Nathan Fillion to Play Hank Pym (Ant-Man) in Whedon's AVENGERS

There were reports this weekend that Nathan Fillion is a lock to Hank Pym, a genius scientist also known as Ant-Man, in Joss Whedon's AVENGERS film. I pretty much called this when Whedon got the job because the two worked together on "Firefly". Now, rumors like this are to be taken with a grain of salt as they don't usually pan out. However, their strong working relationship would suggest there is some truth to his consideration.

I just wonder what kind of role Pym would play in the film. Attention already has to be divvied up amongst the marquee superheroes, so I imagine his screen time would be minor. But if Whedon plans on taking a few cues from "The Ultimates" (a modern re-telling of the Avengers' origins) playbook, then Pym might factor into the plot a bit more. Sure, he could just hang out in the background and provide some support to the front-line Avengers (which seems likely), but I hope he gets a bigger part. Pym in "The Ultimates" has a hyper-inferiority complex (especially when in the company of Bruce Banner) and an abusive relationship with his wife and fellow Avenger, The Wasp. Essentially, he's kind of a bastard. That's the type of role I'd like to see Fillion take on.

For those not familiar with his work, I'd suggest taking a look at the short-lived series "Firefly" and the subsequent SERENITY film. He plays the Captain of Serenity, Malcolm Reynolds, and charisma just spills out of him in every scene. It's a wonder Fillion has yet to get a chance to shine in a big, Hollywood production.

If reports are indeed true, then the announcement of his casting should take place around Comic-Con in late July. But a lot could change before then. Here's hoping it doesn't.