Years after the events of ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’, is not only known as a member of the Avengers who helped save the world, but a successful author of his memoir “Look Out For The Little Guy” and popular podcaster. Despite his happy life, Lang desperately tries to reconnect with his teenage daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) to make up for the years lost due to Thano’s snap. Meanwhile, Cassie has been building a device to communicate with the Quantum Realm with the help of Hank and Hope. This resulted in the Ant-family being pulled into the Quantum Realm and set off to battle a formidable opponent.
The official synopsis for ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ is below:
“Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible.”
Fans have long heard about the Quantum Realm since the first ‘Ant-Man’ movie. It’s always been depicted as dangerous and unpredictable, and it was further confirmed by Janet Van Dyne who refused to talk about it even to her own family members. Due to the mishap of Cassie’s communication device, the family got a firsthand experience at what the Quantum Realm is all about.
The world is vibrant and wild, filled with various lifeforms and citizens who are on the brink of a rebellion. This is where Janet’s backstory gets fully flushed out – giving a closer look at the years she’s spent in the Quantum Realm, how she survived, and how she meets the film’s ultimate baddie – Kang.
The audience also points out the similarities between the Quantum Realm and ‘Star Wars,’ especially in the bar scene and the use of practical creatures. After all these years of hearing about the Quantum Realm, it was a treat to see finally experience it on the big screen.
Upon the announcement that the next Avengers movie will be called ‘Avengers: Kang Dynasty’, fans have been curious and excited to see who will play Kang and how will his character will be portrayed on screen. Kang (Jonathan Major) was first introduced in season 1 of the Disney+ series ‘Loki’, but it’s not the same version as the Kang we meet in the movie. The Kang from ‘Loki’ calls himself He Who Remains and famously said to Loki and Sylvie: “If you think I’m evil, just wait till you meet my variants.” Enter Kang The Conqueror who we meet in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ – formidable and ruthless. And this is just the tip of the iceberg for multiple Kangs to come in the future of the MCU.
We also get to meet another popular villain in the movie, in the form of M.O.D.O.K aka Mental Organism Designed Only For Killing. This character deviates quite a bit from the comic books but connects directly to the first Ant-man film. Although MODOK creates some comedic moments in the movie, he also serves as quite the challenge for our heroes. Fans are split as to whether this iteration of MODOK worked or not.
Is ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ still in theaters?
The film first premiered at the Regency Village Theater on February 2, 2023 and opened domestically on February 17, 2023. There might still be a chance to catch the movie on the big screen, check below for showtimes in your area, but do know it is very limited.
When Will ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ Be Available To Stream?
Lucky for us, we can watch our favorite tiny heroes from home via digital purchase starting April 18th. For those who prefers physical copies, you can purchase the movie on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on May 16, 2023 (pre-order available). It is unclear when the Marvel flick will be available on Disney+.
Currently playing in theaters is ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,’ which is the third film in the ‘Ant-Man’ franchise, and the first movie to be released in Marvel’s Phase 5.
What is the Plot of ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania?’
The plot ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ revolves around Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), along with Hope’s parents, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), and Lang’s daughter, Cassie (Kathryn Newton), going on a new adventure exploring the Quantum Realm that pits them against a new and powerful villain, Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors).
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Who is in the Cast of ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania?’
One again directed by Peyton Reed, the cast of ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ includes returning MCU actors Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/Wasp, Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne/Wasp, Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym, and Randall Park as Jimmy Woo, as well as Kathryn Newton joining the series as an older version of Cassie Lang, Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror – a variant of his ‘Loki’ character He Who Remains, and Bill Murray as a new character named Krylar.
Why Was Cassie Lang Recast?
With the five-year time jump that takes place between ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ Marvel needed to cast an older version of Scott’s daughter Cassandra Lang for ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’. Actress Kathryn Newton (‘Freaky’) takes over the role from Abby Ryder Forston who played the younger version of Cassie Lang in the previous two movies.
Moviefone recently had the opportunity to speak with Kathryn Newton about her work on ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,’ the success of the film, working with Paul Rudd, and why making the movie was a dream come true for her.
Kathryn Newton stars in Marvel Studios’ ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quanumania.’
You can read our full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview with Kathryn Newton about ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.’
