President of Marvel Studios and producer of Ant Man, Kevin Feige, director Peyton Reed, along with the stars of Ant-man, Corey Stoll, Michael Douglas, Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena, David Dastmalchian and T.I. were at the Press Conference held at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.
After the standard introduction the first question went out to Kevin Feige who was asked why was Ant-Man the next addition to the Marvel movie series. Mr. Feige responded by stating that as a founding member of The Avengers, “it has always been clear that we are going to assemble all the Avengers eventually”. With Ant-Man and Wasp still on the list of heroes to be showcased, it was time to do something unique and Ant-Man seemed to be a good choice. Director, Peyton Reed talked about the movie being weird but in a great way. He mentioned how with Marvel movies there is always a high bar to set and a “creative hunger.”
Paul Rudd was asked how he prepared for the role and whether he was a fan to which he shared that he did not really know the character, but did a bit of research by reading the comic books before filming began. Rudd mentioned how his nine year old son was so excited about “Dad” playing Ant-Man and how it’s “cool to be abl to share this” with his family.
Evangeline Lilly discussed the importance Marvel puts into female characters being taken seriously and how her aspiration when she chooses a role is to have a parent come up to her after the film and say “my daughter idolizes that character, you are her hero.”
My favorite character in the move was Michael Pena who was hilarious and had me personally laughing out loud was asked if he had a script or if he brought some of himself. Michael admitted he was “scared out of his pants” the first day of shooting but as time when on he started get into a groove and as his son warned him “Don’t mess this up there, Dad.” Michael also shared that things got to be a bit too much fun after the first week,but Directior Peyton Reed was able to handle it all.
David Dasmalchian and T.I as part of Ant-Man’s “posse” also brought alot of the comedic element into the movie. David ws terrified at first because it was not his comfort zone and then to be surrounded by all the guys – “but they all were so generouse – they kept throwing me the ball so I could play.”
T.I. expressed his excitement at “being a part of such a cast of well-trained and highly skilled actors and actresses ina stacked franchise” that is the Marvel Universe.
In reference to the movie, Michael Douglas was asked if he had the portrait of Dr. Hank Pym hanging above his fireplace at home to which Mr. Douglas responded that due to limited space he went out and bought a new house just for the portrait.
Cory and Paul were asked about their suits worn in the movie – Corey Stoll‘s suit was not practical and ended up being CGI so he wound up behind the scenes in PJs. Paul Rudd was able to wear the suit had the opposite problem where he did not want to take it off. Paul Rudd said he loved wearing the suit and felt different. He felt “like Ant-Man in that thing.”
Corey Stoll’s portrayal of Yellowjacket gave him moments of terror, when he realized that there is a huge audience who is well informed about Marvel. But the excitement of stepping into the sets was “awesome.”
Discussion continued into how although in a typical heist movie you have usually the bad guys doing the stealing, here we have ants as the thieves and for a good reason. Asked about the possibility for an “ant-woman” movie, Kevin Feige invited everyone to stay through the credits to get a chance to see plans for the Wasp.
One of the key subplots is the strained relationship between fathers and daughters. Scott Lang accepts the role of Ant-Man for his daughter and Dr. Hank Pym and his daughter the success of the heist rests on their ability to repair their relationship. There is also a father – son relationship between Dr. Pym and Darren as well as a very important one that may be overlooked between Ant-Man and Antony (the lead ant). The idea according to Director Peyton Reed was to “create a Roy Rogers/Trigger or Lone Ranger/Silver type relationship” between Ant-Man and Antony.
As is the norm at press conference, the writers will place our recording devices and cell phones on the conference table. The highlight of this very funny and entertaining press conference was when in the middle of Michael Pena’s response to a question, Paul Rudd, picked up one of the cell phones which was vibrating and said “we’re just in the middle of a press conference right now… Gonna have to call you back, okay?” That was priceless and I can only imagine the person on the other end of the line in shock.
Meeting the cast of Ant-Man and learning a few behind the scenes antedotes is always an amazing magical adventure for this Entertainment Writer. Don’t Miss Marvel’s Ant-Man in theatres this Friday, July 17, 2015 and share your favorite part of the movie with us at chipandco.com.
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