Paul Rudd to Star in Marvel’s ‘Ant-Man’

Marvel is ready to name its next superhero as sources tell Variety that Paul Rudd is in early negotiations to star in “Ant-Man.”

Rudd, along with Joseph Gordon Levitt, was considered one of the front-runners for the part, as Variety first reported. Rudd stars in eagerly-awaited sequel “Anchorman 2,” which opened Tuesday night.

Edgar Wright is helming and co-wrote the script with Joe Cornish. Marvel had no comment on the casting.

In the comics, the character’s alter-ego is Henry Pym, a brilliant scientist who invented a substance that allowed him to change his size and communicate with insects. One scenario that was rumored when Wright first came on is that he would focus on the later years of Ant-Man and add the character Scott Lang, a crook who steals Pym’s technology and becomes the new Ant-Man. This may hint at the idea that both Rudd and Gordon Levitt could potentially become involved in the film, although the idea seems unlikely.

Kevin Feige will produce for Marvel.

Rudd is an interesting choice as a super-hero, since he is known more for his comedic roles than action-heavy roles. It’s a move that recalls the company’s choice of Robert Downey Jr. to play Iron Man. Downey didn’t have the look of an action hero, but shared elements of Tony Stark’s personality, which led to him being tapped for the role.

Rudd is repped by UTA and Brillstein Entertainment.