First Official Look At Paul Rudd In Costume As ANT-MAN On EW Cover

Ahead of the trailer debut tonight, EW has revealed their first look of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang in his ANT-MAN costume. Check back here later tonight, when we'll post images from the trailer and possibly the HD version of the trailer.

SOURCE: EW

Why Paul Rudd And Evangeline Lilly Are Likely Joining The Cast Of CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

It was revealed this week, it's possible the real reason between the split of Marvel and Edgar Wright on the Ant-Man production. The likelihood was due the connectivity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Edgar's existing script. It's believed that Wright was keen on keeping his characters within his film, along keeping out references and characters from other films. Basically, he wanted to make a Marvel film set-apart from every single Marvel movie since Iron Man. I could see how that would cause massive tension between Edgar and the studio.

I'm unsure if the huge connection between Hank Pym and S.H.I.E.L.D., which is now a key plot point of the film was the main problem or only part of it. It's been confirmed that Agent Carter and Howard Stark will be appearing in the film, to connect Pym to the early days of S.H.I.E.L.D. It's possible he didn't want his film to be a cog in the Avengers machine, which is why they've been kept out of the Avengers films. There's only so long that Marvel could have played that game with Edgar.

We know that this could have been the main reason why both Ant-Man and Wasp were held-back in both Avengers (early storyboards confirm Widow replaced Wasp) and Age of Ultron. The tiny heroes being founding members of the team, along with Pym creating Ultron it all seemed fishy to exclude them from both films. I have a feeling the reason was Edgar wanted to tell the origins within his film, which kept getting delayed due to Wright's other projects and constant script revisions. Now, with Wright out of the picture it looks like at least one of the Ant-Man stories connected to the Avengers can be explored in Captain America: Civil War.

In the comics Hank Pym had a huge role within the Civil War storyline, training meta-human recruits at Camp Hammond. Something I believe was already teased with set photos from Age of Ultron. I wouldn't be overly shocked to see Scott Lang played by Paul Rudd, actually take over this persona along with Pym's daughter Hope played by Evangeline Lilly. Pym used both the personas of Yellow Jacket (will be seen in Ant-Man) and Giant-Man in the Ultimates, so it's possible these could show-up in the films too. We might finally have some heroic characters joining Team Stark.

It should be considered that we've come to expect crossovers with these films, and this Captain America sequel is our last chance for an Avengers-type story until the cosmic epic Infinity War. It's also odd that while we'll be seeing a Guardians sequel, Marvel didn't even mention an Ant-Man sequel as a possibility. Since the cast signed multiple-film contracts it's expected they will appear in a bunch of different movies, without a sequel announced we have to assume they'll show-up in other Marvel movies.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!! 

You might be saying to yourselves, hey we've already have plenty of people returning for this Captain America sequel. To tell you the truth, Civil War's story lends itself to a massive cast and we could end-up seeing something even bigger than we've seen previously with Avengers installments. It's also possible Black Panther might be the only new character getting his origin told in the film, leaving enough room for established characters to mingle.

That's unless Marvel does indeed feel the need to include Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel into the lineup. We've heard that Danvers could be a member of Team Cap at the end of Age of Ultron. Again, this film can handle a huge sprawling cast.

The only two that make sense at the moment are Maria Hill who is revealed to be working for Stark Industries at the end of Winter Soldier. Along with Stark's super-science buddy Bruce Banner, who will likely take the side of his best friend. If rumors are to believed via BadassDigest Cap's side will include pretty much everyone else from Age of Ultron. Such as Hawkeye, War Machine, The Vision, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch and even possibly Captain Marvel.

I'm leaving-out both Thor and Black Widow, because we haven't heard how these two could be factoring into the film, it's possible the ending to Age of Ultron will actually explain their fates. I'm actually unsure if Widow survives this installment, due to exclusion in Civil War casting talk.

Not to mention possibly lining-up a starring role in Ghost In The Shell, which will likely keep her out of the production. Her death in Age of Ultron, might also explain why talk of a Black Widow film has been essentially erased lately from the spin-off table. Even when Feige talked about the Widow film recently, he referred to it as a prequel, a clue to Natasha's fate?

I'm sort of thinking Hulk or Ultron ends-up killing Black Widow in Age of Ultron, this shocking event might be enough to spark Civil War. Banner lost control on the helicarrier in Avengers and almost killed Widow once before. Let's not forget Natasha was killed by a team member in the Ultimates comics, and those comics have been influencing these films a lot. She's been revealed to the world and her death could see the government react with the Superhero Registration Act, headed-up by Tony Stark.