Moviefone: To begin with, you recently said at the press conference for the film that you’ve dreamed of playing a Marvel superhero since you first saw ‘Iron Man.’ Now that you’ve done it, was the experience everything you dreamed it would be?
Kathryn Newton: Well, it really was a dream of mine ever since I saw ‘Iron Man.’ I was like, “I want to be Marvel’s biggest superhero of all time.” I had been acting since I was four. So my little eight-year-old mind thought, Marvel, that’s the real deal. And I still believe it’s the real deal. They have the greatest actors of all time in their movies, and I’ve just always wanted to be a part of the MCU.
I think it’s an honor to bring a comic book character to life, and I love the ‘Ant-Man’ franchise. I love Cassie Lang. I think she’s just like me, or I want to be like her. So it’s really an insane thing to be talking to you today, to have the number one movie in the world in theaters and I’m in the movie. It’s crazy. I know it’s corny, but dream big guys, and be specific because Cassie Lang grows 40-feet tall, so she just might be the biggest Marvel superhero of all time!
MF: Can you talk about Cassie and Scott’s father/daughter relationship in this movie?
KN: So Cassie Lang is a new version of this girl. She’s continuing the legacy of her father. She’s trying to be a hero just like him, and she has her own ideas about what’s right. She’s been away from him. So she had to make a choice. She was like, “My dad’s not here. But I’m going to be a good person.” I think that took a lot of bravery to do that, to be a good person.
Scott Lang and her are reconnecting and he’s got to kind of learn to accept this new version of his daughter, and it’s hard. She’s been keeping a lot of secrets, and trying to make him proud. I think you can feel that in the heart of this movie. She just cares about other people. But the one thing that’s kind of a problem is she’s a little bit impatient. She wants to be a hero right now. But he’s like, “No, no, not yet. You don’t know what you’re doing.” That’s kind of where we’re at in this movie.
MF: Is it difficult not laughing when you’re working with Paul Rudd?
KN: Yes. I can’t wait for you to see the gag reel. It’s hilarious. There’s these bits of Paul, and I’m just behind him trying so hard not to laugh, or just me blurting out laughing. I smiled so much making this movie, and in all the pictures of me on set, I’m smiling.
I’m really lucky that I got that opportunity because it was always a dream of mine. So I knew what a big deal it was to be a part of the MCU, but I never took it for granted that Paul Rudd was that incredible to work with. I mean, laughing every day is just a joy, and I promise you I had more fun and gave it everything I got. So I hope the audience can feel that.
KN: What was it like working with Jonathan Majors and watching his process creating the terrifying villain, Kang the Conqueror?
KN: It was really enlightening. He really brought everybody up. I think that he’s an incredible actor and an incredible Kang. I’m really excited for the next Phase 5 of Marvel, ‘The Kang Dynasty’ because they have Jonathan and he really cares. He’s not phoning it in. I’d meet him in the morning and he’s a ray of sunshine, and then he’d put his Kang cape on, and I didn’t want to talk to him anymore.
But he made me a better actor. He knew more about my character than I knew. At some points, that’s how it felt. I thought, “Why don’t I do that?” So for me, what I’m doing now is I took from Jonathan. I’m learning more about the other characters in the movie and then deciding who my character should be because it supports the story in a different way. Even the little bits I have with Kang in this movie, we talked about the characters, what Cassie was going through, who Kang is in this moment, and what he knows about Cassie Lang, their history and their future, just to play with, but not because we’re going to do anything about it.
But as an actor in Marvel, you have an encyclopedia of knowledge. You have so many comics and so many places that your character has been or could be going, but we don’t use any of that, right? We just think about it and then we do what’s on the page. But it was really fun to work with Jonathan because he goes that deep.
MF: Finally, do you know what is next for Cassie Lang in the MCU, and what would you like to see her doing in future Marvel movies?
KN: I have no idea. They don’t tell you anything. I don’t know if I’m ever going to be in another Marvel movie, but I will say that no matter what, even if I’m lucky enough, nothing will ever top this experience. Me and Paul Rudd running around laughing all day, making jokes. I had the time of my life and nothing will ever top it.
Witten by Jeff Loveness and directed by Peyton Reed, the sci-fi, action, adventure, comedy, mystery, thriller ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ is scheduled for release from Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures on February 17th 2023.
‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,’ the long-awaited third movie in the ‘Ant-Man’ franchise and the first film of Marvel’s Phase 5, opens in theaters everywhere on February 17th and was once again directed by Peyton Reed.
The movie features several actors reprising their MCU roles including Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/Wasp, Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne/Wasp, Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym, and Randall Park as Jimmy Woo, as well as Kathryn Newton joining the series as an older version of Cassie Lang, Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror – a variant of his ‘Loki’ character “He Who Remains,” and Bill Murray as new character, Krylar.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of attending the virtual press conference for ‘’Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,’ along with several other members of the press. In attendance were Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, Kathryn Newton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Michael Douglas, as well as director Peyton Reed, producer Stephen Broussard, and President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige.
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Here are the 10 things we learned from the ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ virtual press conference:
1. ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ is All About Family
Director Peyton Reed began the press conference by talking about the themes of the ‘Ant-Man’ franchise.
Peyton Reed: The ‘Ant-Man’ movies have really always been about family. It is a generational story about a family of heroes, and Scott Lang, who is not a billionaire or super scientist, getting sucked into this world, and Hope van Dyne who is the legacy daughter of two superheroes, Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer. So it’s this generational thing, and now young Cassie Lang, who is probably Scott’s biggest motivating factor. He wants to be a hero, obviously. He’s an Avenger, but it’s really about work-life balance and also finding time with his daughter.
In this movie, Cassie Lang is 18, but we continue the story of this family, and I think in ‘Quantumania,’ one of the things we’ve done is really broaden that story and start talking about the secrets the family members keep from each other, the things they don’t tell each other. At the beginning of the movie, very quickly we find out that maybe Janet hasn’t told the family about her 30 years in the Quantum Realm, and maybe Hope and Hank have not told Scott about what they’re working on with Cassie down in the basement, and maybe Cassie hasn’t told her dad about time she might’ve spent in jail.
So everyone’s keeping secrets from Scott at the beginning of the movie, and suddenly, they’re thrust into the Quantum Realm, and they have to kind of work out these family dynamics while being in this bizarro, wacked-out world. But it really is the theme of family that I think is the constant in the movies.
2. How Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne have changed since ‘Avengers: Endgame’
Paul Rudd discussed how his character has changed since the last time we on screen.
Paul Rudd: I think that he really does want to be a dad, and this is, I think, his main focus. So he always had kind of a love-hate relationship with it, I think, but now I feel as if he’s accepted it. He is happy that all of that, it seems to be in the rearview mirror, and now we get to have kind of a normal life, have some time together. It doesn’t last, obviously, as long as maybe he thought it would.
But I think that he’s kind of grown a lot over the course of nine years or so that we’ve been doing these movies. I mean, this is a guy who, when started off, he had a regular job. He was brought into this group and has no innate super abilities, but then he went up and fought Thanos. So he’s experienced a thing or two, and he’s accepted who he is. When you see this movie, it’s present day. The events of ‘Endgame,’ everything has already transpired. I wouldn’t say he’s taking a victory lap, but others might say that.
He’s written a book, a memoir, “Look Out For the Little Guy,” and he’s explained everything that’s been going on in his life and his experiences with the Avengers, but now he is ready to have some time to be a normal dad. You know, there are some issues there, because we missed out on a lot, and I kind of want to recapture some of those years. Cassie’s older now and she has ideas of her own, so we’re trying to kind of grapple with all of that.
Actress Evangeline Lilly also talked about how her character has changed since ‘Endgame.’
Evangeline Lilly: Hope started the first ‘Ant-Man’ film a very cold, detached, and very isolated woman. She didn’t have a lot of relationships in her life. She had a lot of broken relationships in her life, and over the course of these three films, I’ve had this incredible arc to be able to play where she has, in that time, repaired her relationship with her father. She’s reunited with her long-lost mother. She’s fallen madly in love with Scott, and she’s become a stepmom to Cassie.
So her life is just full of relationships and it’s full of love, and she is really like a blossomed version of the woman that we met, and you see that in the work that she’s doing in the world. She’s thriving and taking that love and spreading it around by trying to do right in the world and fix issues that are massive like global warming and housing crises, and she’s doing it with success.
