Paul Rudd to play Ant-Man

[NinjaPug]

Marvel confirmed the news today. No word on if he's playing Hank Pym or Scott Lang.

[Raph's Girl]

Marvel confirmed the news today. No word on if he's playing Hank Pym or Scott Lang.

According to the BBC he's Hank Pym
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25446890

[NinjaPug]

The Marvel press release didn't specify which version. I think he's Scott Lang.

[discordiatookie]

I do like Paul Rudd, but what excites me is Edgar Wright directing! Love his work...

[Raph's Girl]

Looks like Paul Rudd isn't Hank Pym as Michael Douglas has now been officially cast as Hank.

http://www.newsarama.com/20026-ant-man-casts-michael-douglas-as-hank-pym.html

[ToTheNines]

That's cool. Pym in an interesting character, but wouldn't make for a good lead in a movie without compromising what he really is.

Hopefully they sign Douglas on to Avengers 2 so Ant-Man still has a hand in the creatation of Ultron.

[CyberCubed]

So I guess Wasp won't be in this movie if the original Ant-man is retired and an old man.

[Candy Kappa]

So I guess Wasp won't be in this movie if the original Ant-man is retired and an old man.

Why not, if I remember correctly Hank is older then Janet.

[Andrew NDB]

So I guess Wasp won't be in this movie if the original Ant-man is retired and an old man.

Or that she'll be played by Helen Mirren.

[CyberCubed]

Isn't Hank a wife-beater in the comics? I think they'll avoid him slapping his wife in the face on-screen.

[Andrew NDB]

Isn't Hank a wife-beater in the comics?

That was like one story arc a decade ago and it's never come up before or since. People are making a lot of noise about that.

[plastroncafe]

They haven't avoided having Tony Stark drinking excessively...

[CyberCubed]

They haven't avoided having Tony Stark drinking excessively...

Because getting drunk is mainstream. Slapping around your wife isn't.

[plastroncafe]

Being an alcoholic isn't mainstream, and Tony Stark is an alcoholic.

[ZariusTwo]

That was like one story arc a decade ago and it's never come up before or since. People are making a lot of noise about that.

I don't know what books you've been reading, but that whole issue has been something that a lot of Avengers writers have relied on to keep Hank and Janet on and off for ages.

Not to mention it was a major plot point in the early years of The Ultimates title

[CyberCubed]

Being an alcoholic isn't mainstream, and Tony Stark is an alcoholic.

Millions of people are alcoholics.

[FlogginMcMurryZombiePizza]

Ant-Man is set to be released after Avengers 2.
A2 is set for May 2015.
Ant-Man for July 2015.
Ant-Man wasn't in the cards until Edgar Wright approached them to make the movie. I would be heavily surprised if Ant-Man plays any part in A2... but it WOULD be nice is A2 set up the character or events for the upcoming Ant-Man.

[KROW]

Totes magotes.

Wait, an elderly Hank Pym? When did that happen?

Millions of people are alcoholics.

Millions of people have cancer, too. Does that make it mainstream? If so, we finally have a use for hipsters.

[Jester]

The same could probably be said for men who beat their wives....heck, part of me wonders what the Venn diagram of wife-beaters and alcoholics would look like.

[Leo656]

It ends up forming the Pabst Blue Ribbon logo.

I just think the name "Ant-Man" is gonna look silly on a marquee, I'unno. I can't picture sitting in a theater when they show the trailer, and not hearing lots of snickers. It's just a really unfortunate name. Like, a "we ran out of ideas" name.

They could go all self-aware with it, and market it as "Ant-Man (We Know, We Know, But 'The Atom' Was Taken)"... :lol:

[Refractive Reflections]

Because getting drunk is mainstream. Slapping around your wife isn't.

I think what you mean to say CyberCubed is that seeing self-destructive alcoholism is more tolerable to a mainstream audience rather than witnessing spousal abuse on film/television (whether it's alcohol-influenced or not).

