Ant-Man Movie Marvel
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Last month news broke that Paul Rudd would be starring in Ant-Man, the upcoming Marvel film featuring the diminutive Avenger. When it was confirmed that Rudd would be playing Ant-Man, the question of which Ant-Man arose. And while the assumption by many was that Rudd would play Hank Pym, the first character to use that title, it has now been revealed that role will be portrayed by award-winning actor Michael Douglas, with Rudd playing the second Ant-Man, Scott Lang.

The addition of Douglas will likely be viewed as yet another casting win for Marvel. In a career that has spanned more than 40 years, the star of Wall Street, Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction, among other work, has been awarded four Golden Globes, two Academy Awards, and one Emmy, as well as numerous other accolades. "With Hank Pym's rich history in the Marvel Universe, we knew we needed an actor capable of bringing the weight and stature to the role that the character deserves," said Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, in a statement on Marvel's website. "We felt incredibly relieved when Michael Douglas agreed to step into the part with the charm and fortitude he brings to every character he inhabits, and couldn't be more excited to see what he will do to bring Hank Pym to life."

This casting news represents a bit of a departure from the source material, as the age gap between Pym, the original Ant-Man, and his predecessor Lang will be more pronounced than in the comics. It's possible that Pym will serve much more of a mentor/advisory role to Lang in the film, perhaps passing on the mantle to his protegé.

One of the five original members of The Avengers, Hank Pym was created by Jack Kirby, Stan Lee and Larry Lieber in the pages of 1962's Tales To Astonish #42. Scott Lang, created by David Michelinie and John Byrne, debuted in Avengers #181 in 1979.

Directed by Edgar Wrigth, Ant-Man arrives in theaters July 31, 2015.

 

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