled at our implication and said, slyly, “No comment.” He then started to say something, “Well, you know…” before shutting himself off with another “No comment.”


Edgar Wright talked to VanityFair about his vision for the film which will be a "high-tech spy heist film". The espionage angle gives further fuel that a team could be put together. Wright had been in contention to direct Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol which has a similar theme minus superpowers. I wouldn't be shocked to see Ant-Man closer to Bond or Mission Impossible than any of the other Marvel films.

"I think it's a really interesting high-concept idea. [...] I know there's a big stigma attached to it, mostly because every movie about shrinking has been about people in peril. I think it'd be great to do a shrinking film about a bad-ass secret agent. [...] Even something like The Incredible Shrinking Man, which is a fantastic film, is about a guy in trouble. But this is going to be nothing like that. It's essentially a high-tech spy heist film with somebody with a very particular power."

Edgar Wright Gives Small But Promising Update On Ant-Man

BleedingCool was able to report on a quick statement from Edgar Wright concerning the status of Ant-Man. While brief, it sounds like the third draft of the script is done and the announcement of concept art in existence is beyond promising.

Ant-Man and Wasp are of course founding members of the Avengers but it's been stated that the pair would have their origins told in Wright's film rather than overloading Avengers even more.

Joe and I turned in a draft on Monday… we’ve got some concept art… I love it and hope we get to make it soon.

Kevin Feige Talks Post-Avengers Plans, Confirms Thor & Cap Sequels

It won't be until Comic-Con that we'll actually get the actually next line up of films but Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige is talking post-Avengers plans with IGN. It sounds like Kevin and Marvel have enough films in the works to keep fans happy for the next ten years.


CAPTAIN AMERICA 2: The film will be set in modern times but very well could have WWII flashback scenes. As writers Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus have talked about including a few more WWII scenes in the sequel. Hydra is likely to be back with possible villains Baron von Strucker, Madame Hydra and Zemo. With Sebastian Stans' contract to be in bunch of Marvel films I expect we will see a transformation from Bucky to Winter Soldier. Zemo being a mantle villain it would be nice to see a mantle hero like Union Jack also involved with the sequel.


THOR 2: Not much known here as it was just confirmed the sequel is happening. Hopefully it will be more realm focused as there a bunch of villains and mythology to explore off-Midgard (Earth). Fellow Asgardians Balder and Valkyrie have yet to be introduced along with Dark Elves, Rock Trolls and other villainous creatures. The world of Thor is rich and might be the first step for Marvel to expand our concepts of the superhero genre.

BLACK WIDOW: David Hayter (X-Men, X2) wrote a Black Widow script and was aiming to direct when it was setup at Lionsgate but was eventually scrapped. It's unknown where the project is at the moment but there is more talk of this spin-off than the others. Johansson is game as mentioned at last year's Comic-Con.

HAWKEYE: There have been plans for a Hawkeye film for years and now that Jeremy Renner is in place for the role they can finally move forward with it. I'm not sure if there was ever a script developed but I wouldn't be shocked. Personally I'd rather see a Widow/Hawkeye team-up film as they'd work better as team than in solo projects.

S.H.I.E.L.D: This one has been teased since we first got a glimpse of Nick Fury in Iron Man. It seemed that with a script by Andrew W. Marlowe (Air Force One) kicking around for years it would go soon. While it's expected Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg and Cobie Smulders will be in this it's unknown if other currently cast Marvel heroes will also appear.


IRON FIST: Unlike Strange and Panther which have been in development for almost the same amount of time they actually have someone in mind for the lead. Ray Park had been attached and is still interested in the role. He's currently getting ready to return as Snake Eyes in G.I. Joe 2. Marvel recently set Rich Wilkes (xXx) to work on the film's script and is likely to be based on The Immortal run of the character being more of a martial arts film.

DOCTOR STRANGE: The only real news on this front is that Marvel has hired Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer to start writing the script. The two are responsible for the Conan reboot and likely involved with it's sequel. While Patrick Dempsey (Scream 3, Transformers 3) has been campaigning to play mystical hero.


