Support NeoGAF

[Mighty Chin]

It was "fine" though. That's what Thor 2 was in essence; it was ok. An inoffensive sequel that broke no boundaries or did anything exciting in particular.

Huge Thor Fan! But I can agree with this. It took no leap forward at all.

 

[Choppasmith]

That's what you are going to get from Chris Yost, a sterile and lifeless story that will fit firmly in the MCU. He is the Great Value version of writers. Disney will still make money of merchandising and control the supply chain.

Man, you've really lost it brah.

 

[Sektor on a date]

Maybe they at changing the script to be about Hank Pym instead of lang.

 

[Future Foundation]

This "scoop" reeks of bullshit considering what we already know about how Marvel Studios' process works, on multiple accounts. From forcing the inclusion of franchise characters to the script rewriting (lol).

I'm not saying LR is true, but you don't think this happens?

 

[broncobuster]

Interest in Ant-Man was for Edgar Wright next film. Nothing against Ant-Man, he's a cool dude, but I want Edgar Wright's Ant-Man.

I don't know that WB is really that much "the land of the auteurs" either. Nolan and Affleck can do whatever they want, but even Snyder has to cowtow to studio demands (and said as much perhaps too candidly at last year's SDCC).

Snyder had some clout with WB after 300 if he managed to make Watchmen. After Watchmen and Sucker Punch flopping, he's not in much of a position to say what's what. Martin Campbell's autonomy with Green Lantern is also questionable; I know there are stories about the butchered original script.

 

[Azuran]

There goes all of my hype.

 

[farisr]

There goes all of my hype.

Pretty much how I feel.

 

[Exterminieren]

I've always liked you.

Gets better every time I see it. So rich and complex. I love it to pieces, honestly.

And right back at you!

goto guy for future big projects/sequels.

Eww. No thanks. I want Wright to do projects he's passionate about, not to be Hollywood's latest gun for hire.

Maybe they at changing the script to be about Hank Pym instead of lang.

It's coming out next year. The cast is largely already in place. They aren't changing that much by this point.

 

[enzo_gt]

I'm not saying LR is true, but you don't think this happens?

Hasn't Wright been preparing a script and vision for like half a decade? They like it.. sign him on and then.. change it? wat

Going to point towards more unlikely than likely.

 

[Broken Joystick]

Sometimes you have friends in a relationship. You love each of them dearly as individuals and think they're amazing people. When they talk to you about their troubles, you do everything you can to support them, to keep them together, because if you love them both so much doesn't it make sense they should love each other? But little by little you realize, at heart, they aren't meant to be together - not because there's anything wrong with either of them, but they just don't have personalities that mesh in a comfortable way. They don't make each other happy. Although it's sad to see them split, when they do, you're surprisingly relieved, and excited to see where their lives take them next.

It's easy to try to make one party "right" and another party "wrong" when a breakup happens, but it often isn't that simple. Or perhaps it's even more simple than that - not everyone belongs in a relationship together. It doesn't mean they're not wonderful people.

And that's true of both Edgar Wright and Marvel. One of them isn't a person, but I think you get what I mean.

https://www.facebook.com/jgunn/post...ffset=0&total_comments=1&notif_t=feed_comment

 

[Deleted member 30609]

As good a reason as any to watch The World's End, tonight.

 

[duckroll]

James Gunn said "Edgar Wright and Marvel" and not "Edgar Wright and Kevin Feige", and we specified that "one of them isn't a person", so it sounds like the studio culture was just wrong for the entire project. Maybe Feige willing to shift stuff around to wait for him was just him being overoptimistic about how things would go when production actually started? :/

 

[Net_Wrecker]

Wow, only just reading this. That suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucks. I was really looking forward to Edgar Wright coming into the fold and stomping on the rest of the MCU.

Hype now at negative infinity level for Ant-Man

 

[A Human Becoming]

I'm surprised this film hasn't been canceled yet. I thought it was a strange choice from the beginning.

 

[Ithil]

That completely murders my interest.

