The next instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is just weeks away, as Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania finally comes to cinemas. The film will kick off the hotly anticipated Phase Five of the MCU, following the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in November.
Director Peyton Reed returns to helm the third installment of his Ant-Man trilogy, following the character’s 2015 debut and the 2018 sequel Ant-Man and The Wasp. The first Marvel film of 2023 will see Ant-Man and his family embark on a perilous journey that will have huge repercussions for the entire Marvel universe.
Here, we break down everything you need to know about Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
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What is it about?
While specific plot-details are being kept tightly under wraps, Marvel’s official synopsis for the film teases a wider exploration of the Quantum Realm and the introduction of a new Avengers-level threat. Ever since he helped save the universe from Thanos in Avengers: Endgame, Scott Lang has become something of a celebrity.
Now, alongside his superhero partner Hope Van Dyne and her parents – Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne – the Ant-family go subatomic after Scott’s daughter Cassie makes a device that sends a signal into the Quantum Realm. While trapped there, they interact with strange new creatures and embark on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.
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On their journey, the crew come face to face with new villain Kang the Conqueror. While Kang’s true intentions are unknown, he offers to help Scott return home if he does something in return.
We do know that Kang is set to shake up the MCU leading up to 2025’s Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, suggesting Scott may be wise not to trust him.
Who are the cast?
Paul Rudd returns to the MCU as Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man. An ex-con turned Avenger, Scott wears special suit that grants him the ability to shrink or grow – as well giving him super-strength.
Evangeline Lilly also returns as Hope Van Dyne, otherwise known as The Wasp. Hope is Scott’s romantic and superhero partner who also boasts a super suit which she inherited from her mother.
Hollywood legend Michael Douglas is back as scientist and former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man and Hope’s father. He stars alongside Michelle Pfeiffer as his wife Janet Van Dyne, the former Wasp who was rescued from the Quantum Realm after being trapped there for 30 years.
Joining the cast is 25-year-old Kathryn Newton as Scott’s daughter Cassie, who has been recast for this latest instalment. Promotional material suggests Cassie will join her superhero father on his latest adventure after she gets her hands on her own super-suit.
Quantumania also marks the movie debut of the MCU’s next big-bad, Kang the Conqueror. Played by Jonathan Majors, an alternate-timeline variant of Kang appeared briefly in Disney+ series Loki, and is set to rival Thanos as the MCU’s new franchise-spanning villain.
Comedy icon Bill Murray is also set to appear as an as yet unkown villain.
When is Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania released in cinemas?
Quantumania is slated for release in cinemas across the UK on Friday, February 17.
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