It’s no secret the upcoming Ant-Man film has had a difficult trip to the big screen. From years spent writing and rewriting the script, to the departure of Edgar Wright, it’s more than a little surprising that this film continues to exist in any form. With the trailer airing earlier this week during Agent Carter’s stellar TV premiere (more on that another time) we finally have a solid look at what the film is, but was it worth the wait?
It’s no secret the upcoming Ant-Man film has had a difficult trip to the big screen. From years spent writing and rewriting the script, to the departure of Edgar Wright, it’s more than a little surprising that this film continues to exist in any form. With the trailer airing earlier this week during Agent Carter’s stellar TV premiere (more on that another time) we finally have a solid look at what the film is, but was it worth the wait?
I myself read comics with a near religious fervor, and tend to more understanding than most self-proclaimed super-nerds when it comes to changes made for the film. So when the Ant-Man film was announced, I was hesitantly excited.
Then the details started to come out and that excitement grew.
Edgar Wright, beloved filmmaker behind Hot Fuzz and Scott Pilgrim, wrote and would direct it.
Hank Pym would be featured in the film, but the focus would be on Scott Lang–the current comic book Ant-Man–thus eliminating considerable amounts of continuity confusion. And Paul Rudd would star as Lang, with all his grizzled comedic charm. It was the perfect storm of awesome.
Then Edgar Wright left.
It’s no exaggeration to say this film is only happening because of Wright. He championed it for years before the success of Iron Man, endured rewrite after rewrite, only to depart a few months before principal photography began. This film was his brainchild, his labor of love–what could have possibly made him leave, and should we be concerned?
Always the gentleman, Wright never went deep into detail about his slip, leaving comic film fiends like myself to speculate wildly, fueled in our fury by statements made by those close to the situation.
The reasons behind his departure are probably more simple than they seem.
Wright is a filmmaker well known for his creative comedic style, one which has been a breath of fresh air in the often stagnant comedy filmmaking community. Marvel also has a well documented house style, and a history of not meshing well with certain directors.
Some drop out before filming begins, such as Thor: The Dark World‘s initial director Patty Jenkins. Others opt not to return to their franchises, such as Thor director Kenneth Branagh and Iron Man director Jon Favreau.
Meanwhile, others such Captain America: The Winter Soldier directors The Russo Brothers not only agree to return, but to helm other projects as well.
It’s not a stretch at all to think Wright felt his creative control, which is highly necessary to his style, would be compromised by Marvel’s need to make everything adhere to their own style. It’s hard to fault Marvel on that. Yes, it limits the kinds of films they’re able to produce, but a consistent shared film universe is largely uncharted territory, and a world that feels cohesive could be exciting. Or it could drag the individual films.
The question must be asked: are they sacrificing the quality of individual/stand-alone films in the name of this shared universe? And if they are, will it be worth it?
As annoying as it is to say, only time will tell. In the meantime I say we view Ant-Man with apprehension. There’s a lot of talent behind this film, and the fact that it exists at all is a victory.
However, while it’s too early to tell for sure, the trailer seems to hint at a comedic/serious mixed tone which might not work. For every Guardians of the Galaxy, there are six Pain and Gains.
Marvel needs to give room for their films to establish an individual voice free of the drags which come with franchise filmmaking, and anything that could make Edgar Wright abandon his pet project is something which should be viewed with apprehension indeed.
Here’s the trailer, watch it and judge for yourselves. I’m sure I’ll see you at the theatre come July 17th.
