Marvel, Move On From Ant-Man

It has been very well documented as of late that Marvel Studios is doing very well for themselves in creating a universe of films that connect together while also avoiding potential mistakes. They have done a very good job to this point introducing new characters alongside their current roster of characters that have felt both fresh, but not rushed into the overall plot. Everyone that follows what Marvel is doing also knows that two new characters will be introduced in The Avengers 2 in the form of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. Then in Phase 3, Ant-Man and Doctor Strange will also be introduced in their own films. However, we the recent developments on their projects their plans might need some changing.

The Ant-Man project is due to shoot next week, it's cast is completely filled out, the script is ready and yet they do not have a director. Marvel's top choices have all folded on Ant-Man and many would even argue that Marvel's initial interest in the character was never as high as original director Edgar Wright's. With the time constraint of having to find the right director within a week before principal shooting on a film that is due to be the first film released after The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron, it may be in their best interest to abandon the project or at the least push it back further. It is too much of a time constraint to expect a new director to come in with a solid vision as to how he wants to attack the script, while also wanting to put his own unique spin on it. Thus to avoid Marvel's first mistake, they should move up one of their other properties to fill in Ant-Man's void. That being said, it is still highly unlikely whichever film takes that spot would go on to release two months after Age of Ultron.

Doctor Strange would be the most likely to fill in Ant-Man's ever changing shoes as it has just named it's director while casting rumors continue to come out for the titular role of Doctor Stephen Strange. In terms of connecting this film to the rest of the franchise, it is very simple considering how in Captain America: The Winter Soldier that Stephen Strange was mentioned as a potential risk to HYDRA. HYDRA also seems to be a threat in Avengers 2, headlined by Baron Von Strucker. The man would then have a face, but the plot elements that he brings along with him would also be a big draw for audiences as his origin story implements demons, sorcery and many different things that viewers have not seen yet in a Marvel movie. Due to how it can be viewed, technically, as a risk for a studio I am sure that they will want to cast a relative big name in the role as well. Jared Leto, Mads Mikkelsen, and Pedro Pascal have been rumored for the role. Check out the article in the link below to see why else I believe a Doctor Strange movie could work!

There has really not been a character that fans have clamored more for in the Marvel Cinematic Universe other then the prince of Wakanda, T'Challa who is more widely known as the Black Panther. Again, to keep that connective tissue between films, it may make much more sense to go with Black Panther on the heels of Avengers 2 seeing how that film is widely rumored to take place for sometime in South Africa and very close to Wakanda. More rumors have surfaced that Ultron's armor will be made of vibranium which can only be found in T'Challa's kingdom of Wakanda. That being said, it is very easy to see how Marvel and viewers could connect the dots as to how Black Panther would come off of the heels of Avengers 2. On top of the already high interest in the character and how he may connect or very well already be in Avengers 2 as a cameo role makes it potentially very good business for Marvel to go with Black Panther as the first movie to start their third phase of films. On top of it all, Avengers 2 is supposed to have another game changing ending, more so then Captain America: The Winter Soldier thus going the route of Doctor Strange or Black Panther could make more sense then the more grounded and comedic Ant-Man.