What True Fans Will Hate About Ant-Man
Ant-Man will be the official finale of Marvel's 'Phase Two,' wrapping up the second chapter of the Cinematic Universe before blowing it up again with a war between Marvel's greatest heroes in 2016. Ant-Man was one of the original comic Avengers, even before Captain America, but until now, he's been forgotten by Marvel. A complex character in the comics, there's lots that the film could get wrong about Ant-Man. So, what will true fans REALLY hate about Ant-Man?
Inventor Of Ultron
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tony Stark is the inventor of pretty much everything, even though the comics are full of genius inventors. In Age of Ultron, it's Stark's mistake that brings the titular villain to life, but it's Henry Pym, the original Ant-Man, who actually created Ultron's comic self. It was too difficult to introduce Ant-Man's genius to the Avengers franchise, but it's better late than never. Dollars to donuts that the Ant-Man suit incorporates Stark tech.
Ant-Man Part Deux
Ant-Man's hero, played by Paul Rudd, is actually the second hero to use the name 'Ant-Man.' Rudd plays an ex-thief named Scott Lang who, in the comics, steals the suit from its inventor to save his daughter. There are 17 years worth of comic history being omitted in order to leap to the second Ant-Man, but at least Hank Pym, played by Michael Douglas, has an important role in the film.
The Ant-Man Stands Alone
Director Peyton Reed has stated that Ant-Man is a "standalone film," so it may not have a huge impact on the larger set of Marvel films. While this doesn't mean that there won't be a clever after-credits scene of Ant-Man showing up at Avengers Mansion to try out for the team or comparing bug costumes with Spider-Man, fans shouldn't expect any Infinity Gems or cameos, aside from Captain America's agent Peggy Carter. And probably Stan Lee. That dude is everywhere.
Enough With The Wacky Heists
Guardians of the Galaxy was a quirky film about a bunch of criminals pulling off a heist... so will Ant-Man be more of the same? Rudd and Chris Pratt are both known for their comedy, and even appeared together in Parks and Recreation, but if the caper formula plays too close to GotG, fans will revolt.
Who's Yellowjacket?
The film's villain, Yellowjacket, doesn't seem to have any relation to the comic book Yellowjacket – who is actually Ant-Man suffering from schizophrenia, and later, a villainess-turned-hero who joins the Guardians of the Galaxy. Instead, the film uses Darren Cross, a guy who literally steals other people's hearts to stay alive... but never actually dresses up like a bug.
It's Iron Man, But With Ants
Those who have seen the trailer are already complaining that the story is too similar to Iron Man: a flawed protagonist who uses a super-suit to fight another guy in a super-suit and turn his life around. Hopefully, Ant-Man will explore the classic hero myth in greater depth now that we're safely in a territory where superhero films are finally acceptable, and not just stuff that nerds shamefully watch behind closed doors.
Edgar Wright Out The Door
The film's original director, Edgar Wright, left production in May of 2014, citing creative differences, and leaving Marvel scrambling for a replacement. Wright had been attached to the project since 2006, with credits including Shaun of the Dead and Scott Pilgrim. On the other hand, Reed's credits include some sitcoms, the Back to the Future cartoon, and Yes Man.
Irredeemable
Paul Rudd is an unusual choice for a character who isn't known for his humorous wisecracks, but he'd be an awesome choice for the third Ant-Man, Eric O'Grady, a unrepentant jerk who steals the suit from SHIELD and goes on madcap adventures. It seems more suited to the casting, but the film's director denies any connection to the Irredeemable Ant-Man.
Pym Particles
Comic book Ant-Man gets his shrinking powers from something called Pym Particles, which sounds more like a cereal than a scientific discovery. It's almost too dorky to put into a film without addressing it with extreme sarcasm... but heaven help any script writer who changes the science behind Ant-Man's powers.
Giant Man
The other thing Ant-Man can do, aside from making himself tiny, is getting really, really huge. While it's been rumored that he'll be doing just that in Captain America: Civil War, teasers for Ant-Man's own film don't address this particular power. While it would be hilarious to see Scott Lang discover these more-useful powers after his adventure is over, here's hoping that he discovers them at all.