Paul Rudd is a versatile actor who has made a name for himself in romantic comedies and the superhero genre. The fast-approaching Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will mark the actor’s fifth live-action appearance as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, it was never part of his plan to become a superhero. In a recent interview with Men’s Health, Rudd opened up about his journey to becoming one of the biggest stars in the MCU.
Rudd’s acting career started in the 1990s when he appeared in comedy films such as Clueless and Wet Hot American Summer. His role as Mike Hannigan in the hit NBC sitcom Friends solidified his place in the comedy world. He appeared in several hit comedy films, including The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, and cemented himself as a leading man.
When Paul Rudd Entered The MCU
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It was not until he was offered the role of Scott Lang/Ant-Man in the MCU that he entered the world of superhero franchises. In an interview with Men’s Health, the actor expresses how his meeting with “Marvel was pretty new.”
“My agent set up a meeting with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Marvel was pretty new. They weren’t even part of Disney. It would’ve been like somebody saying, ‘How would you feel about doing Dancing with the Stars?'”
Rudd said he never thought he would be offered a role in a superhero franchise and was initially unsure about joining the MCU. Despite his reservations, Rudd decided to take on the role of Ant-Man and has since become an integral part of the MCU. In the interview, he also talked about how he approached the role.
“I think that’s one of the reasons why Ant-Man has become so beloved. It’s not just because he’s a hero, but because he’s also a relatable character. He’s a guy who’s just trying to do the right thing and make up for past mistakes.”
The Marvel hero first appeared as Ant-Man in the 2015 film. Since then, he has reprised the role in several other MCU films, including Captain America: Civil War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Avengers: Endgame. The upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will mark his fifth live-action appearance as the character and officially kick off Phase Five of the MCU.
While Ant-Man is still a relatively new character in the MCU, he quickly became a fan favorite. One of the reasons for this is the humor Rudd brings to the character. The actor’s comedic background has allowed him to bring a unique and lighthearted tone to the superhero genre, making Ant-Man stand out from other MCU characters.
The actor has also received critical acclaim for his role as Ant-Man, with many praising his performance and ability to bring a unique perspective to the character. His work in the MCU has solidified his place as one of the standout actors in the franchise. It has cemented his legacy as a versatile performer who can effortlessly transition from comedy to action.
Everybody Loves A Funny Superhero
One of the defining aspects of Paul Rudd’s portrayal of Ant-Man is the humor he brings to the character. Ant-Man often provides levity and comedic relief in a world filled with larger-than-life figures. Rudd’s comedic timing and ability to sell a joke have been major contributors to the success of the Ant-Man films. But what sets Rudd apart is his ability to balance the humor with the action and drama, ensuring that Ant-Man never becomes a one-dimensional character joke.
This combination of humor and heart is what makes Rudd’s performance as Ant-Man so unique, and it’s also what sets the Ant-Man films apart from the rest of the MCU. While the MCU is known for its epic action sequences and larger-than-life battles, the Ant-Man films offer a more intimate and character-driven approach to the superhero genre, focusing on the relationships between the characters rather than just the explosions and special effects.
Paul Rudd’s involvement in the MCU has also had a major impact on his career. Before joining the franchise, Rudd was primarily known for his comedic roles, but since becoming Ant-Man, he has been able to expand his range and show audiences that he is a capable dramatic actor. This has opened up new opportunities for him, both within and outside the MCU, and has helped solidify his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
Source: Men’s Health