[ToTheNines]

Ant-Man is set to be released after Avengers 2.
A2 is set for May 2015.
Ant-Man for July 2015.
Ant-Man wasn't in the cards until Edgar Wright approached them to make the movie. I would be heavily surprised if Ant-Man plays any part in A2... but it WOULD be nice is A2 set up the character or events for the upcoming Ant-Man.

They've been talking about an Ant-Man movie for a while now. And I'm pretty sure I remember them originally wanting to have Wasp be a part of Avengers 1, but decided against it.

But yeah, I just hope that Ultron's creation is somehow related to Pym.

[CyberCubed]

Is Ant-man also going to become giant in the film? Or are they only going to show him get really small?

[TigerClaw]

a new TV Spot reveals that, The Falcon will be in Ant-Man.

nLK7LVCOsLg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CJHAgoIUcAArGhO.jpg

[NinjaPug]

Spoiler that **** man

[CyberCubed]

If they're showing something in commercials airing on TV I don't think that's a spoiler, its something Marvel wants people to know before going into the movie.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

If they're showing something in commercials airing on TV I don't think that's a spoiler, its something Marvel wants people to know before going into the movie.

Just like James Cameron wanted everyone to know that John Conner was a Terminator before they even saw the movie? No, the people who splice together TV spots and trailers aren't always making decisions that the director agrees with.

[NinjaPug]

Yeah, you hear all the time about how the production folks are pissed at what marketing uses to promote their movies. Regarding Ant-Man, if Marvel production wanted people to know then they would've already announced it. Feige and Peyton Reed have both been asked about this character in question appearing in Ant-Man and they both gave a 'no comment' response.

I'll never understand why marketing has free reign to ruin a movie without the blessing of the folks who actually put the movie together.

[ToTheNines]

Just got back, it was righteous. So funny and a ton of good performances. So psyched for Scott's inclusion in Civil War and Avengers 3.

[Vicky82]

I just got back from seeing it. I don't even want to hurt any ants now after seeing this. I was avoiding stepping on ants when I was walking home :lol:

It was great film a, little boring in parts but the visual effects were amazing, it had some good action scenes and was funny.

I never expected to see any Avengers appearing. The fight with Falcon was great

[Bry]

Ant-Man was really solid! Surprisingly solid considering the behind-the-scenes issues the movie had. Not the best Marvel movie, but I think it's pretty high on the list. I enjoyed it a lot, and it's nice to see a "smaller", more personal movie in-between big crossover things like Age of Ultron and Civil War.

You can definitely still feel Edgar Wright's influence in the movie, and Peyton Reed did an admirable job bringing it to life. Though you can also tell which sections likely lead to Wright leaving the project -- and like with Joss Whedon and Age of Ultron, they're scenes meant to connect and build the wider MCU, and seem totally unnecessary to the actual plot of the movie (though they're still fun and worthwhile in their own right). That's the tricky balancing act Marvel Studios is performing, and thankfully it's still working for now. But I can see why some filmmakers would have an issue with the constant world-building sometimes distracting from the story they want to tell.

Highly recommended, though! It's a strong introduction to the character and holds up well against most solo Marvel films.

[evan2000]

I just came back from watching it too, completely surprised how much it exceeded my expectation (from just watching the trailer)! I thought it was going to be rather cheesy but it turns out much more believable after I watched it.

Oh, for those who have yet to watch it, remember to stay till the end of the credits to catch BOTH the mid-credits scene and the end-credits scene!

I never expected to see any Avengers appearing. The fight with Falcon was great

I freaked out a little when they realized the "abandoned facility" have been refurbished... into the new Avengers headquarters no less!

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Seeing it in a couple of hours with my babe... got my "Dark Knight Rises" shirt on and ready.

Yeah, it's a tradition... I've worn my "Dark Knight Rises" shirt to every Marvel movie since Iron Man 3. :tcool::tlol:

[ZariusTwo]

Just saw it. Surprise surprise, it's another toothless risk-free entry in the MCU.