BLACK PANTHER: Wesley Snipes had been in talks with Marvel for the role but with his troubles it's unlikely that will happen. Actors like Michael Jai White (Spawn, Dark Knight), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (G.I. Joe, The Thing) and Idris Elba (Thor, Ghost Rider 2) have been in the mix for T'Challa. Mark Bailey is currently writing the script. 


ANT-MAN: This one wasn't called out by Kevin but it's assumed with a script and director in place it will be down the production line sooner than later. There was also zero talk of Luke Cage, War Machine or Sub-Mariner.

UKNOWN-COSMIC FILM: There hasn't been a full on confirmation of which one of the cosmic epics Marvel could be working on. I would love to think this is a Silver Surfer movie but it's more than likely Killraven or World War Hulk.

CAST EM'!: Edgar Wright's Ant-Man

With the second draft of Joe Cornish and Edgar Wright's script for Ant-Man complete I figured I go over some updated casting ideas for the Marvel Studios film. I've come up with a list of my favorites for the roles of Hank and Janet.

Previously we've seen actors like Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk and Adrien Brody rumored for the role of Hank. Along with online campaigns for Neil Patrick Harris and Simon Pegg. Pegg suggesting he'd rather play the film's villain rather than Ant-Man himself. I like some of the names being mentioned but I have my own ideas as well.



DR HANK PYM - ANTMAN

Joel Edgerton: Joel is similar to Tom Hardy and Jeremy Renner as he's slowly building up a decent resume of badass roles. He seems like the gruff type of Hank that you could seriously and be threatened by. Depending on how their take on Pym if they want to get a future action star for the part Joel could be their man. (The Thing, Animal Kingdom, King Aurthur, Smokin' Aces, Star Wars: Episode II & III)


 



Jamie Bell: Jamie is an excellent young actor. I've been fascinated with his career as he's been able to go from child actor to slowly developing into an action star. Being the only solid thing about Jumpers and also being able to hold his own in Defiance alongside Daniel Craig. Bell was also involved with the Spider-Man talks so it's likely he's open to a comic book role. If I had to choose a favorite it would be Bell. Not to mention he's already had plenty of motion capture experience with Tintin which could be an asset. It's expected Ant-Man will be mostly motion capture. (King Kong, Tintin, The Eagle, Defiance, Flags of Our Fathers, Hallam Foe)





JANET VAN DYNE - WASP

Mila Kunis: Mila is best known for her television work but has become known for her adaptability taking on many different types of films. She's able to play almost any sort of role dramatic, action, comedic or otherwise. She had been linked for the Lois Lane role with many other actresses but seemed at the time the best choice. As Janet is characterized as a petite woman Kunis' stature fits that aspect along with her bubbling personality which Janet is known for. (Oz, Book of Eli, Sarah Marshall, Black Swan)







Mary Elizabeth Winstead: Winstead on the other hand has more action film roots as a majority of her films have tended to go in that direction. She also has been rumored/linked to being involved with talks for Superman, Spider-Man and The Avengers. It seems she wants to do a comic book film and is on the radar of Marvel Studios as MEW was a possible candidate for Maria Hill. (Death Proof, Die Hard 4, Scott Pilgrim, The Thing, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter)







WHO WOULD YOU CAST IN THE LEAD ROLES? LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS!

Joe Cornish Confirms Second Draft Of Ant-Man Script Complete

During Kapow!  Ant-Man co-writer Joe Cornish (The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of The Unicorn, Attack The Block) confirmed that he and Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim, Hot Fuzz) have handed in a complete second draft of the script. Which they both are very happy with.

It has been expected that Ant-Man very well could be the second film released by Marvel Studios in 2012. Following The Avengers which is about to start production with a May 4th 2012 release date. Ant-Man could start production at the tail end of the summer or early fall with a late summer release date in 2012. Somewhat similar to how the Thor and Captain America productions took place. Edgar Wright is currently attached to direct but I wouldn't be surprised to see Joe Cornish take the director's chair if Attack The Block does well with audiences and if Edgar decides to make Baby Driver instead.

FIRST LOOK: Joe Cornish's Attack The Block

Morena Baccarin Testing For Avengers, Mary Elizabeth Winstead Also Interested

That didn't take long. Previously Sam Jackson confirmed that Nick Fury would have a female sidekick in Avengers. HeatVision confirms that Morena Baccarin (V) will be testing for the unnamed SHIELD role. Baccarin seems too unknown for the role which would include signing a nine-picture option. Her connection to director Joss Whedon might be coming into play as she co-starred in Serenity.

