The "Ant Man" movie is going full throttle now. After a highly publicized directorial snag which saw charismatic Edgar Wright abruptly leaving the film after almost a decade of involvement, "Ant Man" is all set and ready to go.
Of course, the launch could not come at a more opportune time. Confidence in the studio is at an all-time high following the overwhelming success of "Guardians of the Galaxy," Marvel's 'riskiest' film yet. According to Box Office Mojo, the worldwide gross has exceeded $ 418 million.
Despite Wright's departure, "Ant Man" had a successful Comic Con panel led by main stars Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas. It promises to be a comedic adventure with comedy director Peyton Reed at the helm.
But what would still be intriguing is how it will connect with the other Marvel movies. Rumored cameos of Howard Stark (confirmed in the cast) and a young Alexander Pearce will give us more clues on the roots-and the possible future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
"Ant Man" will officially kick off Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe although "Guardians" seemed like a prologue for the 'cosmic' section. Will "Ant Man" tie up all the loose ends that were hinted in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier?" Is Hank Pym more involved with the Avengers (in the MCU) than we initially thought?
Intriguing questions that need answers, but for now, this is the official release. From Marvel.com:
"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 ("I Love You Man," "Role Models") as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, and Michael Douglas ("Behind The Candelabra," "Wall Street") as his mentor Dr. Hank Pym and Evangeline Lilly ("The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," "Lost") as Hope Van Dyne, daughter of Hank Pym.
The film also includes outstanding additional cast including Corey Stoll ("House of Cards," "The Bourne Legacy"), Bobby Cannavale ("Danny Collins," "Annie," "HBO's "The Long Play"), Michael Peña ("End of Watch," "American Hustle"), Abby Ryder Fortson ("Togetherness"), Judy Greer ("13 Going on 30," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes"), David Dastmalchian ("The Dark Knight," "Prisoners"), Wood Harris ("Remember the Titans," "The Wire"), John Slattery ("Mad Men," Marvel's "Iron Man 2") and Gregg Turkington ("The Comedy," "On Cinema") and multi-hyphenate T.I. ("American Gangster," "Takers")."
The official synopsis:
"Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael 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. "