But there’s this little hiccup. There’s this little missing piece, which is that she had always fantasized about her mom coming home one day. I think because that fantasy started when she was 8 years old, it was like, we’re going be best friends, and she’s going to tell me everything, and we’re just going to be so close. Then she really keeps Hope on the outside, and that’s a wound that is festering at the beginning of the film.
President of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, explained the film’s setting and just what the Quantum Realm is.
Kevin Feige: We first saw it in the first ‘Ant-Man’ film, and I was sort of reminded recently that this was an idea that Paul had early on, before we started filming the first ‘Ant-Man’ film. What if we explore this quantum mechanics? Things act very differently at the quantum level, and Paul was talking about the amount of storytelling, imagination and fun that you could have there. The first ‘Ant-Man’ movie was mainly about meeting the characters and the origin story, of course, but at the very end of that, we got a taste of it, and that is what led to where we took it in ‘Endgame.’
It’s a place that is on the subatomic level where space and time act differently, and that allowed us to time travel at Scott Lang’s suggestion in ‘Endgame,’ and it allowed us to have this entire manic quantumness in this film, where we go to a point where only Janet had ever seen before. As Evangeline said, she didn’t talk about it too much, where there is an entire universe below the surface where we meet all sorts of fun and crazy characters.
At one point during the press conference, Michael Douglas paused and turned to Kevin Feige and asked, “What is Phase 5?” Feige explained to Douglass and the audience Marvel’s plans for the future.
Kevin Feige: Well, to go through Phase 5, we’ll start at phase one. We are making a lot of movies, and I always dreamed of making even more movies. We sort of break it up into these phases. So, from ‘Iron Man’ to the first ‘Avengers’ was one phase. Then we would do Phase 2, which was ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ through to ‘Endgame.’
‘Endgame’ ended what we called Phase 3, and then we started a new saga. We’ve made a lot of films in Phase 4, the last of which was ‘Wakanda Forever.’ We introduced a lot of characters in that. Now, this film kicks off what we call Phase 5 which begins a more specific storyline heading towards some ‘Avengers’ films down the line. We work in about three phases at a time, which three phases together, as we all know, make a saga.
Actor Jonathan Majors first played a different version of Kang the Conqueror called “He Who Remains,” in season one of Disney+’s ‘Loki,’ but plays the real version of the character in ‘Quantumania.’ Majors talked about the character and his approach to playing this version of him.
Jonathan Majors: Who is Kang? I think that is a question that we will all be answering for a very long time. I think the quick answer to that is Kang is a time traveling super villain. Who is also a nexus being, which leads to this idea of variants. There’s multiple versions of Kang. Versions being variants.
They occupy different universes, multi-verses, and they have different intentions. They are all different beings, and yet something that I’m still working on and continue to refine to something as a throughline between them. That, to me, is the Kang gene. Kang the Conqueror, who is in ‘Quantumania,’ is stuck in the Quantum Realm. He has some issues with some variants and he’s not happy about it.
Marvel comic book fans will be delighted to learn that the popular villain M.O.D.O.K. makes his live-action debut in ‘Quantumania.’ However, the character that appears in the movie is much different than his comic book counterpart and director Peyton Reed explained why.
Peyton Reed: For me, it was a personal thrill. I was a kid who spent a lot of my childhood alone in a room reading Marvel comics. M.O.D.O.K. was always this insane character. He’s grotesque. He’s a giant head that has been turned into a mechanized organism designed only for killing. That was intriguing. So, we started talking about, is there a place in the MCU and in the ‘Ant-Man’ movies for a live action version of M.O.D.O.K.? And what would that look like and how would we go about it?
Producer Stephen Broussard also discussed introducing M.O.D.O.K.
Stephen Broussard: It’s a very odd character, to say the least. It’s kind of loomed large in our imagination of how and if we could pull that off. It always felt like a challenge, going back years, here at Marvel. Then we hit on an idea, and we think we had an idea that we were excited about. I don’t want to say too much here in this forum, but I think the time was right to bring M.O.D.O.K. to the big screen, finally.
Much of ‘Quantumania’ revolves around the secrets Janet Van Dyne has been keeping about her time in the Quantum Realm, and actress Michelle Pfeiffer talked about how it affects her relationship with her family.
