EDITORIAL: Why I (Kind Of) Want ANT-MAN To Fail

EDITORIAL: Why I (Kind Of) Want ANT-MAN To Fail

Marvel's Ant-Man, a movie that looks to be another impressive addition to their cinematic universe. So why wouldn't I want this franchise to take off? The answer is Eric O'Grady.

Editorial Opinion
By GliderMan - Jun 28, 2015 08:06 AM EST
Filed Under: Ant-Man

A friend of mine on this site is named ComicsBornAndBred, but if there's anyone who's Marvel born and bred, it's this guy. From five years of age, I was fascinated with Spider-Man and his world of characters. As a kid, any Marvel movie that wasn't rated R was one that I watched and for the most part, enjoyed. Of course, I watched the Justice League cartoons and a few of DC's movies, but until recent years, it was Marvel that was my passion, and to this day I still lean in that direction.
 
When we found out that Hank Pym was going to be an elderly man in this movie, many of us were outraged. I wasn't. I thought this was a great way to expand and give history to the universe, and believed there to be a touch of brilliance to making the villain a version of Yellowjacket. I feel nothing but excitement for this movie.
 
So why would I want Ant-Man to fail at the box office?



Here's the deal. If you're familiar with me on this site, you'll know I have an obsession with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. I'm not here to argue whether it's the best comic book show, but it is my favorite show. And if you're familiar with Ant-Man-related comic books, you'll know there was once a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent named Eric O'Grady. Eric O'Grady stumbled upon the Ant-Man suit, and thus became the third Ant-Man. In the comics, Scott Lang still continued his career, and it's rumored that he'll become Giant-Man in Captain America: Civil War. Because of this, I see no reason why there couldn't be another Ant-Man in a future season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. But here's the thing: If Ant-Man is a continuing franchise in the MCU, there's no way the Marvel Studios higher-ups will let there be a "discount version" on the small screen.

The question would be raised, why is it such a big deal to have O'Grady on the show anyway? And to be honest, it's not. The show is doing great, and I've loved every MCU movie. O'Grady's appearance has never been rumored, so it's not even likely to happen; it's just something I think would benefit the show, and for several reasons. For starters, one of the first outcries the show received was it's lack of comic book characters. That was mostly for season one, though, as we then received Deathlok, Sif, Mockingbird and various others.

Secondly, Eric O'Grady's personality would make for interesting dynamics with the agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 

He's a player, liar, and an unloyal asshole. This would create tension with the team (notably the female agents), but watching this character learn from his mistakes and grow would be a great story to watch. He's also a smartass, which could create a hilarious rivalry with Lance Hunter. Third, there's only so many superheroes this show can use on it's budget. Deathlok is a fun character, but he's not the authentic Deathlok we know from the books because of budgetary concerns. I liked Mister Hyde's transformation, but it was slightly underwhelming. If the show is going to continue to use these characters, the powers they have need to be easy to show on the small screen but also visually cool to watch. Ant-Man's powers are exactly that. 

Phase 3

With Marvel Studios launching SIX new franchises within the next four years, there's bound to be at least a couple of them that don't get sequels. Let me be clear: If Ant-Man is successful enough to require a second movie, I will be very happy. But Ant-Man being put on the backburner would not only allow O'Grady to appear on my favorite show, but it would also allow other heroes to be in the mainstream and a little less white-washing of Marvel cinema. If there was one out of the six that doesn't seem likely to continue as a franchise, I think it'd be this one. However, time will tell, and Marvel will deliver.

So what do you think, CBM? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!




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PAF
PAF - 6/28/2015, 10:06 AM
What makes you think Ant-Man failing would make Marvel jump to putting Eric in AoS?

What kind of wishful thinking logic. Just name this "Why I think Eric Should Be in AoS"
SauronsBANE
SauronsBANE - 6/28/2015, 10:18 AM
Haha I was getting ready to launch into a whole thing about how wishing for ANY comic book movie to fail is dumb and all that...but I have to say, I wasn't expecting this to be the reason! I don't really see it happening even if Ant-Man IS a complete dud, but you make a pretty good case here.



speedyg33
speedyg33 - 6/28/2015, 11:01 AM
With Hank shelved unless they do a prequel of some sort. A movie with Scott failing would doom the character and wouldn't get a third Ant-Man. If a movie about John Stewart came out and failed along with Ryan Reynolds Hal. Their not going to add Kyle Rainer to CW's Flash. You should root for this movie. establish Pym Particles and then maybe you get Eric.
Wannabe
Wannabe - 6/28/2015, 11:20 AM
CW already has Ray Palmer so doubtful Marvel going to have their own shrinkage on TV.
MileHighRonin
MileHighRonin - 6/28/2015, 11:59 AM
Never really been a fan of Ant-Man III aka Eric. Not really a big fan of Lang either. I have always been a Pym Head. I do however like the passing of the Ant-Man mantle.