If by the hands of Hulk it could also lead to his Planet Hulk banishment that's been rumored for ages now. Pym (or Scott/Hope) might take the place of Dr. Reed Richards in the Illuminati lineup. Since, we'll likely have Doctor Strange, Black Panther and Black Bolt established around Infinity War's release.

In the case of Thor, Age of Ultron reshoots are said to include Idris Elba's Heimdall and Tom Hiddleston's Loki, will likely see Thor too busy with Asgardian affairs to worry about the conflict back on Midgard. I assume these scenes are being shot to setup the events of Thor: Ragnarok, which could be happening during Civil War. The assumption is that Guardians of The Galaxy 2 and Ragnarok, will be planting seeds if not entire plot points for Infinity War Part 1.

Basically, Scott and Hope could fill the void if both Natasha and Thor are being left on the sidelines for this movie. Leading up to the massive all-out galactic threat in Infinity War. It could also be revealed that either Pym, Scott or Hope are secretly Skrulls taking the form of the heroes to spy for Thanos. We've talked about his connection to the Skulls previously, and how Secret Invasion could have Thanos behind it.

Marvel Announces New Cast For ANT-MAN, Will Howard Stark And 1960's S.H.I.E.L.D. Play A Role?

Marvel has announced that cameras has begun to roll-on Ant-Man in San Francisco, which is directed by Payton Reed. Our primary cast consists of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym, Evangeline Lily as Hope Van Dyne (daughter of Pym) and Corey Stoll as the main villain Darren Cross aka Yellow Jacket.

The new additions mentioned in the press release include Michael Pena (finally confirmed by Marvel), Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire, Blue Jasmine), Judy Greer (Archer, Descendants, Jurassic World, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes), John Slatterty, David Dastmalchian (The Dark Knight, Prisoners), Abby Ryder Fortson, Gregg Turkington, and for some reason rapper T.I. (Takers).

John Slattery's (Mad Men) addition might be the confirmation we've been waiting for, as he played the original 60's version of Howard Stark in Iron Man 2. Bringing him back, gives us the impression that S.H.I.E.L.D. and Howard Stark will indeed play a role in the film. It's unknown what the actual timeline of the film will be, but it's expected we would see a younger version of Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) kicking-ass as Ant-Man in the 1960s, possibly for S.H.I.E.L.D. We've been hearing that the rewrites were happening to include Pym's connection to S.H.I.E.L.D. and place Ant-Man into the greater lineage of the MCU.

There is talk from BadassDigest that Judy Greer  will play the ex-wife of Lang (Rudd) and Bobby Cannavale might be replacing Patrick Wilson as her new husband, a cop that also arrested Lang. I have to assume that child-actor Abby Ryder Fortson will be playing Cassie Lang, the daughter of Scott. Cassie had been rumored since Edgar Wright's involvement, and seems to be a role that could develop in the future.

SOURCE: MARVEL

WATCHMEN Actor Patrick Wilson And Others Exits Marvel's ANT-MAN

Production on Marvel's Ant-Man is about to begin, but they'll have to do it without Patrick Wilson and a few others. The Watchmen actor was cast in an unnamed role (rumored to be a young Hank Pym or the secondary villain), but seemed a bit upset when production delays began after the departure of director Edgar Wright. Payton Reed has stepped-in to direct and Adam McKay will make rewrites to the script.

There were rumors that other actors, hand-picked by Edgar could also walk from the project. It seems like that is coming true as Matt Gerard (Avatar) and Kevin Weisman (Alias) are also exiting, they are stating that their characters have been removed from the newly updated script. Considering that Michael Douglas and Paul Rudd have been the only two actors Marvel would confirm in recent press releases, it's likely we could be seeing more casting shake-ups. Deadline also mentions that Evangeline Lily (Hobbit, Real Steel, Lost, Hurt Locker) will indeed be in attendance for the panel, but her character hasn't been confirmed.

Ant-Man is set to released on July 15th, 2015.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Director Peyton Reed Confirmed For ANT-MAN With Adam McKay Touching-Up Script

After Edgar Wright's departure from Marvel's Ant-Man, there was a lot of "what-now" and speculation. Even more so, a wave of directing candidates and denials. Until, Yes Man's Peyton Reed became the front-runner via TheWrap. There is more developing concerning that news.

Marvel has confirmed Peyton as the new director and also announces that Adam McKay (Step Brothers, Anchorman, The Other Guys, Talladega Nights) will complete the rewrites to Wright-Cornish's script. Production is expected to begin soon with it's release date set for July 17th, 2015. We finally have our first synopis of the film as well, which pairs Pym and Lang together.

Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (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. 

I'm still convinced that with Reed's addition to the project, my hope of Zooey Deschanel playing Janet (The Wasp) is a very strong possibility. The pair have worked together on Yes Man and The New Girl. It doesn't hurt that she's previously worked with Paul Rudd. We haven't seen a complete casting announcement from Marvel concerning cast members besides Rudd and Douglas, so it's unknown if the studio has signed-off on Edgar's choices. Evangeline Lily has been named as having leading female role, but is said to be playing the daughter of Hank Pym (Douglas). I'm unsure if Marvel is about to make Janet the daughter of Hank, it's possible that Lily is playing another character.

SOURCE: MARVEL 

Edgar Wright Walks From ANT-MAN Over Marvel's Script Rewrites?

Looks like we might finally have the skinny on why Edgar Wright left Ant-Man. It's apparently Edgar who quit, he wasn't fired by Marvel Studios, as some had assumed. LatinoReview is reporting from inside sources that Wright and Cornish we trying their best to appease production notes from Marvel. That didn't seem to be enough and two low credited writers were making massive rewrites to their script. To the point that Wright's vision had been lost, this is according to this article. I guess we'll hear from Edgar soon, but it's unlikely he'll be giving straight answers. Considering he still has a project or two in-development over at Disney.

About 3 months ago, Marvel had notes. The meat of the notes were about the core morality of the piece, must include franchise characters. etc., These notes came from the big four at Marvel. Joe Cornish and Edgar Wright did two drafts to try and answer the notes without compromising their vision.

6 weeks ago Marvel took the script off them and gave the writing assignment to two very low credit writers. One of the writers were from Marvel's in house writing team. Edgar stayed cool, agreed to stay on the project, and read the draft.

The script came in this week and was completely undone. Poorer, homogenized, and not Edgar's vision. Edgar met with Marvel on Friday to formally exit and the announcement went out directly after.

I have my own theory that these "writers", could in fact be Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus. Since the pair, have had their hands in doing rewrites to "troubled" scripts. Most recently adding their "magic" to Thor: The Dark World, when the script wasn't up to the studios' standards. It would be even more insulting, if Marvel had unknowns reworking the script that Edgar had been writing off-and-on for around eight years.

SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

It's Not The End Of The World, ANT-MAN Will Find A New Director

You'd think the sky was falling, if we accurately gaged the response of Twitter today. News broke this afternoon that Edgar Wright will no longer be directing Ant-Man. A project he had been writing for Marvel since 2006, and would eventually see Joe Cornish join to co-write on the script. Wright was eyed for the directing gig, but Marvel allowed him to go off to make Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim and The World's End before locking him down as the official director. The studio obviously wanted Wright's vision for the film, even though it's being reported his departure is over "creative differences"

We just learned about this news, but people are already choosing sides, and making Marvel out to be the villain. The full story hasn't been revealed and Wright hasn't even weighed-in on the departure. It's basically the worst we've come to expect from fandom, reactionists just spouting conspiracies and misplacing their anger over what-ifs. If only half of these people actually supported Edgar Wright's film when they were released in theatres, he wouldn't have such a poor record at the box office.

I'm not overly shocked, as Marvel has moved up the date twice and Wright already seemed a bit overwhelmed by the amount of special effects needed for the movie. It's possible that Wright actually got cold-feet about the looming release date and couldn't meet that deadline. This doesn't make Edgar a terrible director, just someone who obviously wasn't ready for something of this scale. Of course, this is just one of many theories that are circling the internet at the moment. Let's not forget that Wright has a bunch of other films in development and could have been offered a bigger project as well.

A majority of this will be Edgar's movie no matter who end's up directing it. Wright blocked a bunch of film's shots, helped with storyboards, hired most of the cast and even co-wrote the script. It's safe to say the film will be 70% Edgar's even with a new director taking over for him. He's done basically all the prep-work, so it's not the case of Marvel removing all of Wright's fingerprints from the project. The new director will simply help finish casting and will just aggressively shoot the production extremely fast.

I have a few names I'd like to put out there for consideration. Variety has pointed out while Marvel is zeroing-in on someone, a deal hasn't been made. So they could end-up looking at other people for the gig.

RICHARD AYOADE: Richard has very similar sensibilities to Edgar Wright, both have a love of topical pulp culture and dry British humor. Ayoade comes from the indie world of filmmaking which should appease the film nerds. His films Submarine and The Double, wouldn't give the impression he'd make an excellent superhero film. However, neither did the Russo Brothers with their work on the show Community. He's sort of a diamond-in-the-rough director you'd want Marvel to search for.