 

[Father_Brain]

James Gunn said "Edgar Wright and Marvel" and not "Edgar Wright and Kevin Feige", and we specified that "one of them isn't a person", so it sounds like the studio culture was just wrong for the entire project. Maybe Feige willing to shift stuff around to wait for him was just him being overoptimistic about how things would go when production actually started? :/

Or more cynically, Gunn has become a Marvel sycophant and is just carrying water for them. But I hope not.

In any event (assuming that the Reddit rumor is false and that this was a matter of creative differences), the biggest question here is less why Wright's and Marvel's visions were ultimately incompatible and more why this happened so close to the production start date.

 

[TDLink]

Or more cynically, Gunn has become a Marvel sycophant and is just carrying water for them. But I hope not.

In any event (assuming that the Reddit rumor is false and that this was a matter of creative differences), the biggest question here is less why Wright's and Marvel's visions were ultimately incompatible and more why this happened so close to the production start date.

I've been on vacation the last few days so I haven't had time to comment (though I was aware of the news).

I just want to say that I agree with this. It is a bit puzzling that creative differences only surfaced in the last month when the script has more or less been done for a while. All of the major roles are cast. There was a production start date quite soon. It's just odd all around.

I also wonder if this will affect the cast at all. I could see some of the actors walking. It will be interesting to see what happens over this next week.

And I don't think Gunn is being a shill for Marvel because he is still in post production on a film for them.

 

[Defenestrated Donut]

@edgarwright:

Selfie.

 

[NotTheGuyYouKill]

@edgarwright:

Ouch.

I hope a reputable source or one of the parties involved comes out and properly says what happened.

 

[Gartooth]

That kind of solidifies it then that the parting was anything but amicable given Wright's disappointment. (As if it wasn't obvious enough already) I'm holding onto a vain hope that Ant-Man could turn out to be a decent movie just because I really love the character... but so did Edgar Wright.

 

[SCULLIBUNDO]

FYI, that picture is from Keaton's THE NAVIGATOR. And if we're going to look too much into it:

According to Robert Osborne of Turner Classic Movies, Keaton intended for Donald Crisp to direct the dramatic scenes, leaving him free to concentrate on the comedic ones. However, when Crisp wanted to work on the comedy, Keaton decided to do all the remaining directing himself.

 

[bistromathics]

There is an alternate universe in which Antman released already and The World's end doesnt exist, thats a better reality than this one.

I'm okay with this.

 

[jett]

@edgarwright:

For some reason I'm reminded that Edgar Wright is actually a pretty cool dude, I've liked him in all of the interviews I've seen of him. Kinda feel for the guy. Hopefully he gets on a new project soon.

 

[Gartooth]

FYI, that picture is from Keaton's THE NAVIGATOR. And if we're going to look too much into it:

Interesting... I wonder if this is meant to be pointing at something. The supposed leaks seem to point towards Marvel execs wanting changes made to the "morality" of the film, perhaps Wright was being sidelined to the comedy and that just didn't fly for him in the end.

 

[CLEEK]

Every time I've read Feige talk about Ant-Man, it has always sounded like this was his pet project and that he had huge respect for Edgar Wright's script and vision for the film. So I was really surprised that Wright would exit this late in the game after Marvel forced changes he wasn't comfortable with.

This blog post speculates/reports that the rift was between Wright and Marvel/Disney higher-ups and Feige supported Edgar. Which would make more sense, although I'd always assume Feige was the King-maker on such matters.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplayl...t-man-analysis-the-screenplay-rumors-20140524

 

[Discotheque]

For some reason I'm reminded that Edgar Wright is actually a pretty cool dude, I've liked him in all of the interviews I've seen of him. Kinda feel for the guy. Hopefully he gets on a new project soon.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UOBuOmOAI6c

 

[Funky Papa]

From the MCU thread

Well apparently Wright's next project is a Disney film

I'm guessing that would put the script rewrite rumour to rest?

 

[SCULLIBUNDO]

Reading about that project, I think I would have preferred Ant Man. Throw him a Star Wars film, Disney you fucks.

 

[Funky Papa]

Reading about that project, I think I would have preferred Ant Man. Throw him a Star Wars film, Disney you fucks.

This is actually a brilliant idea.