Pros

Carter and Howard cameos at the start
Scott's boss firing him but being impressed with his criminal record
The "informant" flashbacks. Both of them. Clever and funny with everyone lipping the same voice.
The initial reactions to shrinking with the suit
Enlargement discs expanding Thomas
The explanation for Janet's fate.
Trying to get through the door
Briefcase skirmish with Disintegration playing.
Hydra involvement. Despite what's happened in AOS, nice to see there's still some fragments of it operating in high stature.
Falcon cameo would have great if not spoiled

The family dinner at the end

Spider-Man reference.

Cons

Not interested in another origin story, and it takes up most of the film
The heist portion of the film is far too short and pretty easy to pull off despite the breif illusion of danger
Hank should have died. Sorry, I like a little ruthlessness in my movies. What does he truly offer the movie once he resolves his tension with Hope? Nothing.
Would it kill to have more of a Cassie from the comics and not another annoying Disney kid who's too young to process ****ing anything?
Cross is yet another craptastic Marvel villain who's dispatched far too easily
Could have done without the giant ant hiding under the table ruining a nice ordinary moment

Honestly, Phase II has been a real bust for me, and this did nothing to calm my concerns. It's visually stunning and has good humor, but it left me with a vacant feeling...like I'd seen this sort all before...which is understandable given it was meant for a different sort of Phase, a phase we as an audience and Marvel as a production crew are steadily moving away from. As a last gasp for this type of film (origin stories I hear won't be a big deal going forward), it's serviceable enough

***

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

LOVED IT. Second favorite MCU film, after Guardians of the Galaxy.

Except for the terrible bland MCU villain (alas, poor Darren Cross... you were as boring as vanilla sh!t), this totally felt like an Edgar Wright film. So much good humor.

[NinjaPug]

Marvel needs to get Evangeline Lilly in that Wasp suit ASAP.

Or bring Janet back from the Quantum Realm.

Or both.

[ZariusTwo]

Marvel needs to get Evangeline Lilly in that Wasp suit ASAP.

Or bring Janet back from the Quantum Realm.

Or both.

When Scott was in the microverse, I was wishing really hard for a glimpse of Psycho Man. It's also a shame Marvel lost the rights to the Micronaughts

[TigerClaw]

I saw Ant-Man today, Thought it was good. :)

[TigerClaw]

There's an Easter Egg that nobody hasn't noticed.
http://www.lasertimepodcast.com/2015/07/18/the-hilarious-ant-man-easter-egg-no-one-is-talking-about/

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Instead of Ant Man 2, how about WASP:

Hope Van Dyne tries to find her missing mother in the Microverse as Wasp. Hank Pym and Scott Lang as supporting characters, but I want the main focus on WASP.

Evangeline Lily deserves to headline, not support. Besides, I'm really tired of male protagonists who are all fighting corrupt businessmen weaponizing tech or being corrupted by it.

Seriously, every non-Thor movie has been about this in some form or fashion:

Iron Man 1: Obadiah Stane weaponizing Iron Man armor
Iron Man 2: Justin Hammer weaponizing Iron Man armor
Captain America 1: Red Skull weaponized by the super soldier serum (and creating bad weapons)
The Incredible Hulk: General Ross weaponizing Banner's research
Iron Man 3: Killian Aldrich weaponizing Extremis
Captain America 2: Alexander Pierce weaponizing the Helicarriers
Avengers 2: Tony Stark weaponizing Iron Man Armor and Loki's Staff AI
Ant Man: Darren Cross weaponizing Pym Particles

The Avengers is sort of a Thor movie, as it's Loki on a rampage...

From this perspective, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is practically Luddite or Amish. :tlol:

[ranger_scout]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film from start to finish. Personally, I liked it better than Avengers: Age of Ultron. I found the humor spot-on and it was also a visual treat with plenty of action as well. The chemistry between Rudd and his criminal friends was just perfect. My favorite moments include the safe cracking scene with the jokes about Titanic killing Leonardo Dicaprio's character; when Scott whacked Yellow Jacket with a ping pong paddle and sent him to insect trap; and the battle between Ant-Man and Falcon.

Note: I find it a bit of a coincide that this movie was released on Disneyland's 60th Anniversary and Luis whistled "It's a Small World".

