Ant-Man Edgar Wright Leaves Ant-Man!!

[Webfoot Hero]

Fans are looking for a scapegoat, but it is never that easy.

Disney has cultivated brands very, very well for decades. And that is what Marvel is, but there has been plenty of autonomy since that 2009 purchase. I don't know that anyone should believe whispered gossip.

Suffice it to say that this might be the end of "big names" signing on to direct Marvel Studios movies. I think anyone who wants to be very creative will probably see this and take a step back.

I just imagine that the takeaway is Marvel going all-in on hiring more TV directors like Alan Taylor and the Russo Brothers. Some fans will be happy, and some will complain. But that seems to be the future.

One director leaving before the start of filming is not going to start a mass exodus of directors not wanting to work for Marvel. The impending demise that many are predicting is not happening over one guy. You can't really say that Whedon, Gunn, Black, or the Russo Bros. weren't/aren't being given enough creative freedom by looking at the final products/trailers or production shots.

As far as hiring TV directors, Marvel is going after people they feel can bring something different to their films and if that person's background is in TV, they don't really care. Seems the only people who make a fuss about it are certain fans.

 

[DACrowe]

I did not say this is the end of Marvel. In fact, I doubt they will miss a beat. Ant-Man will most likely come out in 2015. And it should probably do at least Phase One numbers based solely on Marvel's family friendly brand reputation at this point.

I am referring to more how Hollywood talent is rumored to be cautious around Marvel Studios. The rumored hardball they play with actors. But so be it. Actors want to act in big movies to help their own brand recognition and finance smaller, more fulfilling projects. And Marvel Studios has a level of quality control and accessibility not guaranteed by other studios, so it is inviting, despite what are apparently war stories worth of salary and bottom-line disputes for their agents.

However, directors who want to leave a mark on the character? Favreau graciously departed Marvel on amicable terms after making Iron Man 2 turned into what sounds like a nightmare, and he helped birth the studio's earliest success which still informs the tone and style of their movies to date. While certainly not an auteur, Alan Taylor also had the film ripped from his hands. And probably the biggest "film" director the studio first landed, Edgar Wright, was rather unceremoniously "separated" from the studio months before production.

I think Marvel is moving more to TV directors, because television direction is less about leaving your own impression or creating something unique than it is about creating something that feeds into the producer's overall tone and continuity. That is what Marvel is looking for.

I mean this is all speculation. I just do not see Marvel Studios looking like it will appeal to filmmakers with something unique to say about the genre, because that special uniqueness is clearly what the studio is rather hesitant about.

 

[Airwings]

Marvel is going after people they feel can bring something different to their films

Like Edgar Wright?

 

[Silvermoth]

And the wife beater trait of Pym is overblown. It was a one-time thing and mainly an error by the artist with how significant of a blow it was meant to be. At this point, they really can't just start a Black Panther or Captain Marvel movie and hope for it to release in Ant-Man's spot. There's no telling how far along those projects actually are in development. Same with Dr. Strange.

It doesn't matter how hard he hit her. He hit her and that's not ok

 

[dark_b]

It might have just been an overall style/tone thing. Like, Wright may have wanted to make the film really stylized and weird and not have the climax of the movie be a big expensive action sequence but instead be something else more creative, and Disney was all "NO STICK TO FORMULA YOU SWINE." I could see that being a thing.

Wright and Cornish have been writting this movie for years. the basic story,look,action and 3 acts were locked years ago.you think they were having conversations about what happens in the finale?

movie making is a business. IMO obvious Disney and Marvel changed their mind on what to do with Antman in 2014 based on all the movies that they realesed and have in production. Thor2,CA2 and Avengers filming. the changes had to be drastic.

i am reading some posts here and i am shocked. some are acting like Wright was the boss of Antman and not Marvel Studios. you think Wright forced them to have an old Pym? you think he forced them to not have Antman in phase 1? what is happening on SHH? Antman was not in phase 1 and 2 becuase Marvel didnt want him.

 

[Shikamaru]

Ant-Man's been off limits to anyone but Wright before the MCU as we know it even existed. Since Iron Man was still on the drawing board. That's precisely why he wasn't in Phase 1 or 2. They tried their best to keep him out to accommodate Wright's take.

