Ant-Man: One Touchy Subject Appearing In The MCU

Ant-Man: One Touchy Subject Appearing In The MCU

Sometimes it almost feels like specific story lines or plot points will never be adapted to film, but i'm here to tell you why one specific detail could possibly make one upcoming MCU film the best one yet.

Editorial Opinion
By muhammed - Dec 20, 2013 01:12 PM EST
Filed Under: Ant-Man




The next solo Marvel Cinematic Universe Film, Ant-Man, is coming along nicely. A solid director in Edgar Wright, a script written by Joe Cornish and Wright himself, and an actor I couldn’t be more excited for- Paul Rudd. I was always a big supporter of Rudd from day one, I was on the hype train and praying he would do it, so this film just moved from number 3 most anticipated, to the number 1 most anticipated, but hey, that’s just me.




Along with several other pieces of casting news and a small synapsis of the plot, there is one confirmation we are missing. It’s a touchy subject for a lot of people: Domestic Abuse. Now, I’m not condoning in physical or verbal abuse of your significant other, but I am here to tell you why I think it’s the most needed plot point in the film. Allow me to go over some points to make my argument.



1. It is integral to the character’s history and lore.
As I said before I don’t approve of violence of your spouse or a woman in general, but this could be the first MCU protagonist that is sort of an odd-ball hero, a guy that by no right we should root for, but do anyways. A character with layers is what I am getting at. That really goes along with the other variations of Ant-Man as well; Scott Lang being an ex-criminal/thief, and Eric O’Grady being… well, being a just plain jerk. As most know, from what we have heard, the film is loosely based on “To Steal an Ant-Man” where Scott Lang steals Pym’s Ant-Man technology and uses it to save his terminally ill daughter.




This could be the ground work for the MCU’s first protagonist that believes in a distorted version of the “greater good.” So if and ever Pym decides to lay a hand on his wife, he would be crazy enough to assume it was to get peace or to keep her mouth shut. It’s a piece of the character that makes him a lesser evil type, but also not husband of the year material.



2. Look At The Actor They Have Casted.
As I said before, I was on the Paul Rudd Hype Train the moment the rumor started.




They casted an actor that could play Pym in spades. Proof is in the pudding as they say, my best example for his ability to portray the character is an indie film called Prince Avalanche, where Rudd plays a jerk dealing with life out in the wilderness while living with his polar opposite.




Hank Pym is a character with many aspects of his personality; he’s brilliant, a snarky smart-ass, and well, he’s a bit of a prick. This would give not only Marvel, but also Rudd a chance to push their depth and understanding of characters if they touched on this particular subject. It would allow them to build a character that is rather dark and creepy but also give us a chance to see a new side of the superhero genre, a side that’s willing to go above and beyond to create a rather upsetting character. It could allow them to create emotion that feels real; they could keep the action, comedy, and thrills in the Ant-Man scenes but also keep the drama in the Lang/Pym/ Van Dyne scenes for real character development.




3. The Director and His Previous Subject Material.
I can guarantee that without Wright at the helm, this film wouldn’t be made, or be as exciting as it is. I want you take a look at all of his work, go ahead, he has a short but impressive filmography.




From Shaun of the Dead all the way to The World’s End, they all contain some emotional and personal subject matter. The most recent evidence of this is The World’s End, a movie that touches on – and among other things without going into spoilers - alcoholism and drug abuse. Gary King (played by Simon Pegg, someone whom I hope makes a cameo.) is a broken man that has fallen on hard times; sound like someone else we know? Abuse would not be out of the realm for someone like Wright to attempt to put in the film; for Christ sake, Shaun of the Dead… and spoilers for Shaun of the Dead, even though it’s your fault for not watching it yet…. But, it had a scene where Simon Pegg was forced to kill his own mother, seriously how messed up is that? This is a director that prides himself in balancing drama, comedy, and action- it’s the perfect set up. With Wright being a self-proclaimed fan of the character and even show casing his personal comic he owns, I think he knows full well understands Pym’s personality traits, along with the other Ant-Men of course.




4. It Could Break The Awkward Comedy Streak And Set Things In The Right Direction.
For the MCU films, even most recently Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World, a common complaint has been too much comedy, comedy that feels a little disjointed and out of place. Now, Captain America: The Winter Soldier looks like it has a Mission Impossible feel but after seeing the trailer it looks it like still had a level of comedy, and the fact that James Gunn is directing Guardians of the Galaxy means that the comedy factor isn’t leaving anytime soon. With Wright directing, the comedy will be far from awkward, it’ll be quick witted, fast paced, and genuinely hilarious, but this will be the perfect chance to really flex his drama muscles. This will also be a great tonal direction for Marvel to take as they gear up for the big Thanos appearance which we can all assume will semi joke-less and more darkly serious. It could be the first of many things that could add weight to the drama that will definitely transpire during Phase 3.




