A Second Generation Avenger: When Paul Rudd first appeared as Ant-Man eight years ago, the Marvel Cinematic Universe looked very different. Back then, Iron Man, Captain America, and Black Widow were among the big names in the franchise. Those times are long gone. Meanwhile, Ant-Man is a key Avengers member and plays a central role in the MCU.
Not just a central role: Rudd’s superhero opens the fifth MCU phase and is the first Avenger to meet villain Kang, whom we already know from Loki. The events of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania set the stage for the future of the MCU. But how has Paul Rudd fared so far? In the interview, we look at his with the Ant-Man actor remarkable run at Marvel return.
You can watch the trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania here:
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – Trailer (German) HD
Moviepilot: You’ve been part of the MCU since 2015. How has your trip been so far?
Paul Rudd: Time just flew by. It’s incredible to be a part of such a massive phenomenon with avid fans spread all over the world. Sometimes I can’t believe I belong there.
What has been the biggest challenge so far?
I’ve had to overcome many different challenges in the MCU. One thing that has completely changed my life is the physical aspects of the role. I have never trained as much as I have in the last ten years. It takes a lot of discipline, but it’s also great that I keep up the training even when I’m not in front of the camera for a Marvel movie.
Is there a particularly valuable MCU memory you’d like to share?
There are quite a few, but looking back, the thing that strikes me the most was a moment during the making of Civil War. When we made the first Ant-Man, it felt like we were doing our own thing that nobody really knows. However, when I first saw the Avengers in costume, it was a completely different experience.
Disney
Ant-Man’s first appearance in the Avengers circle
I remember it was just before we started shooting. Everyone just got ready and put on their costumes. It was a bit like being in the Avengers dressing room. I looked around and suddenly there was no longer Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans around me, but Iron Man and Captain America. That’s when I realized where I really got myself into.
Quantumania is the starting shot of phase 5 and the boom in superhero films doesn’t stop. Why do you think the genre is so popular?
The movies are like the comics. They’ve also been around for several decades and people keep coming back to read them. Also, the Marvel movies tell a universal story. It’s the same as other big franchises. Let’s take Star Wars for example. There is good and bad. These archetypes also appear in superhero films.
These stories work in any language and across national borders. Capes and superheroes – this is visually iconic and appeals to all ages, especially children. They are inspired by this and want to dress up as their role models from the comics and films. I was the same way when I was little. There’s something timeless about superhero movies, and I think that’s why they’re in demand.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantmania hits theaters on February 15, 2023.
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