Hot off two hit horror movies, Patrick Wilson is in negotiations to join Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas in Marvel’s “Ant-Man,” an individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap.
Marvel had no comment.
Edgar Wright is directing the superhero movie this spring from a script he co-wrote with Joe Cornish.
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Rudd and Douglas are set to star as Scott Lang and Hank Pym, respectively. Created by Stan Lee in 1962, Pym is a biochemist who discovers subatomic particles that allow him to shrink to insect size (and later, grow, into Giant-Man), as well as control ants. Lang, a reformed thief and electronics expert, comes along years later and uses Pym’s technology to inhabit the superhero character.
Michael Pena is in talks for a major role in the film, while Marvel is keen on Evangeline Lilly for the female lead. However, the “Lost” actress, who is coming off long, back-to-back shoots for the “Hobbit” sequels, has yet to commit to the role, which requires multiple sequel options.
It’s not immediately clear which side Wilson’s character will be on, though Marvel has been searching for another charismatic leading man, a description that fits Wilson.
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Disney will release “Ant-Man” on July 31, 2015.
Wilson is coming off a strong 2013 campaign in which he starred in two hit horror movies directed by James Wan — “The Conjuring” and “Insidious Chapter 2.” He recently appeared alongside Lena Dunham on HBO’s “Girls” and will soon be seen in Joe Carnahan’s “Stretch.” Wilson is also attached to star opposite Ian McShane in Atlas Independent’s thriller “The Man on Carrion Road.” He’s represented by CAA, Anonymous Content and attorney Gretchen Rush.