5. Stop using Kids As A Shield.
The excuse I’ve been hearing a lot lately is “It’s a Disney movie; kids will be going to see it.” First off, children today twerk, post Facebook pictures of themselves in their underwear, curse and do much worse so there’s that. As for Disney, well come on, in Pirates Of The Caribbean Keira Knightley got slapped around a few times, and Black Widow’s opening scene in The Avengers involved her being hit a few times while being tied to a chair, so a women in physical peril is nothing new to the big wigs at Disney. I’m not asking for an Ike and Tina Turner relationship here, I’m asking for one back-hand, or better yet let me direct you to a scene in The Ultimates where Pym shrunk Janet to her wasp size and sprayed her with Bug Spray, it’s a scene that would get the point across heavily but also keep it in that comic book-ey superhero-ey world.




As I said multiple times through this, I am not condoning domestic or any kind of abuse what so ever, but I am going to acknowledge a part of the character that makes sense to adapt to film and will add weight to the character. It could be refreshing and realistic to see a superhero that is kind of an ass. It would be unique and right up the alley of everyone involved. So… go ahead, let me hear how you feel about it, whether or not you think Ant-Man should go into a rather dark place and tackle a upsetting concept, comment below and let me know.









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Abary
Abary - 12/20/2013, 1:57 PM
This article smells like sunflowers and sunshine with a hint of unicorn poo (that means I like it).
Visualiza
Visualiza - 12/20/2013, 2:01 PM
^I wonder how many people actually understand the context of that clapping GIF.
Alphadog
Alphadog - 12/20/2013, 2:04 PM
He only hit her once. It's clear that he regrets it and that he really loved her besides there billions of women in the world that would love to be treated that way. Women are beaten every day to the brink of life and if they had such a caring husband that one time in there relationship hit her they wouldn't even complain. It wasn't even a beating, i mean he only struck her. Even the Ultimate version isn't nearly as bad as a lot of people in the world are. Comic book Fans are too freacking impressionable.
Also, I really hope that Edgar treats the origin like a fantasy movie. I know i'm going to enjoy the movie either way but i really like the way that it's usually protrayed as kind of magical.
Alphadog
Alphadog - 12/20/2013, 2:06 PM
For god sakes, the comic book version of Tony Stark is way darker than Hank Pym.
TheManFromMars
TheManFromMars - 12/20/2013, 2:41 PM
@Nomis

The guy behind him is clapping too...

(Man, I need to watch Citizen Kane again)
Steelmatic
Steelmatic - 12/20/2013, 3:03 PM
I like the idea of a superhero being a bit tough to like and can see the novelty in an the anti-heroish character you described...

However, imo at least, hitting a woman doesn't make you a "bit of an ass", it makes you a f*cking scumbag. So I think that act is a bit too reprehensible for the concept you described. I don't think audiences could switch from that material to comedy in the next beat without it feeling jarring... I do think (and like) your suggestion of the bug spray attack could work though, since its a more abstract portrayal of the abuse and not so direct, if that makes sense, lol.

I would love to see the real origin portrayed in a good movie, but I figure this one is going to be one of the lighter and probably funnier of the MCU movies. Good pitch by you for the merit of including Hank's most famous mistake, just don't see it happening or working in this particular film.
campblood
campblood - 12/20/2013, 3:28 PM
people seem to forget his powers run on a gas so the helmet makes sense
HeisenbergSaysRelax
HeisenbergSaysRelax - 12/20/2013, 3:33 PM
As you know, I've been backing this film the second Wright was announced. I got even more behind it when Rudd was rumored to be attached. I feel exactly the same about every point made in this article. You've managed to take an argument I (and many others) have been trying to make for the last few months and make it clear, concise and to the point. Next time someone says they doubt this movie, I'll probably just direct them here.

