During a recent episode of “The Jonathan Ross Show,” actor Paul Rudd made a surprising revelation about filming the Marvel movie “Ant-Man.” He shared that during filming, he nearly became Spider-Man. The discussion was lighthearted and animated, with Rudd jokingly expressing his excitement about the missed opportunity.
Rudd’s co-star, Billy Piper, also made an appearance on the show and expressed her admiration for him. She revealed that she was a huge fan, particularly during his iconic role in “Clueless.” This led to a playful exchange between the two, with Piper complimenting Rudd’s eyes and describing them as “cat-like” and “Primal.”
The conversation then turned to Rudd’s connection to the UK, as his parents hail from there. Rudd shared that he has a deep fondness for the country and visits often due to his dual citizenship. He reminisced about receiving food parcels filled with British chocolates and candies, which were difficult to find in the US Midwest where he grew up.
Switching gears, the discussion shifted to Rudd’s role as Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He described the experience of filming the movies as “astounding” and highlighted the massive scale of the productions. The latest film was shot in a Sound Stage equipped with an LED screen dubbed “the volume,” creating a realistic background. However, Rudd humorously revealed that the dirt on the floor was actually manure, as they had gotten a deal on it during the summer shoot.
Acknowledging the dedicated Marvel fan base, Rudd shared his experience attending Comic-Con after the announcement of “Ant-Man.” He humorously compared it to going to a music convention with The Beatles, as thousands of screaming fans made it a memorable and exciting event.
The conversation then shifted to Rudd’s involvement in the new “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” movie. He expressed his excitement about working with the original Ghostbusters cast, describing the experience as surreal. Rudd admitted to taking home his Ant-Man suit from the set and playfully mentioned that he may have swiped a few other items, though he wasn’t supposed to.
In a lighthearted moment, the hosts discussed Piper’s children’s perception of her work and Rudd’s children’s indifference to his career. Rudd humorously shared that his kids often remind him that he’s “not Black Panther,” effectively bringing him down to earth.
Towards the end of the interview, the hosts brought up one of Rudd’s most memorable scenes in comedy history: the chest-waxing scene in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” Rudd recalled the intensity of that day on set, where five cameras were positioned to capture the genuine physical pain experienced by Steve Carell. He recounted how Carell bled during the waxing, adding to the authenticity of the scene.
As the interview came to a close, Rudd jokingly denied ever getting himself waxed, followed by banter about his level of fitness. While Rudd admitted to occasional injuries during various projects, including having his arm blow up after being bitten by a spider or something while in the Ant-Man suit, he remarked that he was in good enough shape to fit back into the superhero costume.
With its lively and entertaining banter, this episode of “The Jonathan Ross Show” provided fans with an inside look into the world of Paul Rudd. From his near-miss with becoming Spider-Man to his humorous anecdotes about filming, Rudd’s appearance showcased his charm and relatability, leaving viewers wanting more.