 

[MutonCommander]

From the MCU thread

An interesting turn of events.

 

[Blader]

He had already been attached to Night Stalker for a while, though; I don't think this is Disney throwing him a consolation prize, just him moving on to the next thing that just so happens to still be in the Disney wheelhouse.

 

[BronsonLee]

From the MCU thread

An interesting turn of events.

Tales from my ass theory here...could Disney have pulled him, like pulled rank? Going right from one project to another immediately?

 

[neorej]

Reading about that project, I think I would have preferred Ant Man. Throw him a Star Wars film, Disney you fucks.

Give Wright the Boba Fett movie.

 

[Hot Coldman]

Give Wright the Boba Fett movie.

Yeah! Wright is great at writing films where the lead protagonist is an asshole, he'd be perfect.

 

[Tawney Bomb]

This bums me out, but I'll hope they can get someone else who's good and can still make a good film out of this.

 

[Defenestrated Donut]

The Hollywood Reporter seems to push back against the notion that Feige had supported Wright's vision...

Wright, 40, is an irreverent British filmmaker, and sources say Marvel had been unhappy with his take on Ant-Man for weeks. Originally set to begin shooting June 2, the production had been put on hiatus while Feige ordered revisions of the script that was co-written by Wright and Joe Cornish. According to sources, Wright had been willing to make revisions earlier in the process. But the new rewrites took place without Wright's input, and when he received Marvel's new version early during the week of May 19, he walked, prompting a joint statement announcing his exit "due to differences in their visions of the film."

"Kevin Feige [and his top lieutenants] run Marvel with a singularity of vision, but when you take a true auteur and throw him into the mix, this is what you get," says a source. "They don't want you to speak up too much or have too much vision. People who have never worked there don't understand how they operate, but if you trust them, they have an amazing track record."

Ant-Man's tone might have been too quirky for the Marvel universe. Insiders say Marvel feels it already might have gone outside its comfort zone with August's Guardians of the Galaxy, a space adventure heavy on odd humor and featuring a talking raccoon.

 

[Dabanton]

That's a pretty telling quote.

Ant-Man's tone might have been too quirky for the Marvel universe. Insiders say Marvel feels it already might have gone outside its comfort zone with August's Guardians of the Galaxy, a space adventure heavy on odd humor and featuring a talking raccoon.

 

[Joni]

So there goes any theory of Disney butting in. Marvel Studios itself is the scared party.

 

[gundamkyoukai]

Damn was looking forward to this partly because of him.

 

[Tom_Cody]

The Hollywood Reporter seems to push back against the notion that Feige had supported Wright's vision...

Wright, 40, is an irreverent British filmmaker, and sources say Marvel had been unhappy with his take on Ant-Man for weeks. Originally set to begin shooting June 2, the production had been put on hiatus while Feige ordered revisions of the script that was co-written by Wright and Joe Cornish. According to sources, Wright had been willing to make revisions earlier in the process. But the new rewrites took place without Wright's input, and when he received Marvel's new version early during the week of May 19, he walked, prompting a joint statement announcing his exit "due to differences in their visions of the film."

"Kevin Feige [and his top lieutenants] run Marvel with a singularity of vision, but when you take a true auteur and throw him into the mix, this is what you get," says a source. "They don't want you to speak up too much or have too much vision. People who have never worked there don't understand how they operate, but if you trust them, they have an amazing track record."

Ant-Man's tone might have been too quirky for the Marvel universe. Insiders say Marvel feels it already might have gone outside its comfort zone with August's Guardians of the Galaxy, a space adventure heavy on odd humor and featuring a talking raccoon.

First off, he's been developing this for 8 years and it's right about to shoot. Weeks?

Also are we really pretending that he's Stanley Kubrick now? He made a bunch of fun buddy comedies. I enjoy his stuff but this is getting a little over the top. I mean, they literally used the word auteur to describe him. Barf. He's never even entered into the conversation for an academy award.

 

[Sapiens]

Antmon sounds like it could have been one of those big budget films that escaped the Hollywood "process" due to directors having a lot of clout.

Oh well. I look forward to my new, improved Antmon.