BEN WHEATLEY: Another friend of Edgar Wright, Ben has walked the line of insane and brilliant. His films The Kill-List and A Field In England are projects you'd expect Stanley Kubrick to make, but then makes a black-comedy like The Sightseers (produced by Wright). He's the kind of unpredictable director that I believe Marvel would be attracted to. Ben recently agreed to direct an episode of Doctor Who, something you wouldn't expect him to be into. The only problem is that Ben is about to start shooting his next film High Rise starring Tom Hiddleston.

JOE CORNISH: A lot of people are dismissing Cornish getting involved because he's lined-up another feature, which will focus on the origins of MI6. Joe is the co-writer of the script and could easily direct the hell out of an Ant-Man movie. The people at Marvel must have seen Attack The Block, and the star of that film John Boyega landed a role in Star Wars. I could see Cornish dropping that other project if given the deal from Marvel.

Some honorary mentions include Eran Creevy (Welcome To The Punch, Autobauhn) Sam Miller (Luther), J Blakeson (The Disappearance of Alice Creed) and Paddy Constantine (Tyrannosaur).

Edgar Wright Exits ANT-MAN, New Director To Be Announced Shortly

After eights years and many different script drafts, Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim, Shaun of The Dead) has officially exited Marvel's Ant-Man. Wright had been involved with the project since it's inception over eight years ago, and was about to start rolling on the film at Pinewood Studios, Atlanta. The joint announcement via THR, confirms that Wright has left the production and a new director will be named soon.

Marvel and Edgar Wright jointly announced today that the studio and director have parted ways on ANT-MAN due to differences in their vision of the film. The decision to move on is amicable and does not impact the release date on July 17, 2015. A new director will be announced shortly.



The cast isn't likely to change which includes Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lily, Patrick Wilson, Corey Stoll, and Michael Pena. The release date won't be changing either, and pre-production will likely resume shortly. This isn't the first time something like this has happened at Marvel. Patty Jenkins was originally hired to direct Thor: The Dark World, only to exit and be replaced with Alan Taylor.

It's unknown who Marvel will place in the director's chair, but some are already speculating co-writer Joe Cornish might get the offer. Cornish directed the well-recived film Attack The Block, and was a favorite to land the directing gig for Star Trek 3. Joe turned down the offer to takeover Star Trek, so it's possible he'd also turn this down as well.

We also don't have the full story here, and it's likely that Wright was offered a bigger project and felt the need to turn away from Ant-Man. I'm sure things will come into the light in the coming days.

SOURCE: THR

AVATAR Actor Matt Gerald Joins The Male-Heavy Cast Of Edgar Wright's ANT-MAN

Deadline reports that character actor Matt Gerald (Avatar, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Escape Plan) has taken a villainous role in Edgar Wright's Ant-Man. This isn't Matt's first Marvel role, as he took the part of White Power Dave in the Marvel One-Shot All Hail The King. It's unknown if he'll be reprising the role of Dave in new film.

The rest of the cast includes Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly (The Hobbit, Real Steel, Hurt Locker), Michael Douglas (The Game, Black Rain, Wall Street), Patrick Wilson (Watchmen, A-Team, Insidious 1-2, The Conjuring), Michael Pena (End of Watch, Crash) and Corey Stoll (House of Cards, Non-Stop, Midnight In Paris). Production is set to being at Pinewoods Studios in Atlanta, the first Marvel film to be shot that facility. It's release date is the old Batman Vs Superman spot, which is slated for July , 2015

I'm loving the cast Edgar is putting together, but it's a giant sausage-fest at the moment. Currently, there are six-seven male cast members (Clifton Collins Jr. might be the seventh actor), while only one woman has been cast in the film. You'd think after The Winter Soldier having five female characters in the film, Marvel would be adding more ladies among the Ant-Man cast. Here's hoping that we end-up seeing more women join the Marvel film, because it's a bit shameful if they don't.


SOURCE: DEADLINE

HOUSE OF CARDS Actor Corey Stoll Could Join ANT-MAN And Evangeline Lilly Confirmed?

TheWrap reports that character actor Corey Stoll (Midnight In Paris, House of Cards, Non-Stop, Salt) is in-talks to take an unnamed role in Edgar Wright's Ant-Man. His role isn't mentioned but it's possible he could end-up taking either supporting role or could end up a villain. Patrick Wilson's role hasn't been revealed but Stoll might end up playing SHIELD Agent Eric O'Grady or even villain Egghead (a role both Simon Pegg and Rob Corddry jokingly campaigned for). I'm sure when Marvel makes the official casting announcements we'll get more information.The rest of the cast includes Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Patrick Wilson, Michael Pena and Clifton Collins Jr.

