Of all of the superheroes Marvel could've used to kick off the third phase of their ambitious cinematic universe, Ant-Man isn't the most logical choice. He's unfamiliar to most audiences, has a slightly silly power and lends himself to a tone that's a bit offbeat, even for Marvel. With the fate of Guardians of the Galaxy and its talking raccoon still uncertain at this stage, another strange property is a risk for the studio. For many, the presence of auteur British filmmaker Edgar Wright - known for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and the Cornetto trilogy - was the film's ace card. His abrupt exit due to the old chestnut of "creative differences" has left a director-sized hole in the project, starring Paul Rudd as the titular hero and Michael Douglas as Dr Hank Pym, which is still set for a July 2015 release date. James Gunn, director of Guardians of the Galaxy, wrote that Marvel and Wright "just don't have personalities that mesh in a comfortable way". Marvel has insisted that the film will be completed by the advertised date, but questions have been raised about whether the new director could actually complete the film in such a short period of time. In fact, Wright's departure could leave the film lacking many essential ingredients. The success of Ant-Man is now an uphill struggle.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