 

[Webfoot Hero]

It doesn't matter how hard he hit her. He hit her and that's not ok

Except there are other comic heroes who've hit women on multiple occasions, yet aren't branded woman beaters/abusers like Pym has been over the years.

http://www.comicvine.com/articles/off-my-mind-is-hank-pym-a-wife-beater-or-did-he-ge/1100-143296/

 

[dark_b]

Ant-Man's been off limits to anyone but Wright before the MCU as we know it even existed. Since Iron Man was still on the drawing board. That's precisely why he wasn't in Phase 1 or 2. They tried their best to keep him out to accommodate Wright's take.

MS or Disney are the owners right? if they wanted Antman in phase 1 or 2 they would change their mind and tell it to Wright. this news is proof of this. they changed thier mind on the script. they rewrotte it and showed it to Wright. he says thank you and walks away.

Wright for years has been known as a guy who doesnt waste money and time. he is oldschool. he wont have an idea for a 5 million or 10 million scene that they added in reshoots. or an expensive opening scene . he is not like this. he prepares everything in detail in preproduction.

 

[Rock Sexton]

Man, some stupid-ass posts in this thread. I swear if Joss Whedon were to walk off Age of Ultron and cut ties with Marvel tomorrow, the Marvel teat-nibblers would be tripping over themselves to be first to post, "Good riddance!" "Marvel are better off without him!" "I never liked him anyway, always thought he was a hack!"

You're crazy. Talk about hyperbole. One director helmed one of the highest grossing films of all time. His absence would be felt. The other can't even gross over $80 million domestically.

Please stop talking.

 

[Rock Sexton]

Mary mother of God-

I have been looking forward to this film for YEARS. And now, when we were closer than we've ever been, it's just gone. I am dumbfounded.

I mean, yes, the movie will still be made. It's the Edgar Wright making it part I'm referring to.

Jesus God, I feel like I just lost a pet or something. I have no idea how to process this.

Oh no guys .... The Question has been looking forward to this movie for years (so he says) .... more like looking for yet another reason to rag on the MCU LOL

 

[Rock Sexton]

Oh shoot, sorry.
Stupid MARVEL! Always SCR*WING UP EVERYTHING, bossing around those POOR DIRECTORS!

Always? Show me proof that they've strong-armed all their directors.

****waits for eternity****

 

[dark_b]

You're crazy. Talk about hyperbole. One director helmed one of the highest grossing films of all time. His absence would be felt. The other can't even gross over $80 million domestically.

Please stop talking.

he needs to direct a 200 million movie with a 100 million marketing budget. then lets see how much his movie can make at the BO.

 

[Rock Sexton]

he needs to direct a 200 million movie with a 100 million marketing budget. then lets see how much his movie can make at the BO.

I'm sure he's just been overlooked ALL THIS TIME. That's what it is. I keep forgetting that when it comes to this stuff I'm discussing an obscure director with super-nerds who look at situations like this in a vacuum.

 

[jmc]

I did not say this is the end of Marvel. In fact, I doubt they will miss a beat. Ant-Man will most likely come out in 2015. And it should probably do at least Phase One numbers based solely on Marvel's family friendly brand reputation at this point.

I am referring to more how Hollywood talent is rumored to be cautious around Marvel Studios. The rumored hardball they play with actors. But so be it. Actors want to act in big movies to help their own brand recognition and finance smaller, more fulfilling projects. And Marvel Studios has a level of quality control and accessibility not guaranteed by other studios, so it is inviting, despite what are apparently war stories worth of salary and bottom-line disputes for their agents.

However, directors who want to leave a mark on the character? Favreau graciously departed Marvel on amicable terms after making Iron Man 2 turned into what sounds like a nightmare, and he helped birth the studio's earliest success which still informs the tone and style of their movies to date. While certainly not an auteur, Alan Taylor also had the film ripped from his hands. And probably the biggest "film" director the studio first landed, Edgar Wright, was rather unceremoniously "separated" from the studio months before production.

I think Marvel is moving more to TV directors, because television direction is less about leaving your own impression or creating something unique than it is about creating something that feeds into the producer's overall tone and continuity. That is what Marvel is looking for.

I mean this is all speculation. I just do not see Marvel Studios looking like it will appeal to filmmakers with something unique to say about the genre, because that special uniqueness is clearly what the studio is rather hesitant about.