[drgon78]

I saw it yesterday, I think it is a better movie then the previews make it out to be. I also really enjoyed the final battle.

[JakeSully]

Awesome movie, a vast improvement over Avengers 2 and the best Marvel film of the year no doubt.

Great script, fine perfomances and all that.

[chrisdude]

There's an Easter Egg that nobody hasn't noticed.
http://www.lasertimepodcast.com/2015/07/18/the-hilarious-ant-man-easter-egg-no-one-is-talking-about/Has or hasn't? I noticed. I loved the Jamie Foxx Show.

Wasn't crazy about the movie. I thought it was pretty boring. It was funny at times. I liked Luis. It's not something I'd care to watch again.

[Purse Grabbin Puke]

I have zero interest in this movie, but can someone tell me how involved this seems to be with the Marvel Universe? I hate the Thor movies but I forced myself to watch them so I could stay informed when watching Avengers. Thanks!

[ZariusTwo]

I have zero interest in this movie, but can someone tell me how involved this seems to be with the Marvel Universe? I hate the Thor movies but I forced myself to watch them so I could stay informed when watching Avengers. Thanks!

It's a bit more detatched compared to the others, the ties are more cameos and references, though one element that may come back in later films is The Microverse

[Purse Grabbin Puke]

Thanks, I think I'm just going to skip it all together...the Marvel Universe is getting less interesting anyway.

[ZariusTwo]

Thanks, I think I'm just going to skip it all together...the Marvel Universe is getting less interesting anyway.

I have some slight interest in Civil War (though it made me loath most of the mainstream comics with choice exceptions and outright ruined Spider-Man), but I'm in agreement. I've been off the bandwagon for a while now and am dismayed at how each film is easy money and by-the-numbers when they're not really that spectacular or as out-of-the-box as they ought to be. I don't have any interest in the new Spider-Man movie either (they're making him too young)

[JakeSully]

Who thinks Marvel is on a roll? they know how to please Marvel fans and keep true to their comic roots.

[Amaranthus]

Who thinks Marvel is on a roll? they know how to please Marvel fans and keep true to their comic roots.

If you consider sh*tting out mediocre movies for an easy profit being on a roll. Then yes, yes they are.

[ZariusTwo]

Who thinks Marvel is on a roll? they know how to please Marvel fans and keep true to their comic roots.

ztVMib1T4T4

[Amaranthus]

ztVMib1T4T4

The only thing that would make me watch the new Spider-Man movie is J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson. That guy was awesome.

[Jester]

I could see Marvel doing that...he's the voice in their animated series.

[JakeSully]

If you consider sh*tting out mediocre movies for an easy profit being on a roll. Then yes, yes they are.

ztVMib1T4T4

The only thing that would make me watch the new Spider-Man movie is J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson. That guy was awesome.

You 2 are pathetic nolanite DC lovers who think dark and gritty is good. It's not.

Marvel is far better than DC in movies and DC is good in animation with live-action exceptions being

And i'm sure you 2 think Fox is for adults and Marvel Studios is for kids.

[Amaranthus]

You 2 are pathetic nolanite DC lovers who think dark and gritty is good. It's not.

Marvel is far better than DC in movies and DC is good in animation with live-action exceptions being

And i'm sure you 2 think Fox is for adults and Marvel Studios is for kids.

Who ever said I loved The Dark Knight series?
I liked the The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight rises but that doesn't mean I think every comic book movie should be dark and gritty. I just think what Marvel is sh*tting out is generic as f*ck.
The only upcoming comic book movie I'm excited about is Deadpool, that's it.
Comic book films are generic as f*ck and they've been milked for far too long now. Please go on though, it's really funny to see you sperge out every time someone doesn't like what you like.
https://33.media.tumblr.com/bdc84c3ceac4828c5ae614885bbbad20/tumblr_nqgiwb24231uv7bcuo1_400.gif

[ZariusTwo]

You 2 are pathetic nolanite DC lovers who think dark and gritty is good

I think the Adam West movie is better than most Marvel movies.

