Donovan's role is being kept under wraps, but sources say it is pivotal to the story. The film, scheduled for release July 17, 2015, centers on con man Scott Lang (Rudd), who has the ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength. He must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas), protect the secret behind his Ant-Man suit from a new generation of world-ruining threats.

Gabriel Ferrari, Andrew Barrer and Adam McKay penned the screenplay for Ant-Man, which is produced by Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Alan Fine through Marvel Studios, along with Michael Grillo, Stan Lee and Nira Park.

Donovan, who appeared in numerous Hartley films including Trust, Simple Men and The Book of Life, will next be seen in Paul Thomas Anderson's hotly anticipated project Inherent Vice, starring Joaquin Phoenix. It hits theaters Dec. 12. He also is featured opposite Aubrey Plaza in indie Ned Rifle, the third installment in Hartley’s trilogy.

Donovan also has a busy TV career, appearing on Homeland, Hannibal, Boss and Lifetime's summer series The Lottery. Along with having a recurring role on DirecTV series Rogue, he's directed an episode. He is repped by DBA and Gary Goddard Entertainment.

E-mail: Rebecca.Ford@THR.com

Twitter: @Beccamford