It's funny you bring up this thing about directors leaving their mark. Having watch X-Men the other day what's come to my attention is the emotional difference between Marvel's MCU and other superhero movies. In most of the movies with the exception of IM and Avengers there seems a real hollowness in the Marvel movies, an emotional disconnect that is very noticeable compared to other movies and I think this comes down to directors being hired just to direct as opposed to being hired to bring something of their own to the table. They lack soul for lack of better word.

 

[Rock Sexton]

Marvel Studios is done guys .... all because Edgar Wright left Ant-Man.

I seriously can't believe what I read anymore. The most obscure franchise among the MCU and somehow it's all falling apart. LOL

 

[Rock Sexton]

It's funny you bring up this thing about directors leaving their mark. Having watch X-Men the other day what's come to my attention is the emotional difference between Marvel's MCU and other superhero movies. In most of the movies with the exception of IM and Avengers there seems a real hollowness in the Marvel movies, an emotional disconnect that is very noticeable compared to other movies and I think this comes down to directors being hired just to direct as opposed to being hired to bring something of their own to the table. They lack soul for lack of better word.

Ya, I saw your same comments in the X-Men review thread .... hate to break it to you but CA:TWS had plently of emotional beats, moreso than almost any other MCU franchise.

You seem to think that commercialized film studios like FOX suddenly handle their business in indie fashion. Keep tellin' that lie. But then again you were one of the Nolan-centric fans always bashing on all the MCU films before this, so I'm not surprised by your comments.

 

[Shikamaru]

MS or Disney are the owners right? if they wanted Antman in phase 1 or 2 they would change their mind and tell it to Wright. this news is proof of this. they changed thier mind on the script. they rewrotte it and showed it to Wright. he says thank you and walks away.

Wright for years has been known as a guy who doesnt waste money and time. he is oldschool. he wont have an idea for a 5 million or 10 million scene that they added in reshoots. or an expensive opening scene . he is not like this. he prepares everything in detail in preproduction.

Feige confirmed they made certain accommodations to the MCU to fit in Wright's Ant-Man project better, including selecting the roster of Avengers for the first film. They intentionally avoided Hank and Jan from the get-go due to Wright's plans, and Feige's (paraphrased) quote confirms it. Now I'm not saying they would have obviously used Hank and Jan by default if Wright's pitch was never present, but I find it unlikely and the same could be said for the members that did appear. I'm sure Black Widow and Hawkeye weren't selected by default either. Regardless, the point is Hank and Jan were never considerable options in the first place due to Wright.

As for why that was the case, I think it had to do with Marvel putting too much blind faith in Wright. They put all their eggs in one basket when it came to the Ant-Man property. Which isn't that surprising given Wright's reputation among geek circles, especially during Phase 1 where the risks were high and they played things more safe than they do now. They probably fell in love with the idea of Edgar Wright doing a Marvel film, which obviously backfired in retrospect.

 

[dark_b]

Feige confirmed they made certain accommodations to the MCU to fit in Wright's Ant-Man project better, including selecting the roster of Avengers for the first film. They intentionally avoided Hank and Jan from the get-go due to Wright's plans, and Feige's (paraphrased) quote confirms it. Now I'm not saying they would have obviously used Hank and Jan by default if Wright's pitch was never present, but I find it unlikely and the same could be said for the members that did appear. I'm sure Black Widow and Hawkeye weren't selected by default either. Regardless, the point is Hank and Jan were never considerable options in the first place due to Wright.

As for why that was the case, I think it had to do with Marvel putting too much blind faith in Wright. They put all their eggs in one basket when it came to the Ant-Man property. Which isn't that surprising given Wright's reputation among geek circles, especially during Phase 1 where the risks were high and they played things more safe than they do now. They probably fell in love with the idea of Edgar Wright doing a Marvel film, which obviously backfired in retrospect.

if Marvel and Disney wanted Antman in phase 1 or 2 would they ask Wright for permission? i think not. i dont belive the Feige comments. Marvel never wanted Antman IMO. now that they were planning on making the movie both marvel and disney wanted changes. they are now a brand.

 

[jmc]

Ya, I saw your same comments in the X-Men review thread .... hate to break it to you but CA:TWS had plently of emotional beats, moreso than almost any other MCU franchise.