The site also seemingly confirms that Canadian actress Evangeline Lilly (Lost, Real Steel, Hurt Locker, Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Hobbit: There And Back Again) has indeed been cast in the female lead, which may or may not be Janet aka The Wasp.

SOURCE: THEWRAP

Patrick Wilson Going From WATCHMEN To ANTMAN!

Deadline is reporting that actor Patrick Wilson (Watchmen, The Conjuring 1-2, Insidious 1-3) has joined the slowly growing cast of Edgar Wright's Ant-Man. Wilson is nearing a deal of an unnamed role, which may be heroic or villainous. My money is that he could be playing the young Hank Pym, while the older version is played by Michael Douglas. The plot is said to bounce between the 60's and present day, involving the Cuban missile-crisis and the theft of Pym's technology (his suit).

Paul Rudd is set to play Scott Lang, our thief turned hero. Along with possible additions such as Clifton Collins Jr. (seemingly confirmed his involvement on twitter) and Michael Pena. Rashida Jones has been linked for the female role, same with Bryce Dallas Howard and Jessica Chastain. More recently, Evangeline Lilly (The Hobbit Trilogy, Lost, Real Steal, Hurt Locker) has been linked for the female lead, which could be Janet aka The Wasp.

It's also possible that Wilson could be playing Hank Pym Jr. (Douglas' son), which would allow Lilly as Janet, along with her relationship to Hank playing out. There had been some speculation that Janet could be Pym's daughter and then falling for Scott Lange instead of Hank. Having Hank Sr. and Jr. could be a way to fix that problem, while giving the Ant-Man title a bit of legacy.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Evangeline Lilly In Talks For Role In ANT-MAN

Variety reports that Canadian actress Evangeline Lilly (Lost, Real Steel) is currently in talks for a lead role in Edgar Wright's Ant-Man. The role is unnamed, but is expected to be Pym's (Michael Douglas) daughter and love-interest to Lang (Paul Rudd). It's also possible this could also be Janet van Dyne, who becomes The Wasp. Lilly recently took on a action-based role in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy, which would make her an excellent candidate for Wasp.

Ladies previously linked for the role included Rashida Jones, Bryce Dallas Howard and Jessica Chastain. Clifton Collins Jr. is also attached for an unknown role in the film. Production begins in April, with the release date set for July, 2015.





SOURCE: VARIETY

Elves Of THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG Take Over Empire

First Teaser Poster For THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

EW Gives Us Our First Official Look At Evangeline Lily As Tauriel In THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

First In Camera Look At Evangeline Lily As Tauriel, Plus Other Behind The Scenes Images From THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

First Footage From THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

First Scene From The Hobbit: The Desolation Of... by dm_514f5e7f66d4c

Evangeline Lilly's Stunt-Double Shows Off Tauriel's Costume On HOBBIT Set

Evangeline Lilly Talks Hobbit And Her Role

The Hobbit is being split into two rather large films but for this to work the screenwriters had to include other pieces of Tolkien lore and other small stories leading to new characters. One of those characters is being played by Evangeline Lilly (Lost, Real Steel). Not much was known about the female elf warrior until now. Lilly reveals to EW details of the elf warrior Tauriel and that she will end up with greater screen time in the second film Hobbit: There And Back Again.

“Yes, she is a warrior. She’s actually the head of the Elven guard. She’s the big shot in the army. So she knows how to wield any weapon, but the primary weapons that she uses are a bow and arrow and two daggers. And she’s lethal and deadly. You definitely wouldn’t want to be caught in a dark alley next to Tauriel.”

Evangeline Lilly & Barry Humphries Join The Hobbit

I'm a little late with this one but I'm still excited for the potential. Back in June Peter Jackson announced on Facebook the casting of Australian comedian Barry Humphries (Dame Edna) and Evangeline Lilly (Lost, Hurt Locker) in the Hobbit films. Barry will play the Goblin King while Evangeline will play a new elf character named Tauriel. It was rumored that Saoirse Ronan (Hanna, Lovely Bones) had been linked for the role and the new heroine would see quite a bit of action in the two films.

The actors join an impressive cast that includes Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lee Pace, Stephen Fry, Sylvester McCoy, James Nesbitt and Mikael Persbrandt. Along with returners like Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Orlando Bloom, Kate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving and Elijah Wood.