Other actresses are also working out deals to test include Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim, The Thing, Die Hard 4, Death Proof), Jessica Lucas (Cloverfield) and Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother). Winstead has my vote out of the bunch as she's been involved with a lot more action roles. MEW had also been rumored to be in the mix for the Lois Lane role.

Considering all the actresses are brunettes it narrows down the role. It's either Janet van Dyne (The Wasp) or Maria Hill. Hill is more a sidekick to Nick Fury but Wasp could also be introduced. Considering Wasp is a founding member of the Avengers and should be included in the film.

There's also a connection to Ant-Man with Mary Elizabeth Winstead as she previously worked with Edgar Wright on Scott Pilgrim. Wright is currently working on a new draft of the Ant-Man script and might be involved with the casting of The Wasp. Since the heroine will be featured in Ant-Man as well.

Leaked Thor Script Confirms Hawkeye & Reveals Easter Eggs

ComicBookMovie received a possible leaked copy of Marvel Studios' script for Thor. It's very likely it's a real copy as Paramount had the site remove the script and it's details. We seen numerous "leaked" copies of the Dark Knight Rises script and Warner Bros. has never paid attention to them.

I haven't read it myself because I would like to keep most of the film a surprise. I do however like to know the Easter eggs before hand so I can look out for them. CinemaBlend has posted a few of these Easter eggs from the script. These aren't earth shattering spoilers so it shouldn't ruin your enjoyment of the film. One involves Dr. Pym (Ant-Man) being mentioned along with "a pioneer in gamma radiation" which would be referring to Bruce Banner. Hawkeye's cameo is also confirmed as being written in the screenplay. Rumored for months that Jeremy Renner would show up in Thor as Clint Barton (Hawkeye) to introduce audiences to the heroic archer. Thor will be released on May 6th 2011.

Monsters' Scoot McNairy Lands Role In Big Superhero Film?

While Monsters director Gareth Edwards has gone on to helm Legendary Pictures' Godzilla reboot. There hasn't been much talk of big roles for the cast of the sci-fi indie. The film's male lead Scoot McNairy has mentioned to TotalFilm that he is indeed been cast in a large superhero film. He and his publicist don't mention the project but there are lots going into production soon. Let the speculation begin!

The three big ones include Joss Whedon's Avengers, Dark Knight Rises and Zack Snyder's Superman: Man of Steel. The other large scale superhero productions that are starting up soon include Darren Aronofsky's The Wolverine, Edgar Wright's Ant-Man and Tony Scott's Nemesis. I think McNairy would make an excellent Jimmy Olsen in the new Superman.

Ant-Man Rumor Roundup

 Ant-Man isn't Marvel Studio's highest priorty project as it's been in development for years now. Joe Cornish (Tintin, Attack On The Block) and Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of The Dead) have been working on the film's script but it's unknown when it could start production.

The assumption is that as soon as the script is done Marvel/Disney will see if they want to move forward with the project. There had been talk that Ant-Man could be the follow up film to Avengers in 2012. This is backed up by the shut down of Runaways which was expected to start shooting winter/spring 2011. It's also likely it was put on hold because of the resources and money needed for Avengers.

 Ant-Man writer and director Edgar Wright has come out and debunked the rumor of Alan Tudyk playing the lead role. He previously knocked down other rumors of Nathan Fillon which had him perplexed. Even Simon Pegg had to come out and flat out discredit his chances for a role.

There has also been talk of Pym having a cameo or bonus scene in Avengers. Over the summer Edgar killed any expectations of seeing his hero in Avengers by saying his introduction is an important part of his film and will be kept there.

" I talked to Kevin Feige about that a while back where we just discussed about whether he would be in The Avengers. The thing is, the script that I've written, you know, whether it's next or not I don't know, the chronology of it or the way it works wouldn't really fit in with what they do. And my film is very much an introduction to that character, and so it wasn't something where it felt right to introduce him in that film. Maybe if I do the solo Ant-Man film and maybe there's a later Avengers then they could draft him in later. But it didn't work with the kind of the angle that we were going to do with the origin that I'd written."