Michelle Pfeiffer: I will say that after finally being rescued from the Quantum Realm after 30 years and reunited with her lovely husband Hank and daughter Hope, she is just savoring this time together and quite, decidedly so, secretive about her time down there. And not really wanting to get into that until, of course, we all find ourselves down in the parallel universe and parallel world.
She is forced to come forth with the truth and in a place where she had hoped she would never see again. You know, 30 years is a long time. So, I think there are a lot of surprises for the family. For some more than others. Maybe some of her choices were questionable. But they’re a very forgiving family. But, her story is very much a part of the whole family secrets theme that runs through the film.
8. Kathryn Newton Has Always Dreamed of Being a Superhero
Because of the five-year time jump between ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ young actress Abby Ryder Fortson, who played Cassie Lang in ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp,’ was replaced with the age appropriate Newton. The actress, best known for her work in ‘Freaky,’ revealed that being cast in ‘Quantumania’ really was a dream come true.
Kathryn Newton: At the premiere, someone asked me, “What Marvel movie was the first movie I saw?” I said ‘Iron Man.’ That was the first one I saw. I was probably like eight. So since then, since the first time I saw a Marvel movie, I always wanted to be a Marvel superhero, and anyone who knows me from high school, it was probably like my superlative in the yearbook.
So, I really wanted to be part of this, because it made me dream. I went with my dad to the theaters, and I just wanted to be a superhero. It’s funny, because I told myself that I always wanted to be the biggest Marvel superhero of all time. I think it’s ironic that Cassie Lang grows 40 feet. So I’m proof that your dreams come true, because mine did.
Oscar-winning actor and producer Michael Douglas talked about why he thinks the ‘Ant-Man’ movies are the Marvel movies in general are so popular with audiences?
Michael Douglas: I think with the ‘Ant-Man’ pictures we refer to family a lot, and it brings a vulnerability to these super-power characters that we see in a lot of Marvel films. There’s a certain vulnerability, and a sense of humor that exists that I think is really a pleasure.
This is very joyful for me as I’m learning more today about the whole experience than I’ve known, but I think it’s that sort of fun element about it. Certainly there’s the danger but it seems to relate to all different ages. Someone like myself who’s mostly referenced to R-Rated movies, this has really been a pleasure to have younger kids coming up, enjoying it and seeing what’s going on. So, kudos to everybody.
10. If there will be a ‘Wasp’ solo movie or a ‘Women of Marvel’ film in the Future
Finally, both Kevin Feige and Evangeline Lilly discussed the possibility of a solo ‘Wasp’ movie in the future or even a ‘Woman of Marvel’ film featuring all the MCU’s female superheroes teaming up together.
Kevin Feige: Well, the opportunities within the MCU are endless, as they are in the multiverse. So, we will have to see what happens in the future.
Evangeline Lilly: Well, just for the record, if that opportunity did present itself, I’m fully suited up and ready to go.
Witten by Jeff Loveness and directed by Peyton Reed, the sci-fi, action, adventure, comedy, mystery, thriller ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ is scheduled for release from Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures on February 17th 2023.
Who is in the Cast of ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania?’
The film stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/Wasp, Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang, Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne/Wasp, Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym, Bill Murray as Krylar, and Randall Park as Jimmy Woo.
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Initial Thoughts
The result is the most action-packed ‘Ant-Man’ film so far, which feels like a real event movie, and features an incredible performance from Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, who may end up being the greatest MCU villain of all time!
Direction, Tone and How the Movie Fits into the MCU?
For a longtime, the ‘Ant-Man’ movies have been the forgotten child of the MCU. They’ve delivered strong comedy/heist movies, that with the exception of a Falcon (Anthony Mackie) cameo and the end credit scene from ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp,’ have had very little overall impact on the larger MCU. That all changes with this sequel which is still funny, but much darker in tone and action-packed than previous films in the series.
It’s more of a direct sequel to ‘Avengers: Endgame’ than the last ‘Ant-Man’ movie, and carries significant ramifications for the MCU, laying the groundwork for Phase 5 and beyond. Director Peyton Reed has always done an adequate job helming this series but ups his game with ‘Quantumania,’ and carries the massive action sequences and darker tone of the film well.