And Nolanites are still a thing? Get out of 2013 already :lol:

I'm a fan of both companies you absolute zero. I just don't happen to lower my standards like you do. I l like films that are well-written, have nuance, dimension, and some weight. Marvel movies have none of that with choice exceptions.

And i'm sure you 2 think Fox is for adults and Marvel Studios is for kids.

With man-child reactions like yours, it's pretty easy to think that

Stay in the back of the special bus greaseball.

[JakeSully]

I think the Adam West movie is better than most Marvel movies.

And Nolanites are still a thing? Get out of 2013 already :lol:

I'm a fan of both companies you absolute zero. I just don't happen to lower my standards like you do. I l like films that are well-written, have nuance, dimension, and some weight. Marvel movies have none of that with choice exceptions.



With man-child reactions like yours, it's pretty easy to think that

Stay in the back of the special bus greaseball.

And what about X-Men movies?

[chrisdude]

X-Men over everything.

Most of the Marvel Studios movies are pretty generic. Darned near all of them are cookie-cutter as can be. Doesn't mean you can't love them. But it's harder to win people over when they don't have as much as an attachment to the character, like in Ant-Man's case.

[ZariusTwo]

X-Men over everything.

Most of the Marvel Studios movies are pretty generic. Darned near all of them are cookie-cutter as can be. Doesn't mean you can't love them.

True, but you can sort of understand it when people frustrated with their mediocrity constantly get told "Marvel can do no wrong, they are killing it, number one company ever, DC sucks, rofl". It's obnoxious and nauseating. Objectively, DC are so much better in many respects, and Marvel are probably in their worst shape creatively in years in comics and animation, and their creative minds don't give a f*ck because they'd rather insult their customers and fans online than do anything about it.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

True, but you can sort of understand it when people frustrated with their mediocrity constantly get told "Marvel can do no wrong, they are killing it, number one company ever, DC sucks, rofl". It's obnoxious and nauseating. Objectively, DC are so much better in many respects, and Marvel are probably in their worst shape creatively in years in comics and animation, and their creative minds don't give a f*ck because they'd rather insult their customers and fans online than do anything about it.

The biggest problems for me with DC movies and Marvel movies can be summed up in one sentence each.

DC's movies and shows are completely unconnected, which requires multiple unnecessary reinventions at the cost of building on some of their best product. (Examples, Ezra Miller Flash versus Grant Gustin Flash, Christopher Nolan Batman versus Zach Synder Batman)

Marvel's movies and shows are completely connected, sacrificing individual story-telling and creative stakes to always build to the next movie, only to skip on actual stakes/consequences again and kick the can down the road to the next big crossover.

[chrisdude]

True, but you can sort of understand it when people frustrated with their mediocrity constantly get told "Marvel can do no wrong, they are killing it, number one company ever, DC sucks, rofl". It's obnoxious and nauseating. Objectively, DC are so much better in many respects, and Marvel are probably in their worst shape creatively in years in comics and animation, and their creative minds don't give a f*ck because they'd rather insult their customers and fans online than do anything about it.Even when fans call Marvel movies mediocre, those movies are still pleasing most people. Yeah, the stories are generic, but the movies are unapologetically comic-booky, and I think they're admired for that. The Dark Knight trilogy was hugely successful, without played-out plots, or pandering to kids, but they stripped out a lot of unrealistic and fantastical elements that make Batman fun. And Man of Steel did a great job at putting Superman in the real world, and I like the movie a lot, but it was utterly joyless, and no fun at all. I think DC's strategy has been, "Let's give 'em comic book movies that don't look like comics, so people who don't like comics will watch." Marvel has been successful without doing that. So, I can can kinda see how people can look at Marvel and say, "These guys are doing it right."

Heck, I knew two people at work who were watching Arrow, not knowing it was based on a comic. I haven't watched Arrow, but that must be some seriously grounded stuff.

[ZariusTwo]

Heck, I knew two people at work who were watching Arrow, not knowing it was based on a comic. I haven't watched Arrow, but that must be some seriously grounded stuff.