I personally would love to see Goliath before any other Pym Particle based character, other than Wasp of course.
CombatWombat
CombatWombat - 6/28/2015, 1:07 PM
"doubtful Marvel going to have their own shrinkage on TV."

ClumsyToaster
ClumsyToaster - 6/28/2015, 1:07 PM
Thanks for deleting my comment. You're a real big boy.
ClumsyToaster
ClumsyToaster - 6/28/2015, 2:31 PM
Yeah, we can't debate different opinions unless we have the same opinion.
ClumsyToaster
ClumsyToaster - 6/28/2015, 3:16 PM
lol, baph
Invictor
Invictor - 6/28/2015, 3:42 PM
The movie doesn't need to fail for O'Grady to be on the show. If Ant-Man is a success at the box office, then that'll give the show more of a reason to put a similar character on the show to get more people tuning in.

@Wannabe

Arrow's version of Palmer, at this point, can only be compared to Iron Man. Has he even shrunk on the show yet?
Invictor
Invictor - 6/28/2015, 4:05 PM
@GliderMan

Yeah, I was confused as [frick] when I saw him flying across the city like he was Iron Man or something, lol. But anything can happen with the entire O'Grady role. I can see it happening on the show, but they're going to make some changes with the suit or just give him like a prototype.
Invictor
Invictor - 6/28/2015, 4:05 PM
they're going to have to*
RobGrizzly
RobGrizzly - 6/28/2015, 7:23 PM
I kinda want it to fail just because.
Lol

Jk

(kinda)

Don't know anything about Ant Man so this should be exciting and fresh for me. Plus I love Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lily. Don't care for AoS much, but this was a well-written article.

Judges...?

THUMBED!!!
JacuzziJoe
JacuzziJoe - 6/28/2015, 8:36 PM
Always a fan, Glider.

Funny, I heard from a hot redhead at my work that she isn't always into superhero movies, but that Ant-Man looks really good. I hope that it will bring some fresh faces, however few there may be, to the Marvel crowd.

Also, you commented earlier, or yesterday, and said that we should be arguing about the registration act. I think it was you.

#CapWasRight
GhostDog
GhostDog - 6/29/2015, 10:34 AM
@GliderMan ayyyyyyyyyyyy what a mention haha. Nice article!!! Good work my friend.
GhostDog
GhostDog - 6/29/2015, 10:36 AM
@GliderMan I'm all for another adaptation of a different ant man. I'd personally like to see an ant man prequel series detailing Hank Pym's years working for shield and doing missions back in the 60s and 70s
LegendaryOutlaw
LegendaryOutlaw - 6/29/2015, 2:59 PM
If Ant-Man fails on the big screen don't you think that tells them that Ant-Man isn't a good idea period?
Darkknight2149
Darkknight2149 - 6/29/2015, 7:34 PM
I am not looking forward to the Ant-Man movie at all and the awful trailers and TV spots have done little to change my mind. With that being said, I am not hoping the film fails. As someone who does not discriminate by studio (not to accuse you of that or anything), I only discriminate by quality or lack of quality, so naturally the more great films, the better.

As someone who is also a fan of AoS and who has also been wanting to see Eric O'Grady on the show (along with Jessica Drew and a few others), I think you can enjoy Ant-Man with a clear conscience if it's a good movie. I doubt the success or failure of the Ant-Man film will increase or decrease Grady's chances of appearing on the show. Unless Marvel has plans for him in the films or on Netflix (Marvel plans ahead a lot, so they should already know if they do or don't), then Eric O'Grady will probably always have a chance of appearing on the show.
HulkOnion
HulkOnion - 6/30/2015, 3:20 PM
Too bad Ant-Man will make a profit no matter what happens
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