It is impossible to know about the original Ant-Man film without having heard something about the behind the scenes drama that unfolded. The film had for a long time been the work of Shaun of the Dead writer Edgar Wright, however due to artistic differences Edgar left the project in the latter stages and director Peyton Reed was drafted in. The Yes Man director then had the script re-worked by lead actor and comedic legend Paul Rudd and fellow Anchorman alumni Adam McKay.
With the Ant-Man sequel, Ant-Man and The Wasp, getting the green light and with Peyton Reed in talks to return as director, the question has been raised as to whether or not McKay will return as writer. Whilst talking to The Hollywood Reporter McKay made it known that he would be open to the idea, stating that he enjoyed the experience of working for with Marvel and would like to return. This does, however, depend upon his seemingly busy and jam packed schedule.
McKay is currently readying himself for the release of his latest project, The Big Short, which he adapted from the book by Michael Lewis. The film focuses on the world of high-finance and the credit and housing bubble collapse in the mid 2000’s and includes some stellar casting including Brad Pitt and Christian Bale. The film is due for a UK release in January 2016.
McKay is also an executive producer on the 2016 project The Brothers Grimsby starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Mark Strong, and producer on the Melissa McCarthy comedy The Boss also set for release in 2016. McKay has also stated that there is a TV show idea that he is developing. The Ant-Man sequel is currently scheduled for release in 2018, so if McKay wants in he may need to re-jiggle his hectic career.
And lets hope he can, as the 2015 Ant-Man film was a refreshing success from a writing perspective, offering some of the best comedy moments that Marvel have offered cinema goers. Was this refreshing script down to Rudd and McKay? Or was it Edgar Wrights influence that remained in the reworked script? It would be interesting to see the difference if McKay and Rudd do pen the script for Ant-Man and The Wasp.
