Paul Rudd Is Marvel's 'Ant-Man'

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Could Paul Rudd be the latest newcomer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe? The actor, best known for his roles in comedies such as This Is 40 and the Anchorman series, is joining a long-anticipated project.

Rudd has reportedly been cast as biochemist Hank Pym in director Edgar Wright’s Ant-Man. Pym is the original Ant-Man, a scientist who discovers a size-altering formula that also grants him the ability to communicate with and control insects. However, others have inherited the role since the character's inception, prompting speculation that there could be another character in the upcoming film to assume the role of Ant-Man -- perhaps Scott Lang, a character who steals Pym's research and takes the Ant-Man identity.

For that second role, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is reportedly in consideration, although the actor denied involvement in the project in October. Since then, Gordon-Levitt has signed on to produce a big-screen take on Neil Gaiman's Sandman, which could take up the lion's share of his already-busy schedule. A rep for Marvel declined to confirm the reports.

Ant-Man, produced by Kevin Feige, is slated for release on July 31, 2015.

Via: Entertainment Weekly