Michael Pena Offered Role in 'Ant-Man' and Johnny Depp Could Be Doctor Strange

Rumors Abound in Superhero Movie Casting

Another day has brought even more casting rumors regarding Marvel movies. Joining Michael Douglas as 'Hank Pym' in Edgar Wright's  Ant-Man and Johnny Depp talks with the studio to become Doctor Strange comes word that Michael Pena (End of Watch, Gangster Squad, American Hustle) has been offered an undisclosed role in Ant-Man as well. 

Pena has been one of the busiest actors in Hollywood with six projects already slated for 2014 alone and I'm sure he could find time for a blockbuster superhero movie supporting role. According to The Wrap, the versatile Pena could join Douglas and Paul Rudd who'll play Scott Lang in the comedic heist film. The story presumably will involve Lang stealing the technology to shrink to the size of an ant from the original Ant-Man (Douglas) in order to help save the life of his daughter according to comic book canon anyway. 

Marvel has denied any talks with Pena or with Depp for that matter as is the studio's modus operandi when it comes to casting news. They save any breaking news for official announcements through press releases. Marvel has been culling acting royalty with Douglas, Robert Redford, and Glenn Close on board for features. If they are able to add Depp to their stable it would be a major coup for the studio. Depp already is a staple on sister studio, Disney. 

Depp, while isn't the draw he used to be in the States, is still an international A-lister that repeatedly outdoes his domestic offerings in foreign markets. It's this appeal that helped the US flop Lone Ranger practically double its box office earnings worldwide. And behind the unvarnished template set forth by Marvel a movie about a sorcerer guarding the world from magical and mystical threats could be another blockbuster franchise for both the studio and Depp. 

As usual until these rumors are officially confirmed it's all speculation and even though the outlets themselves can be petty in their rivalry to get the latest scoop we'll bring you whatever becomes of these latest whispers.