MY THOUGHTS

There are three major roles up for grabs which include Dr. Hank Pym, Scott Lang (2nd Ant-Man) and Janet van Dyne (Wasp). One of the actors who keeps coming up during Marvel casting is Chuck's Zachary Levi. He had to drop out of Thor where he would have played Fendral to focus on his TV show. Then was confident about his chances for a role in Captain America possibly playing the lead or his sidekick Bucky Barnes. His Fendral competitor Dominic Cooper did however land a role in Cap as Howard Stark.

Levi seems to have good relations with Marvel Studios and I think he would definitely be on Edgar's radar. So would Zachary make a good Ant-Man? Perhaps, but he seems more heroic than Pym should be and could be a better fit for Lang instead.

So who could play Pym? I still think Simon Pegg could be great in the role but seems way too busy with Star Trek 2 creeping up soon. Jason Schwartzman would be another excellent candidate and has a history with Wright along with a strong presence with audiences.

On the other hand Marvel could hire someone on the brink of becoming a big star. That person is Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons who is the soul of that show and is rising fast. If there was anyone who I can picture as the eccentric scientist it's definitely Parsons. I don't normally focus on TV actors but Jim and Zachary are exceptions to this.

Now comes Janet who eventually becomes The Wasp. My favorite for the role is Anna Kendrick this actress is beyond talented along with being able to keep up Edgar's fast-paced witty dialog. Perfect examples include her films Rocket Science, Up In The Air (Oscar Nominated role) and her scene stealing role in Wright's Scott Pilgrim. Kendrick is a perfect addition to the Marvel universe and I believe keeping the Ant-Man cast slightly younger would help it's success.

Do You Think Marvel Should Make Ant-Man Their Next Film?? Who Do You Want To Star In The Film?? Leave Your Comments!

RUMOR: Alan Tudyk Playing Hank Pym In Ant-Man?

ComicBookMovie is reporting the rumor that Alan Tudyk will be playing Ant-Man in Edgar Wright's film. While there is no reason to believe their out of the air source. This is pure speculation and wishful thinking until it's backed up by a credible source. It's still interesting and somewhat possible if you think about it.

Tudyk isn't a large film star something Marvel has been keen on when casting their heroes. Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. (pre-Iron Man) were never known for headlining blockbuster films. Alan like the others is slowly gathering steam playing roles in films like A Knight's Tale, Death At A Funeral, Dale & Tucker Vs Evil and the upcoming Transformers: Dark of The Moon. He even had some scene stealing scenes alongside Kristen Wiig in Knocked Up.

His working relationship with Avengers director/writer Joss Whedon also could come into play. Alan and Joss worked together on the television series/movie Serenity and Dollhouse. They say that Hank Pym will indeed have a cameo in Avengers and will have an after credits scene. Considering Kevin Feige's recent update of Edgar Wright starting work on the second draft of the script it's possible they could be casting. The Avengers script wasn't even finished before they hired Jeremy Renner for Hawkeye.

Simon Pegg Would Rather Play The Villain Than The Hero In Ant-Man

When writer/director Edgar Wright first started working on the Ant-Man script people assumed the lead role would go to his longtime collaborator Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz, Spaced, Shaun of The Dead). Pegg has since gone on to make a name for himself in Hollywood with MI3, Star Trek, Tintin, Burke & Hare, Paul, Star Trek 2 and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. Pegg was asked about his involvement in the project by ViewLondon (via CBM) and said he wouldn't want to play the hero of the film. He'd rather play the film's villain if offered instead. I love the thought of Simon playing Ultron, Egghead or one of the other villains. With Nathan Fillion and Eva Longloria rumored for the film's leads the roles could be already filled unless Pegg is referring to Scott Lang who has been confirmed to be included in the film. I feel Pegg has enough of the heroic roles currently and in his future that it would be nice to see him play a villain.

Adrien Brody Repsonds To Ant-Man Rumor

ScreenRant was also able to talk with Adrien Brody on the rumors of him being up for the role of Hank Pym in Ant-Man. While Adrien doesn't know if his people had been pursing the role he gives the impression he'd be up for it. I really hope Marvel doesn't overlook the fact that an Oscar winning actor like Brody is considering the non-formula superhero film from Joe Cornish and Edgar Wright.