Really, terrific job.
McNyagano
McNyagano - 12/20/2013, 4:04 PM
If this is going to be a comedy, I'm not watching it. -_- [frick] Marvel and [frick] you Disney!!!
CrimsonFlash
CrimsonFlash - 12/20/2013, 4:04 PM
It won't be in the movie or any movie thereafter.
Largo161
Largo161 - 12/20/2013, 4:05 PM
Hank will not strike Jan in this movie. The End.
NovaCorpsFan
NovaCorpsFan - 12/20/2013, 4:05 PM
Seeing that Shaun of the Dead thing reminded me of one of my friends coming to a Halloween party covered in fake blood, in a white shirt, red tie around his head, ink stain on the shirt pocket and a cricket bat. I looked at him and burst out laughing, best costume I'd ever seen.
CrimsonFlash
CrimsonFlash - 12/20/2013, 4:06 PM
I love how everyone doesn't want this to be a comedy when to me ant-man is an absolutely laughable character in comics let alone a movie. This movie will only work if its a comedy
NovaCorpsFan
NovaCorpsFan - 12/20/2013, 4:07 PM
[frick]ing lol at Abary's new name!
NovaCorpsFan
NovaCorpsFan - 12/20/2013, 4:18 PM
Aw, he changed it...
RamonSuarez
RamonSuarez - 12/20/2013, 4:27 PM
I think comic fans have misunderstood the Pym "domestic abuse" angle ever since Mark Millar made him an abusive asshole under the Ultimates print. In the actual 616 storyline everyone talks about Pym slapped Janet because he was in the middle of a psychotic break from reality after nearly being booted from the Avengers.
DukeAcureds
DukeAcureds - 12/20/2013, 4:37 PM
Ramon@ Oh well that makes it alright, then. C'mon, Millar took what was already there and explored it in a modern context.
I love this article and I agree. But I very much doubt that this is what Edgar Wright and Disney will deliver us.
There is an Ant-Man film that may one day be made. It will be a deep, post-modern, psycho-drama, involving the strenous relationship between Hank and Jan, their adopted son Scott Lang and their creation Ultron.
There is so much that can be explored there. It could have been a real cross-over movie; It could have had big-assed action/sci-fi scenes and yet could have also been a big Oscar contender.
But that road is blatently not being taken, this time. One day, maybe. And that is why Ant-Man went from being my second most anticipated CBM to completely dropping off my radar, after the events of SDCC and the new that followed on the heels of SDCC, this year.
Gern
Gern - 12/20/2013, 4:40 PM
Pretty sure it's going to be about Scott Lang, not Pym, seeing as they're describing the movie as a heist-style movie.

He's probably going to be a mashup of Lang and Eric O'Grady.
Gern
Gern - 12/20/2013, 4:43 PM
@CrimsonFlash

Agreed. Audiences would laugh a serious-toned Ant-Man movie off the screen merely because it's a movie called "Ant-Man".

An action-adventure-comedy is the only way it'll work for mass audiences to buy into it. Hence my guess that Pym will be in it, but it'll really be about Scott Lang or Eric O'Grady.
sexfoodcomics
sexfoodcomics - 12/20/2013, 4:47 PM
If you for a second think there is going to be an wife beating in this movie, you have not been watching any marvel films , or your trying to be " risqué' and write a post so people comment on it and you feel like your making headlines. Stop it.
RamonSuarez
RamonSuarez - 12/20/2013, 4:51 PM
Who said it was alright? The point is that this incident isn't as definitive in shaping Pym's character as people want to make it out to be. His entire problem was that he was in need of psychological help at that time and not that he's a "wife beater". The famous incident people want to blow up as indicative of Pym's relationship with Jan was really about the fact that Hank was losing his grip on reality and so lost his mind that actually tried to create an indestructible robot to almost defeat the Avengers so he could activate its self-destruct button and take the credit for saving the day. The dude was going through something like PTSD after he had a major [frick] up in the field. Its not the typical case of abusive relationship that Millar simplified it to be. And the problem is that fanboys have taken the Millar misinterpretation as cannon in defining the character.
Lizardking310
Lizardking310 - 12/20/2013, 4:51 PM
Movie is gonna suck pym's creation of ultron is his greatest story arc not slapping Janet around. And they're taking away from him so RDJ has something to do in avengers 2
JohnMagee
JohnMagee - 12/20/2013, 4:53 PM
It's not going to happen - just like Stark's alcoholism was toned was there but ignored. Comic book movies are not COMIC BOOK movies, they are toned down for the mainstream, and the mainstream isn't going to like a super hero that has a domestic abuse issue - the mainstream can't handle a 'grey' super hero...

PS - no one is 'casted' - cast is the past tense in this sense

PPS - Alyssa Milano couldn't act her way out of a bubble
staypuffed
staypuffed - 12/20/2013, 4:57 PM
What is with the obession over him hitting the Wasp ONCE? [frick]in hell
FoxForce5
FoxForce5 - 12/20/2013, 5:00 PM
Yeah, as others have already pointed out, the real Hank Pymn (that is, the 616 and not the a-hole,ultimate version who we will, thankfully, never see on film) was never an "abuser" but rater, Janet,who is also a hero, got too close to someone who she knew was in the middle of a psychic break because she was trying to do the right thing and Hank felt terrible and guilty for it ever since!

Plus, if we ever see that aspect of the story adapted at all, I imagine that they'll make him even less culpable thanks to some sort of super villain influence or an experiment gone wrong, etc.
SymbioteJoker
SymbioteJoker - 12/20/2013, 5:03 PM
The man wasnt a abusive husband he a nutjob slowly having an identity crisis.
NovaCorpsFan
NovaCorpsFan - 12/20/2013, 5:09 PM
I love the implication of Bats and Robin being gay.
Lhornbk
Lhornbk - 12/20/2013, 5:18 PM
Ummmmm......maybe you should wait until it is confirmed which character Rudd is playing before you write an editorial like this. The announcement just said he was Ant-Man, it didn't mention if he was Pym or Lang, or even O'Grady.

Oh, and I still give it a 50/50 chance of flopping.
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