Just a few weeks afterMarvelannounced that theAnt-MansequelAnt-Man and the Waspwill hit theaters in 2018, it seems the studio is bringing back the original director.The Hollywood Reporterreveals that filmmakerPeyton Reedis in talks with the studio to directAnt-Man and The Wasp. What’s less clear is who will actually write the follow-up.
Ant-Manhad been in the works for several years before production actually got started last year, withEdgar Wrightset to direct and co-write the script withJoe Cornish.Edgar Wrightended up leavingAnt-Manshortly before production began, withPeyton Reedstepping in to direct and starPaul Ruddcoming aboard to co-write the script withAdam McKay, who directed the actor inAnchorman: The Legend of Ron BurgundyandAnchorman 2: The Legend Continues. BothEdgar WrightandJoe Cornishreceived screenplay credit alongsidePaul RuddandAdam McKay.
It’s possible thatPaul RuddandAdam McKaycould be tasked with writing the sequel script, but it isn’t known ifMarvelwants them to return, or if they will seek out new writers. While no story details have been given, the title clearly sets up thatEvangeline Lilly’s Hope Van Dyne will return asThe Wasp, which most assumed after the end credits scene showed Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) showing Hope the Wasp suit he designed for her. It also isn’t known if Scott Lang’s new associates Luis (Michael Peña), Kurt (David Dastmalchian) and Dave (T.I.) will reprise their roles in the sequel.
Ant-Manfared quite well at the box office, taking in $178.7 million domestically and $275.9 million internationally for a worldwide haul of $454.6 million, from a $130 million budget.Ant-Manjust opened in China, one of the most important international markets, over the weekend, where it took in a whopping $43 million, the second largest opening of anyMarvelmovie, behindAvengers: Age of Ultronwhich pulled in a incredible $156 million in its first five days in Chinese theaters. IfAnt-Mankeeps performing well in China, it could break the $500 million worldwide milestone.
It isn’t known when production may begin onAnt-Man and the Wasp, butPeyton Reedwill certainly have plenty of time to get ready for this Marvel sequel. Aside from the title characters, there is nothing else we know about this project, but hopefully more details will surface once Marvel brings on a writer. Are you glad thatPeyton Reedis returning to directAnt-Man and the Wasp?