“I haven’t been involved in any of those discussions – I have mentioned it to my reps who have been kind of covert about their response as well, which is very strange to me. I said ‘Is there any validity to this, what is this?’ and they said ‘Well…it’s too early to say.’ It was very strange and I kind of dropped it at that…Not everything that is bandied around the Internet is factual, but sometimes there are elements that do stem from truth that people who are in the middle of it aren’t aware of either. We’ll see.”

 “I’m enthusiastic about it. The key is to constantly push the boundaries and to find things that allow me to be creative and do things that, you know, I enjoy and grow from.”

Edgar Wright Talks Ant-Man

Writer and director Edgar Wright might not be getting much of a break now that Scott Pilgrim is in theaters. There is a massive demand from his fanbase and Marvel fans to get Ant-Man completed. Since Edgar has been writing the script for a while now with the hopes of directing it. He recently spoke with Vanity Fair on the project and gave insight into his concept for the character.

"I know there’s a big stigma attached to it, mostly because every movie about shrinking has been about people in peril. I think it’d be great to do a shrinking film about a bad-ass secret agent.

Even something like The Incredible Shrinking Man, which is a fantastic film, is about a guy in trouble. But this is going to be nothing like that. It’s essentially a high-tech spy heist film with somebody with a very particular power."

Eva Longoria Confirmed For Avengers?

Another one of Poni_Boy's (from CBM) interesting tidbits of Marvel information today included that Eva Longoria will be in Avengers and Ant-Man. Eva will play Janet Van Dyne (The Wasp) which she had been rumored for.


I'm curious to see if that rumor of Nathan Fillion playing Hank Pym (Ant-Man) actually happens since they look good together.

Akerman, Eve & Nichols In Talks With Marvel Studios?

AvengersNews is back with new casting speculation this time of the female persuasion. They name Malin Akerman (Watchmen), Alice Eve (Crossing Over) and Rachel Nichols (G.I. Joe, Conan, Star Trek) as possible candidates for a contract deal with Marvel Studios. They have no clue what the role or roles are but there are plenty of heroines in Marvel's vault. I expect the roles will end up being for Avengers, Ant-Man and S.H.I.E.L.D. film which Sam Jackson recently revealed.

POSSIBLE AVENGERS ROLES


Janet van Dyne (Wasp) who will be in Ant-Man seems the best bet since she is also a founding member of The Avengers. I wouldn't be surprised if Brunnhilde (Valkyrie) is being mentioned for future films too. Iron Man 2 director Jon Favreau mentioned that Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) was once an option nd ws going to be played by Scarlett Johansson. There is also Jessica Drews (Arachnid/ Spider-Woman) who starts out as an agent of HYDRA eventually becomes a member of both Avengers and SHIELD.

POSSIBLE S.H.I.E.L.D. ROLES


Considering Alice was once up for the role of Peggy Carter she could be up for Sharon Carter. Sharon is Peggy's niece is a very prominent agent of SHIELD and becomes the present dy love interest of Steve Rogers (Captain America). If they were working on the SHIELD film the heroine would have to be involved. The other SHIELD agents could include Carol Danvers (Ms. Marvel), Barbara Morse (Mockingbird) and Maria Hill.

Nathan Fillion Playing Hank Pym in Avengers & Ant-Man?

MarvelousNews is reporting that Nathan Fillion (Serenity) is in final talks to take the role of Dr. Henry Pym. Better known as Hank Pym who creates tech-based-suits that give him special powers and alter egos such as Ant-Man, Yellow Jacket and Giant-Man. They're getting their information from the same source that confirmed Kevin Pennington's deal with Marvel Studios. The character is a founding member of the Avengers a long with his wife Janet. Considering Fillion's relationship with Avengers screenwriter and possible director Joss Whedon it's not hard to see him cast in the role. Perhaps this was part of the conversation that took place between Joss and Edgar Wright not too long ago. This would mean that Fillion would co-star in Avengers and headline Edgar Wright's Ant-Man.

"Nathan Fillion is pretty much locked to be Henry Pym, and should be announced before any other new additions to the cast (think around Comic Con)"