We know that there are female superheroes – we’re well aware of that. This year, Marvel decided it was time for a female superhero to get prime billing in a title, and all I’m saying is, it’s about time. Ant-Man and The Wasp opens July 6th, and you’ll want to be ready for it. Evangeline Lilly who is stepping into the role of The Wasp fully in this movie is committed to the role, and to cementing The Wasp on the big screen for years to come. I mean, we were all fans of The Wasp in the comic books, but bring her to life – off of paper – would it work? If you saw my feelings about Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, then you’ll know that I was initially worried about the entire thing, but one day I’ll learn that I really shouldn’t be when it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
We were able to chat with Evangeline for several minutes, and we got down to the nitty-gritty of the movie, and how awesome it was filming fight scenes, and how femininity rocks in general. It was quite the conversation, and more of what I want to see with actors and actresses than what we normally get. She told us the truncated story of how she came into acting, and why she loves Okoye, and why femininity is a strength, not a character flaw.
From the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes ANT-MAN AND THE WASP, a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink. In the aftermath of CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside the Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from the past.
We’re getting female representation (FINALLY), let’s take the onus off of them to inspire, and put the heavy on the studios to continue hiring and writing amazing diverse characters in gender and color. Marvel seems to be on par now – we just need to get that top billing more often. I think that Evangeline would agree with me on that. At least I’d like to think so – especially after she shared that one particular scene in Avengers: Infinity War inspired HER so much that she stood up in the middle of the theater and yelled. When the Scarlett Witch is knocked into the trench by Proxima Midnight and taunted about being alone. You hear Black Widow say softly behind her, “She’s not alone” and then the camera pans to Okoye ready to fight for the cause too. Now THIS message for women I totally get behind. Supporting each other. Fighting for each other, and believing in each other. We’d make a formidable group if we just got the memo.
Why We’re Strong BECAUSE of our Femininity not in spite of it.
I got a chance to ask her about another beautifully shot fight scene that takes place in a car. It’s like another wonderful fight filled ballet that includes gear shifts, high speed chases, and burnt rubber. You have to see it. It’s my second favorite fight scene this year, and definitely in my top 5. Okoye’s scene in Black Panther is planted firmly in the top spot, and the women fighting in Infinity War come in at a solid 3rd place.
Upon mention of the scene in the car she stated that most people ask about the fight scene in the kitchen (Evangeline now knows that I’m far from most people) and how that one is the one that wanted to focus on. But guys, the bending and limberness that one has to have in order to pull of fighting in a car the way that The Wasp did can ONLY be done because of femininity. It’s one of the things that she embraced about that scene, and what she hoped to bring to the forefront. Women are able to bend in ways that our male counterparts cant, and that’s beautiful.
“I didn’t want to send the message that in order to be powerful, strong, capable, and tough, you have to be masculine, macho, and a dude. I wanted to show that we are strong because of our femininity, not in spite of it”.
How Paul Rudd Helped Seal the deal with her donning a supersuit
She admitted to not being keen on the entire superhero deal when she first read the script for Ant-Man. That is, until she heard that Paul Rudd was going to be in the title role. Remember I told you that everyone likes Paul Rudd? They do, however I can pretty much guarantee that everyone feels the same about Evangeline as well. The moment she walked into our interview room she was excited, and it didn’t seem as if she were acting.
Why working with Michelle Pfeiffer was a dream come true
While we know that Michelle was in the DC universe too – as Catwoman, we can not deny how much she owned her character and all of the quips and quirks of her. Sure, there was the prerequisite of being sexy, but she was smart, and she was strong and she was able to almost own Batman because she used all of her characteristics – including her femininity – to throw him off his square. Evangeline wanted to be Michelle’s Catwoman, as so many girls back in that day did, but she considered it an honor to play her daughter in this movie too.
The Wasp is coming to theaters everywhere July 6th, and you should be in the building for sure.