Putting it bluntly Ant-Man is the black sheep of Marvels Cinematic Universe; not only is the character virtually unknown by average movie goers the idea of a superhero that can shrink to the size of an ant and communicate with said creatures is hard to swallow. While in the comics Ant-Man is one of the founders of the Avengers and one of the suerheroes created in the golden age of comic books, to most of us its a questionabe choice for inclusion in a movie franchise starring some of Marvel Comics best known characters that have been prevalent in popular media for the past fifty years.
Even the premise for the movie sounds unoriginal, with elements similar to those seen in 2008's Iron Man; the films hero Scott Lang, portrayed by comedy actor Paul Rudd, will face off against Pym Technologies new Ceo Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) who just happens to also have his own version of the Ant-Man suit (pictured below) similar to that which Lang has "acquired" from Pym Technologies founder Hank Pym (Michael Douglas).
The movies well publicized change of director hasn't helped the movies credibility, especially considering that original director Edgar Wright was instrumental in getting the movie developed, greenlit and ready for production. Wrights sudden departure just before principal photography was the final nail in the coffin for many movie goers already on the fence about the movie. In all honesty some of us and some of the cast felt that was the end for Ant-Man.
Paul Rudd: “The bones of it is really Edgar and Joe. It’s been an emotional roller coaster, but I’m very excited now.”
Yet, after 13 years in development, Marvel Studios hiring of new director Peyton Reed seemed to be the much needed shot the project needed - a string of impressive cast members where hired including Oscar winner Michael Douglas, shooting locations were confirmed and production began. While Marvel Studios may have moved the tone of the movie in a new direction, the seeds of Wrights labor of love (which he developed with fellow British director Joe Cornish) seem to have been retained throughout the movie, probably due to star Paul Rudd (a long time friend of Wrights) remaining with the project and even assisting with the movies screenplay. It seems the actors love for the movie may have been instrumental in finally getting it to the big screen, and such dedication demands respect!
Peyton Reed: "What we’re doing is very different from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. It’s going to be much more experiential."
Another reason to watch the movie is the effects that will be implemented to realize Ant-Mans shrinking using a technique known as "Macro Photography", a new technique recently seen in the BBC's nature documentary series Hidden Kingdoms which uses real, life size elements filmed dynamically to present the scene as from a small insect/animals perspective. Paul Rudd will be added to these dynamic shots using a combination of green screen and motion capture, which is guranteed to look breathtaking on a large cinema screen.
Images and quotes from EW!