While you do not need to see every pervious MCU movie and TV series to enjoy ‘Quantumania,’ it will help your understanding of the plot and characters if you’ve at least seen the previous two ‘Ant-Man’ films, ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘Ant- Man and the Wasp,’ as well as “Avengers: Endgame’ and especially season 1 on Disney+’s ‘Loki.’ Also watching ‘Captain America: Civil War’ couldn’t hurt, as it is referenced, but not absolutely necessary to watch first.
How Are Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly at Reprising Their Title Roles?
Paul Rudd continues to play Scott Lang with fun and humor, which is challenged by the darker tone of the movie. Rudd navigates those dark tones well and while he brings a lot of the humor to the film, is also quite good in his emotional and action-packed scenes.
Evangeline Lilly, who has played Hope Van Dyne since the first ‘Ant-Man,’ was finally given more to do in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ and has about as large a role here. She’s pivotal to the action sequences and the family drama between her parents, Hank and Janet, but other than that is unfortunately not given a lot to do. Other than being of support to Scott and Cassie, Lilly’s best scenes are with Michelle Pfeiffer, exploring the secrets and betrayal that Janet is hiding.
It’s easy to forget that in the pages of Marvel Comics, Janet Van Dyne was a founding member of the Avengers, so it was nice to see the character given such a pivotal role in ‘Quantumania.’ This is really Janet’s story in many ways, and Pfeiffer excels in the role. She is excellent in her dramatic scenes with Lilly and Michael Douglas, as well as a humorous scene with Bill Murray, and her action sequences with Majors.
In fact, Janet’s history in the Quantum Realm and with Kang in particular, is the heart of the movie and Pfeiffer’s performance is a major part of the film’s success. Reprising his role as the original Ant-Man, Hank Pym, Michael Douglass once again gives a strong supporting role, and I liked that Hank is acting as a surrogate Grandfather to Cassie. Some of the actor’s best scenes involve his reaction to discovering his wife’s secrets, but the character is definitely given his most heroic moment in the entire series towards the end of this film.
With the five-year time jump that occurs between ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ it only makes sense that an older version of Scott’s daughter Cassandra Lang would be needed for the third installment. Enter actress Kathryn Newton (‘Freaky’), who takes over the role from Abby Ryder Fortson in the previous two movies. Newton brings a mature Cassie to the MCU, one who witnessed her father’s battle with Yellowjacket (Corey Stoll) as a small child and then lived through her father’s five-year absence and has been changed by the experiences.
I will not reveal whether Cassie becomes her comic book alter ego Stature in this movie, but I will say the character does get in on the action and has some great sequences fighting alongside the rest of the ‘Ant-Man’ family. The character is clearly being set up for a larger role in the future of the MCU, possibly ‘Young Avengers,’ and I look forward to seeing Newton reprise her role in the future.
But, while the story might belong to Janet, the movie belongs to Jonathan Majors and his absolutely tremendous performance as Kang the Conqueror. The film wisely briefly introduces the character in the opening sequence, but then keeps him off screen until a dramatic moment in the middle of the film.
Majors first portrayed a version of Kang, his variant “He Who Remains,” in the season one finale of ‘Loki,’ and while the two characters are connected, this is an entirely different performance. Majors gives a smart and terrifying performance, and lays the groundwork for what could become the best villain the MCU has seen since Thanos (Josh Brolin).
M.O.D.O.K. and the Movie’s Other Antagonists
Bill Murray appears in the film as Krylar, an alley of Kang’s, and is funny in his scenes but is just too, well, Bill Murray! The actor portrays the character with his own comedic persona, and at times it doesn’t feel like it connects with the tone of the rest of the movie, and can take you out of the moment.
Marvel comic book fans will be happy to know that the popular villain M.O.D.O.K. makes his live-action debut in ‘Quantumania,’ but the character has changed a lot from the comics. I won’t give away too much, but the character is now closer connected to the ‘Ant-Man’ movie franchise, and the changes made sense for the series. However, some hardcore fans may think this is another Marvel “bait and switch” like Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley) being revealed as the fake Mandarin in ‘Iron Man 3.’