 

[Rafa=FedKilla]

Brahs can't get out of there own way.

 

[Ridley327]

First off, he's been developing this for 8 years and it's right about to shoot. Weeks?

Also are we really pretending that he's Stanley Kubrick now? He made a bunch of fun buddy comedies. I enjoy his stuff but this is getting a little over the top. I mean, they literally used the word auteur to describe him. Barf. He's never even entered into the conversation for an academy award.

Auteur doesn't mean award-winning director, though. It's a term for a director with a easy-to-identify approach to their films, often cropping up as recurring thematic content or shooting styles, which certainly applies to Wright. Hell, Michael Bay is an auteur.

 

[Busty]

Between this and Drew Goddard leaving Daredevil the TV show poor ol' Marvel PR have been having a hell of a week.

By the way announcing the casting of Daredevil and the appointment of Steven S. DeKnight as showrunner this week aren't coincidence. They are on a full blown positive PR exercise. I wouldn't be surprised if we got some other positive Marvel news this week in an effort to push all the Edgar Wright talk out of the headlines etc.

Perhaps Marvel will announce their replacement for Wright to direct Antman, I wonder which former TV helmer they will choose?

Oh well. I look forward to my new, improved Antmon.

Jamaican Antman?

 

[RobotNinjaHornets]

Perhaps Marvel will announce their replacement for Wright, I wonder which former TV helmer they will choose?

Michelle McLaren pls

 

[DMczaf]

"Kevin Feige [and his top lieutenants] run Marvel with a singularity of vision, but when you take a true auteur and throw him into the mix, this is what you get," says a source. "They don't want you to speak up too much or have too much vision. People who have never worked there don't understand how they operate, but if you trust them, they have an amazing track record."

So that "Disney is strong harming Marvel" bullshit created by film bloggers who just so happen to be MCU fanboys was just that, bullshit?! No way!

 

[Busty]

Michelle McLaren pls

After the debacle with Patty Jenkins on Thor 2 I'd like to see Marvel choose their first female director for this...., even if she is just going to be a random body sitting in the director's chair.

 

[Slayven]

Well Marvel has a masterplan and it has served them well so far.

 

[Pai Pai Master]

Weird situation. I mean, we've known for a while now that, essentially, the buck stops with Feige. Marvel may bring in some visionary directors, but it's clear they do things differently and Feige has a lot more control over things like the script than a typical producer would. Whether good or bad, that's how Marvel does things and we know the level of control they expect to have on all their movies that build towards the MCU as a whole.

If Wright's script didn't meet what Feige personally wanted for the overall MCU, then fine. But it doesn't make sense to me that it wasn't a dealbreaker for either party until the final re-write, after all those years. They must have done some crazy stuff to Wright's script for him to walk after all that time - and to do it all last minute like that is a shit move on their part.

Rumours had come out a while ago that Wright was pushing back against incorporating Ant-Man into the rest of the Avengers cast, and when they had announced production and a release date I figured all that stuff had been ironed out. I wonder if that was still the main point of contention - maybe Wright's final script still kept the movie too "standalone" and at this point, and after the success of The Avengers and its follow up solo films, the last thing Feige wanted was to stick one of the core Avengers cast members in a standalone environment. It's bad enough that they've written one of their major characters (Pym) into a time period where he can never be on the Avengers team.

I dunno if we'll ever know 100% of what happened here but there was probably a lot of tension on both sides and if Wright wasn't happy directing a film that didn't match up with his vision and original script, then it was better for him to walk. Marvel will get the movie they want in the end, it may not be the same film that fans of Wright wanted, and it will probably end up a bit more "homogenized" as they said, but I can still see this being a worthy entry in the MCU as long as they still to justice to the character.

 

[Tom_Cody]

Auteur doesn't mean award-winning director, though. It's a term for a director with a easy-to-identify approach to their films, often cropping up as recurring thematic content or shooting styles, which certainly applies to Wright. Hell, Michael Bay is an auteur.

I just googled the term and you are totally right. I had never known it carried that very specific meaning. I had just thought it was a way of saying 'artist filmmaker'.