I think the likes of Arrow and Flash are the most comic booky things DC have done live-action wise. Arrow is a bit gritty, but it has loads of more fantastical elements in it. Flash in particular is a load of fun and fully embraces it's superhero elements, and the new Supergirl from CBS show looks set to be pure cheese-on-toast:)

[Jester]

yeah, I prefer Flash to Arrow, because it has a sense of humor about itself. I agree Supergirl is probably gonna take that to 11.

[ZariusTwo]

Totally. Flash is embracing the more bizzare ideas, even going as far as putting a talking gorilla on live tv and earning praise and an award nomination for it.

Marvel's movies and shows are completely connected, sacrificing individual story-telling and creative stakes to always build to the next movie, only to skip on actual stakes/consequences again and kick the can down the road to the next big crossover.

This is a fair assessment. Marvel unfortunately are just extended commercials for each succession in the line, that to me does not entail a good time because there are some properties I'm not interested in seeing nor do I wish to force myself into seeing them.

[JakeSully]

Even when fans call Marvel movies mediocre, those movies are still pleasing most people. Yeah, the stories are generic, but the movies are unapologetically comic-booky, and I think they're admired for that. The Dark Knight trilogy was hugely successful, without played-out plots, or pandering to kids, but they stripped out a lot of unrealistic and fantastical elements that make Batman fun. And Man of Steel did a great job at putting Superman in the real world, and I like the movie a lot, but it was utterly joyless, and no fun at all. I think DC's strategy has been, "Let's give 'em comic book movies that don't look like comics, so people who don't like comics will watch." Marvel has been successful without doing that. So, I can can kinda see how people can look at Marvel and say, "These guys are doing it right."

Heck, I knew two people at work who were watching Arrow, not knowing it was based on a comic. I haven't watched Arrow, but that must be some seriously grounded stuff.

The biggest problems for me with DC movies and Marvel movies can be summed up in one sentence each.

DC's movies and shows are completely unconnected, which requires multiple unnecessary reinventions at the cost of building on some of their best product. (Examples, Ezra Miller Flash versus Grant Gustin Flash, Christopher Nolan Batman versus Zach Synder Batman)

Marvel's movies and shows are completely connected, sacrificing individual story-telling and creative stakes to always build to the next movie, only to skip on actual stakes/consequences again and kick the can down the road to the next big crossover.

X-Men over everything.

Most of the Marvel Studios movies are pretty generic. Darned near all of them are cookie-cutter as can be. Doesn't mean you can't love them. But it's harder to win people over when they don't have as much as an attachment to the character, like in Ant-Man's case.

And what makes Fox's X-Men movies different? tell me?

[Jester]

X-men is probably the best melding of realism and the comic-booky stuff.

[ToTheNines]

Really? I think they're all awful. Save for First Class and parts of The Wolverine.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

And what makes Fox's X-Men movies different? tell me?

My assessment of Fox's X-Men is half-assed.

That is to say, about half of the material and characters are great (Origins' Sabretooth, Wolverine, both versions of Magneto, both versions of Xavier, both versions of Beast, Traske, etc) and some of the movies are awesome (X-Men First Class, X2).

But the other half is so poorly done (Storm, Jean Grey, Rogue, Cyclops) and the movies are either terribly written (The Wolverine's third act) or don't even bother to adhere to source material for plot and character (X3, Origins).

[chrisdude]

And what makes Fox's X-Men movies different? tell me?Better stories. More compelling hero-villain dynamics.

EDIT:
I was pressured by my friends to participate in a boardgame while I was trying to post. My point was that most Marvel Studios movies are about some bad guy who wants to abuse weapons and technology to get rich and powerful. The X-Men films are about mutantkind's civil rights struggle. They center around some obstacle to peace, and Xavier and Magneto's conflicting philosophies about how to handle it. It's rarely is cut and dry as good versus evil. I think that makes for, if not better, at least different stories.

[TurtleTitan97]

Just got back from seeing it. It was great, my favorite scene was probably Ant-Man vs. Falcon. That was fun.