Paul Rudd Is Finished As Ant-Man?
Fans are speculating that Ant-Man 3 will be Paul Rudd's last Marvel appearance.
Is time up for Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man? In the transition from Phase 4 to Phase 5, it’s looking very dark for the miniature superhero with the introduction of Kang the Conqueror into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which was leaked in a trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Marvel fans know Kang the Conqueror as the one of the biggest of MCU baddies, and who menacingly asks Ant-Man, “Have I killed you before?”
Originally slated to be the end of Phase 4 of the superhero universe, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is now starting Phase 5, as of San Diego’s Comic-Con presentation over the summer. It turns out that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will close out the chaotic phase, which has included the events following Avengers: Endgame and introduced a myriad of new characters through both movies and TV shows like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Moon Knight. While not much is known about the content that will make up Phase 5, the leaked trailer and events on the show Loki make it certain that they will feature Kang the Conqueror.
Paul Rudd will return as Scott Lang, also known as Ant-Man, the petty criminal who inherits the suit that can cause him to grow and shrink in size. Evangeline Lilly also returns as Hope van Dyne, also known as The Wasp, with Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfieffer as Harry Pim and Janet van Dyne, her parents and the inventors of the miniaturizing suits. It is perhaps notable that the role of Cassie Lang, Scott’s daughter, has been filled by actress Kathryn Newton rather than the previous actress in the role, Emma Fuhrmann.
Kang the Conqueror will be played by Jonathan Majors, and first appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Variant He Who Remains on the television show Loki. This prompted a lot of speculation about how Ant-Man would deal with the menace, with a lot of foreboding based on the events depicted in the comic series. Fans are not anticipating things ending well for Scott or Hope, and the change in casting for Cassie is prompting the speculation that she will inherit the suit from her father.
Also notable is the inclusion of Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld in the show Hawkeye. This is another indication that new things are on the horizon for The Avengers and their allies as new heroes take the stage to save the multiverse from imminent threats. The character makes a cameo appearance in the trailer, but it was noticed by fans eager to see more of her and other Young Avenger characters from the comics.
If Scott Lang and his comrades don’t survive their encounter with Kang the Conqueror, it’s good to know the multiverse is in good hands. Other titles announced as part of Phase 5 include Secret Invasion, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3, Captain America: New World Order, and a Blade reboot, as well as new seasons of Loki and a new Daredevil series. Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man can rest easy knowing that he didn’t die in vain and that his sacrifice will have begun a new phase of heroism in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