But I do have to say that I thought the effects for M.O.D.O.K. overall didn’t work. The character is basically a giant robotic head, with tiny arms and legs and a really big face. In live-action, I didn’t think the realistic giant face worked, and might have been better if the character was completely CGI. But overall, the special effects in the film mostly work, especially the rich and imaginative world of the Quantum Realm that Reed and his team has created.
Yes, there are, two in fact, a mid-credit scene, followed by an end-credit scene. While I won’t give either away, I think it is safe to say they are both Kang-centric. The first basically reinforces the threat that the character represents for the future of the MCU, and the second gives us a hint at where we might see him next, while also revealing a few of the film’s surprising cameos.
Final Verdict
In the end, after a rather bumpy Phase 4, the MCU’s Phase 5 gets off to a fantastic start with ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.’ Peyton Reed sets a darker tone for the franchise, with great action sequences and strong performances from the entire cast especially Rudd, Pfeiffer and Newton. But its Jonathan Majors unbelievable debut as the real Kang the Conqueror that makes this movie a must-see for Marvel fans and a welcomed addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe moving forward.
‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.
Witten by Jeff Loveness and directed by Peyton Reed, the sci-fi, action, adventure, comedy, mystery, thriller ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ is scheduled for release from Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures on February 17th 2023.
If you’re curious as to what new movie this week might be best for you, Moviefone is here to help you find it and watch it. This week’s selection of movies features a zany comedy, a historic drama, and several varieties of character-driven stories. Here are the movies we’re suggesting this week:
Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar (Premium VOD)
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo in ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo reunite after their Bridesmaids success and introduce us to two women who are best friends that just became FUNemployed. Throwing caution to the wind, they travel down to sunny Vista Del Mar for a much-needed break from their average lives. What they don’t know is that Vista Del Mar is in the crosshairs of an evil criminal mastermind Barbara Minerva (Wiig) and her lovesick sidekick (Jamie Dornan). But hey, before all that happens, there’s still time for a cocktail served in a fishbowl. Watch this if… You don’t understand how this took so long to make happen after Bridesmaids, watch Kristen Wiig Saturday Night Live reruns, and need to watch something unpredictable.
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Cowboys (Premium VOD)
Sasha Knight and Steve Zahn in ‘Cowboys’
Joe (Sasha Knight) was born female but identifies as a boy. As he brushes off his mother’s (Jillian Bell) attempts to make him wear pink cowboy boots in their small hometown in Montana, it appears that the only person willing to understand him is his father Troy (Steve Zahn). When he is released from prison, he and Joe go on the lam in the Montana wilderness with nothing but a stolen horse and campfire songs. Ann Dowd plays the law enforcement agent on the case. Watch this if… You crave vast landscapes, absolutely ADORE Steve Zahn, and are interested in heartwarming tales of acceptance with a side of danger.
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French Exit (In theaters in Los Angeles and New York)
Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges in ‘French Exit’
Michelle Pfeiffer’s glamorously forlorn Frances thought that her life would run out before the money did. Alas, she was incorrect, and as she finds herself on the brink of financial ruin, she liquidates her assets, grabs her adult son (Lucas Hedges) and her cat (Tracy Letts), and leaves New York for a small apartment in Paris. She is the kind of woman who sharpens knives in the dark and lights cigarettes in a steady stream that (unfortunately) looks every bit as cool as tobacco companies promised in their early days. The move didn’t brighten Frances’ dreary skies, and she must figure out how to get her figurative groove back, and the journey proves fabulous. Watch this if… Seeing Michelle Pfeiffer’s version of “down and out” makes you feel warm and fuzzy, and if you are especially interested in noteworthy cat roles.
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Judas and the Black Messiah (In theaters and HBO Max)
Daniel Kaluuya in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’
The Black Liberation Movement of the 1960s was considered by J.Edgar Hoover “the greatest threat to our national security.” The FBI, under pressure to quell the movement, coerced a former car thief, William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield), into helping them bring down the leader of The Black Panthers, Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). While O’Neal was actively working against them and rising in their ranks, the film captures the power of the revolution, and how timely their message still is today. Watch this if… You’re a history buff, and want an Awards Season film with incredible performances.
