Victor Hugo and Hank Pym could be lifelong friends
Did "Les Misérables" inspired "Ant-Man"? Don't expect Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby to give an answer, as the trio would rather think that they created another memorable superhero. Besides, there have been many acts of random kindness that would be followed with a series of life-affirming moments. It seemed like a premise of a Frank Capra film, when American society was brimming with innocence. No one would let you down. And there was such a thing as a happy ending. But Lee, Lieber, and Kirby thought of a character that could connect to readers. Instantly. They thought of someone who had flaws. Lots of flaws.
Marvel comics fans knew too well that Peyton Reed's celluloid version of "Ant-Man" would be a beginner's guide to those who were unfamiliar with the superhero. The filmmaker should be credited with keeping the cheeky aspect of the comic series, which engaged moviegoers. Scott Lang was a small-time crook, who could have languished in prison. But Pym gave him an opportunity. It might be hard for Lang to mend his past, but he could use his criminal capabilities for the greater good. Reed didn't confirm a sequel, as it might hurt the box-office chances of the original. There wasn't any drastic changes from the original material, though. Furthermore, Ant-Man was like a wisp of fresh air in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Marvel Studios announced the sequel, but the fans expected it. (The mid-end credits scene of "Ant-Man" gave it away.) Don't be surprised if Kevin Feige already considered another sequel, which would be featured in Phase Four of the MCU.
"Ant-Man and the Wasp" is scheduled for release on July 5, 2018. Marvel Studios haven't announced the premise of the sequel, but fans have been speculating after watching the original. Imagine the following:
Hank Pym would ask Scott Lang to help him wrestle with his demons. Michael Douglas, who played Hank Pym, already announced that he won't don the Ant-Man suit. It doesn't mean that the sequel won't explore his past. He severed his ties with Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage, Law-Enforcement Division (S. H. I. E. L. D.) for attempting to replicate his Ant-Man shrinking technology. It turned out that Elihas Starr was his colleague. He was in favor of replication, but Pym humiliated him. Comic readers knew too well that this was how villains were born. Starr became Egghead, who would be Pym's archenemy. And he rather replicate the superheroes who became the Avengers. Feige might not consider it, but he might be thinking of Egghead doing something else. It would prompt the good guys to work together, though.
Scott Lang's checkered past would put him in constant jeopardy. It was a happy ending for "Ant-Man", where Lang spent more time with his daughter, Cassie. It might be temporary, as his superhero status would threaten her existence. Scott would try to be an ordinary citizen, such as setting up his own business. But he might invite his former partners in crime. (No one in their right mind would like to work with the likes of Scott Lang. But this is comics.) Scott may not turn out to be successful as Clark Kent.
Ant-Man and the Falcon could be the next crime-busting duo. Scott Lang and Sam Wilson started on the wrong foot, but they ended up working together. Don't be surprised if they found themselves fighting a common foe. Tony Stark perhaps.
Iron Man might make another cameo appearance. Marvel fans knew about the conflict between Stark and Lang. It won't be the rich-man-vs-poor-man kind of thing, but a premise was established in "Captain America: Civil War". It may have something to do with the enemies of the Avengers. There were too many of them to be introduced to the big screen, but fans could count on Marvel Studios to pick a memorable villain. And she might had a thing with Iron Man.
The sequel may tug more hearts. It won't be about the father-daughter bond, but rather the whereabouts of older superheroes. What happened to those with lesser powers? They would end up in a retirement home, which was managed by one of them. She was wise enough to make herself richer, but she ended up pessimistic about the fate of superheroes. Some would wonder if it had something to do with Ragnarok. The next installment of "Thor" is scheduled for release next fall. This would prompt Lang to think about his future.
Marvel fans love team-ups, which their superheroes would do (for the rest of the world). Regrets could turn into bittersweet moments, but the likes of Lang don't have time for sentimental journey. Great powers come great responsibility.
