The director of “Scott Pilgrim on Earth” was originally the writer and director of “Ant-Man”, but was fired due to creative differences.
In the MCU’s vast and ever-changing universe, few stories generate as much excitement and debate as Edgar Wright’s never-realized version of “Ant-Man.” Recently, the director of “Scott Pilgrim from the world” offered to see what could be the interpretation of this iconic superhero, revealing details that lead us to the question: What have we lost?
Darker and more complicated Scott Lang
In the year Since its conception in 2006, Wright’s vision for “Ant-Man” has represented a boldly different narrative. Thinking of Scott Lang not just as a thief, but as an actual criminal, Wright wanted to find a deeper, more complex redemption arc. This approach, in contrast to the character that eventually entered the MCU, offered a more grounded and realistic story of crime and redemption.
Known for his unique style and ability to blend genres, Wright wanted to create an “Ant-Man” that had little to do with the MCU’s vast backdrop. His version will be independent, focusing on a series of robberies and criminal exchanges, reminiscent of works by Donald Westlake, such as “The Hot Rock”. The idea was to deliver a heist film with a fusion of genres that Wright handles effectively.
However, the development of “Ant-Man” coincided with the massive expansion of the MCU. Wright’s vision for a standalone story from the MCU. This difference, along with revisions of the script by internal writers, led Wright to abandon the project due to “creative differences”.
Wright’s legacy in Ant-Man
Despite his departure, elements of Wright and Joe Cornish’s original script remained in the final 2015 film. The dramatic humor, certain sequences, and the basic structure of the story echoed his original ideas. However, Paul Rudd and Adam McKay’s contributions bring new jokes and a twist from the MCU. They introduced a greater connection with , which marked a significant difference from Wright’s original vision.
We can’t help but wonder what Edgar Wright’s version of “Ant-Man” might look like. Its ability to combine comedy, action and a unique narrative promises a film that will stand out in the MCU landscape. While we enjoy the current iterations of Ant-Man, Wright’s unique touch and focus on a more crime-and-redemption-oriented tale leaves us longing for the “what could have been.”
Scott Lang’s Journey in the MCU
Since entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in 2015, Ant-Man has undergone a significant evolution, transforming from a superhero to a central pillar of this narrative universe. Originally introduced as Scott Lang, a good-hearted thief, the first Ant-Man film focused on his transformation into a superhero under the tutelage of Dr. Hank Pym. In addition to establishing his ability to shrink and communicate with Ant, this film also introduced a lighter, more humorous tone to the MCU.
In “Captain America: Civil War”, Lang played a big role, growing in size and becoming a giant. This evolution marked a changing moment in the character’s perception, from a lone hero to an essential member of the Avengers.
In “Ant-Man and The Wasp” and “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania”, Lang continues to grow not only in abilities, but also in the depth of his character. His personal life, especially his relationship with his daughter and Hope Van Dyne, is further explored, adding layers to his character. Additionally, these films will expand the boundaries of the MCU and delve into the quantum realm as Ant-Man becomes a pivotal character in the future of the franchise. This transition from thief to multi-faceted hero reflects the MCU’s ability to develop characters in complex and compelling stories.