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Land (In theaters)
Robin Wright in ‘Land’
Robin Wright’s feature film debut has her starring as Edee, a woman that needs an escape from society, and who seeks refuge in the wilderness. Since she is woefully unprepared for the harsh reality of Wyoming country life, she finds herself in need of help. Thankfully Demiàn Bichir is there to lend his knowledge of the land and a sympathetic ear, and together their interactions against the gorgeous landscape help their troubled hearts heal. Watch this if… You’re in House of Cards withdrawal, want to support Wright’s first feature film, and like movies with lots of meaningful staring.
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The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (Amazon Prime Video)
Kyle Allen and Kathryn Newton in ‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’
While you find yourself in what feels like a real-life time loop, why not check out this time-loop movie based on a short story about gifted, nerdy teenagers?! Mark (Kyle Allen) and Margaret (Kathryn Newton) are two crazy kids with varying degrees of desire to leave their small town. Mark is an artist, stuck in the familiar time loop scenario…but when he meets Margaret and realizes he’s not alone in reliving the same day, his predictable world opens up into an entirely new experience. You’ll feel a little déjà vu watching this, but the added YA spin and charming protagonists will help the feeling pass. Watch this if… You want something off the beaten path for Valentine’s Day and have watched Palm Springs too many times.
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Minari (In theaters)
Alan Kim and Steven Yeun in ‘Minari’
Director Lee Isaac Chung introduces us to the Yi family, who have left Korea in search of prosperity in America. Their dream is to begin a farm in 1980s Arkansas. Jacob (Steven Yeun) and Monica (Yeri Han) do their best to introduce their family to the community and get their fledgling business off the ground. While they toil and worry and do all the things parents do, their impossibly adorable son David (Alan Kim) and the family matriarch Soonja (Yuh-jung Youn) make an irresistible pair of co-conspirators. Watch this if… You need to feel really, really good.
There’s an untitled Blumhouse thriller on the way that involves a strange, scary tale of body-swapping.
Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton will star in the Chris Landon-directed flick, Deadline reports. Their characters will be the ones who end up swapped. Newton’s, a high school girl, will have the horror of finding out she’s in the body of a deranged serial killer (Vaughn).
The screenplay was co-written by Landon and Michael Kennedy. It will follow the teen as she discovers she only has 24 hours to switch back. After that point, she’ll be stuck in the serial killer’s body.
Newton tweeted after the news broke Thursday that “this is going to be so wild!” That sounds like an accurate description to us. The idea of being in a serial killer’s body is scary enough, and it’s even worse when you realize him being in yours could pose a serious threat to your friends and family. Chilling, right?
Vaughn has played a criminal before. He previously starred in HBO’s “True Detective.” More recently, he starred in “Seberg,” which hits the Venice Film Festival on Aug. 30. He was also in “Fighting With My Family,” which opened earlier this year. Meanwhile, Newton has appeared in two seasons of HBO’s “Big Little Lies” and is one of the stars of the Netflix series “The Society.” She was also in “Detective Pikachu,” which hit theaters in May.
The upcoming thriller will be produced by Jason Blum. So far, no release date has been announced.
“The Society” will continue to build. Netflix has renewed the teen “Lord of the Flies”-esque drama for a second season.
Created by Chris Keyser, the show follows a group of teens who are mysteriously trapped in a facsimile of their wealthy New England town — one without any trace of their parents. There’s no way out, and at first, their newfound freedom is fun. But it also proves dangerous and even deadly. They must establish order and form alliances in order to survive, all while trying to figure out how to return home.
The cast includes Kathryn Newton, Sean Berdy, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Jacquies Colimon, Olivia DeJonge, Alex Fitzalan and Grace Victoria Cox.
Production on Season 2 will begin later this year, with a premiere date slated for 2020.
Moviefone Show!” Watch as our newly minted Ms. Moviefone Grae Drake interviews the cast of “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu” (in theaters TODAY!) about one of life’s greatest mysteries — what makes Ryan Reynolds so charming.
Watch as co-stars Justice Smith and Kathryn Newton, along with director Rob Letterman, ponder this burning question, while Reynolds himself answers some other profound queries (including what the greatest karaoke song of all time is). This some eye-opening stuff.
“Pokémon: Detective Pikachu” is in theaters TODAY and we’ll have a brand-new episode of “The Ms. Moviefone Show” next Friday!