You seem to think that commercialized film studios like FOX suddenly handle their business in indie fashion. Keep tellin' that lie. But then again you were one of the Nolan-centric fans always bashing on all the MCU films before this, so I'm not surprised by your comments.

Ok, for starters, I'd appreciate you not putting words in my mouth I didn't say with regards to Fox. Secondly, whilst I have given Marvel lip it's been in areas when it's been deserved, mostly in areas of shoddy business and creative practices. Third, I'm a Nolan fan, don't deny it, but I'm not beyond criticising the man, feel free to read my Rises review. Lastly, I hate to break it to you but I actually really like Winter Soldier, but as good as Winter Soldier is the one thing that stood out to me has how it lacked an emotional core, it's a great action movie with some good themes but in light of DoFP (and to a much lesser extent ASM2) it's in retrospect still missing something, and it's the same thing that I feel is absent from a lot of the MCU films. Directors may have been able to a leave a mark of sorts within the MCU, but they are still missing soul because of the MCU. The only times I can feel the genuine love for the characters has been in Avengers and Iron Man and that's because those directors were in fortunate positions.

 

[Rock Sexton]

Ok, for starters, I'd appreciate you not putting words in my mouth I didn't say with regards to Fox. Secondly, whilst I have given Marvel lip it's been in areas when it's been deserved, mostly in areas of shoddy business and creative practices. Third, I'm a Nolan fan, don't deny it, but I'm not beyond criticising the man, feel free to read my Rises review. Lastly, I hate to break it to you but I actually really like Winter Soldier, but as good as Winter Soldier is the one thing that stood out to me has how it lacked an emotional core, it's a great action movie with some good themes but in light of DoFP (and to a much lesser extent ASM2) it's in retrospect still missing something, and it's the same thing that I feel is absent from a lot of the MCU films. Directors may have been able to a leave a mark of sorts within the MCU, but they are still missing soul because of the MCU. The only times I can feel the genuine love for the characters has been in Avengers and Iron Man and that's because those directors were in fortunate positions.

Again, you're crazy. CA:TWS emotional core was with Rogers and Bucky, especially in the finale fight when Roger's refuses to fight him and tells him he's with him til the end of the line.

Please stop. I guess you were expecting something along the lines of "I don't want your future!". That would make it emotional right? LOL

 

[Shikamaru]

if Marvel and Disney wanted Antman in phase 1 or 2 would they ask Wright for permission? i think not. i dont belive the Feige comments. Marvel never wanted Antman IMO. now that they were planning on making the movie both marvel and disney wanted changes. they are now a brand.

You missed the part about Marvel putting too much blind faith in Wright IMO. It wasn't a case of Wright having Ant-Man in the same way Sony has Spider-Man, it was more of a case of them loving Wright doing Ant-Man so much (initially) that they didn't want to waste that opportunity no matter what. They put all their eggs in one basket and bet so much on that one take. At least in my opinion.

I find it almost impossible to believe Marvel would have completely ignored Hank and Jan. Marvel is going crazy now. They've established so much in so little time and have announced some form of interest in almost every property. It boggles my mind they would have plans for Rockeet Racoon and Deathlok before two of the most iconic Avengers and founding members. Or heck, even Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, who have certain restrictions to them due to split rights. Ant Man and Wasp are at least as important historically to the team as Hawkeye and BW.

 

[jmc]

Again, you're crazy. CA:TWS emotional core was with Rogers and Bucky, especially in the finale fight when Roger's refuses to fight him and tells him he's with him til the end of the line.

Please stop spewing nonsense. I guess you were expecting something along the lines of "I don't want your future!". That would make it emotional right? LOL

You clearly don't understand what I'm saying so there's no point me continuing conversation with you.

 

[Rock Sexton]

You clearly don't understand what I'm saying so there's no point me continuing conversation with you.

And you clearly don't know what CA:TWS you actually watched. Someone would have to be absolutely mindless to not recognize the emotional beats.

 

[jmc]

Saw it twice my friend, I know exactly what I watched.

 

[Shikamaru]

I totally felt genuine love for the characters in TWS. It made me feel as if the Russo's went out on a quest to a) show why Cap is still relevant and b) prove he wasn't a propaganda character.