In the latest issue of SFX Magazine (via GamesRadar), Jeff Loveness discusses his fondness for MODOK. He shares that the character is “maybe my single favorite thing that I got in the movie.” The writer continues by saying that “some of my favorite moments come from MODOK and the dynamics there.” But possibly most interestingly, rather than confirming the conjecture surrounding their version of the character and his connection to former Ant-Man foe Yellowjacket, Loveness reveals some rather unexpected sources that they drew from to create their version of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s hyper-intelligent wielder of the Doomsday Chair. Here’s what he has to say:
“I’ll just say he was inspired by Kevin Kline in ‘A Fish Called Wanda’ and Frank Grimes in an old ‘Simpsons’ episode — This really put-upon, selfish, entitled but then also deeply sad, insecure man who knows that he got a s*** deal in life and is trying to make the best of it. […] His ego will crumble the second he’s challenged but then also like Kevin Kline in ‘A Fish Called Wanda,’ he’s pretty good at killing people! He’s a real loose cannon character and I had a great amount of fun with him. That was almost day one in the room — we cracked MODOK as a character and the movie just became so fun.”
Despite featuring a more serious tone similar to an Avengers movie, it’s comforting to know that the movie will still be fun since that’s a pillar of the MCU’s Ant-Man and his movies. But after hearing these descriptions, a case could certainly be made for a Cross connection. Or maybe that’s just me projecting my desire to see Stoll recreate Grimey’s final moments, featuring Paul Rudd as Homer Simpson.
“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” premieres in theaters on February 17, 2023.