Nick Frost Says World's End Could Shoot In 2012

While fans of Shaun of The Dead (red) and Hot Fuzz (blue) have been wondering when World's End (green) the final chapter of the trilogy would be made. The film being mentioned as green themed which could means aliens or giant monsters (Godzilla inspired?). Nick Frost during the press tour for Tintin talked to ComingSoon and says that he's read a draft of the script and the movie could shoot as early as 2012.


"There is a draft out there, which I've read, and it's great, and I think our plan is to crack on and shoot next year. Touch wood. They move and they change but we definitely want to get on with it."

Nick Frost, Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright; the three gentlemen involved have been developing their own careers since the release of Hot Fuzz. Pegg jumping into the Mission Impossible and newly rebooted Star Trek franchises. Frost kicking up more quirky roles in The Boat That Rocks, Attack The Block and Snow White And The Huntsman. Edgar Wright also gathering steam as both a director and screenwriter with Scott Pilgrim, Tintin and the forever in development Ant-Man for Marvel Studios.

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 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.

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!

Anthony Horowitz Working On Tintin Sequel

Author Anthony Horowitz has announced he will be writing the script for the yet untitled Tintin sequel. Horowitz admits he expects he won't be the only writer working on the script. He also confirmed that the film would use elements from the books The Prisoners of The Sun and The Seven Crystal Balls. Previously Stephen Moffat (Coupling, Doctor Who) penned The Secret of The Unicorn then Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish also came in to work on it. I assume Cornish and Wright will return for writing duties. Currently Peter Jackson who is expected to direct the second Tintin film is working on the two Hobbit films which will likely tie him up until 2014. It's possible Jackson could allow another director or bring back Steven Spielberg to make the sequel then direct the third and final film.

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.

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.

Basement Jaxxx Scoring Attack The Block

Edgar Wright just spilled the beans on Basement Jaxxx's involvement with Joe Cornish's directorial debut Attack The Block. The science fiction action comedy will feature Nick Frost (Paul, Shaun of The Dead, Hot Fuzz) and focuses on a teen gang in South London defending their block from an alien invasion. Wright Tweeted about enjoying Basement Jaxxx's score for the science fiction comedy. Cornish is a good friend of Wright's and the two worked together on the script for Steven Spielberg's Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of The Unicorn. I love the work of Basement Jaxxx with their blending of British Hip-hop, Trip-hop, Bollywood and Electronic music.

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."

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)"

Ant-Man Vs Nick Fury: Battle For 2012

2011 is going to be an exciting year for Marvel Studios it will see their fourth and fifth films released. Even more exciting is that they'll be aiming for two more releases the following year. One of the films being the anticipated Avengers. The other is unknown but we do know Marvel could be planning on releasing it a few months before the Avengers. The options seem like it's down to Edgar Wright's Ant-Man or the Nick Fury film starring Samuel L. Jackson.


Of course there has been talk of Iron Man 3 being in development but I think Robert Downey Jr. is going to want a rest between Sherlock Holmes 2 and Avengers. Along with director Jon Favreau being busy with Cowboys & Aliens and no script in place for the third installment. To setup Avengers they might need a film to focus on Dr. Hank Pym or one showcasing the history of Nick Fury. So that audiences have previous knowledge of these characters. The other Marvel films could include Incredible Hulk 2, War Machine, Black Widow and Hawkeye. The Hulk sequel could be on hold if director Louis Leterrier gets to direct Avengers. From what I know the other spin-offs aren't in active development.


ANT-MAN

Edgar Wright and co-writer Joe Cornish (Tintin) have completed the second draft of the script. Wright is in post-production of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World with a release date in August. So he'll be free to start pre-production on Ant-Man in September. Holding the film back is that Edgar has many other film projects in development which include Baby Driver and World's End. I expect since Edgar has been involved with Ant-Man since 2004 and producer Kevin Feige being vocal of the film it could possibly be next. It goes without saying after Scott Pilgrim is released people will be dying to see Wright's Ant-Man film.




Ant-Man will more than likely focus on a story blending the characters of Dr. Hank Pym and Scott Lang. It will be interesting to see if they'll incorporate the many different hero personas Pym (Yellow Jacket/Wasp/Giant Man/Goliath) develops for himself and wife Janet (The Wasp and Giant Girl). Pym and Janet are of founding members of The Avengers and it would seem appropriate to include them in the film.



NICK FURY/SHIELD

To expand the world of SHIELD it's obvious that Marvel will have to establish the agency and the people working behind the scenes. Samuel L. Jackson is set to star which is included in his massive deal with Marvel Studios. Fury is the one getting all the heroes together for the Avengers. I'm sure his film could finally reveal to us why they need to join and it could develop the major threat for Avengers. I see the Fury film being the bridge between the other Marvel films and characters.


While they haven't announced a director or supporting cast they have hired Andrew W. Marlowe to write the film. Marlowe previously wrote Air Force One, End of Days and Hollow Man.




The assumption is that we could see Clark Gregg in the film reprising his role of SHIELD agent Colson. There had been rumors that Kate Mara could be playing another agent in Iron Man 2. Some of the most recognizable agents include Dum Dum Dugan, Sharon Carter and Maria Hill. They could appear alongside other established heroes like Black Widow and War Machine. I'm sure they'll be able to finally bring Hawkeye into the mix as well. It's been previously stated we will see the SHIELD Helicarrier used in the film which Stark builds for the government.



FINAL THOUGHTS

While I believe both films could be vying for the second summer 2012 release date its more than two years away. Avatar and Sherlock Holmes are proving that December is becoming the new blockbuster release month. I could see one of the films being released in March 2012 and the other early December 2011. I also don't think it's all that bad if they release Ant-Man after Avengers in July. While it could be interesting to see Hank and Janet in Avengers it might become too bloated with heroes. I'm sure Marvel could hold a few characters back for Avengers 2.