Ant-Man 3: Marvel Surprise Drops Opening Footage at CCXP

By Sam Hargrave Updated:
Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania, Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania revealed its opening scene at the Marvel Studios presentation at CCXP 2022.

With Black Panther: Wakanda Forever now having closed out Phase 4, fans are turning their attention to Ant-Man 3 and the Avengers 5 set-up it brings. Obviously, that meant the debut trailer for the threequel was among the most anticipated of Marvel Studios' next batch of releases, and most fans certainly agree it delivered.

Not only did fans catch a peak at the darkest entry in the Ant-Man saga yet, but they met Jonathan Majors' warrior Kang Variant and got a tease of what his plan for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty may entail. But with over a month passed since that trailer and the February release nearing, excitement is growing for another.

Well, that wait is still going on even after the Marvel Studios panel at CCXP - which saw the first Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 trailer release. However, attendees were treated to a look at new footage from the movie, including a peak at its opening and more of Kang's ruthless power. 

Marvel Reveals Ant-Man 3 Opening Scene (Description)

Ant-Man 3
Marvel Studios

During Marvel Studios' panel at CCXP, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star Paul Rudd took to the stage to surprise attendees with the opening minutes of the highly-anticipated threequel, teasing that "Scott's been through a lot," referring to his rise to fame that was shown partially in the debut trailer:

"Scott’s been through a lot and I can tell you where Scott is, but maybe I should just show you."

Omelete described the scene as opening with Scott living his life as a celebrity in the aftermath of his heroic actions in Avengers: Endgame. Meanwhile, his relationship continues to thrive with Hope who is living as a philanthropist and has won awards for using Pym Particles to solve housing and food problems. 

Ant-Man 3, Scott Lang, Hope, Famous
Marvel Studios

The clip ended with the shrinking Avenger reading a clip from his book at a library before receiving a call from the San Fransisco Penitentiary, likely relating to his daughter Cassie's arrest that was teased in previous footage.

Collider's Steven Weintraub promised how the privately-shown opening scene was "so well done" before going on to describe what was shown. The sequence will see the world loving Ant-Man for the role he played in saving the world in Avengers: Endgame, just as the first trailer revealed:

"Opening of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is so well done. Has everyone loving Paul Rudd for what he did saving the world so everywhere he goes gets free food, drinks, and everyone wants a pic with him. He’s also written a book and footage ended with him doing a reading."

Marvel Studios also debuted a second scene, offering an extended look at the conversation between Kang and Ant-Man that was shown in the debut trailer. 

Once again described by Omelette, while Cassie Lang is held captive, Kang asks Scott for his help to steal an artifact that will free him from his Quantum Realm entrapment, promising to help the hero help in exchange for his services.

Kang, Ant-Man 3
Marvel Studios

In a further tense interaction between the two, Kang was shown to corner Ant-Man and put his foot on his head, knocking off his helmet and breaking a hole in it. A previously revealed piece of promotional art showcased the damage to the shrinker's helmet last year.

Read about all of CCXP's biggest announcements from the worlds of Marvel and Star Wars here.

When Will Ant-Man 3 Release Its Next Trailer?

Many fans were hoping the CCXP presentation would deliver the second trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, but unfortunately that didn't come to pass. Instead, Marvel Studios opted to deliver the first peak at Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, likely saving the next Ant-Man 3 trailer for the first weeks of the new year or perhaps sooner if it were to play in front of this month's Avatar: The Way of Water.

Nonetheless, attendees at the Brazillian comic-con event were still treated to a brand-new taste of the shrinking threequel, although unfortunately much of it was not awfully fresh. After all, the bulk of these clips was included in the debut trailer and past footage shown at D23 and San Diego Comic-Con.

Clearly, the opening will delve heavily into the fame that Scott Lang has garnered since Avengers: Endgame, as the world appears very aware of his signficant role in bringing back half of all life. Based on the current MCU timeline, around two years have likely passed since the battle against Thanos, unless this takes place before other recent projects, although most of Phase 4 has been rather linear.

Following this montage that shows the major changes in life for the whole Ant-Man family, Scott will likely head to the penitentiary to collect his daughter Cassie Lang. The reason behind her arrest remains unclear, but it may have something to do with her latest invention that will trap the group in the micro-sized realm, leading to their face-off with Kang who has an important mission for them.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania hits theaters on February 17, 2023.

Release Date
February 17, 2023
Platform
Theaters
- About The Author: Sam Hargrave
Sam Hargrave is the Associate Editor at The Direct. He joined the team as a gaming writer in 2020 before later expanding into writing for all areas of The Direct and taking on further responsibilities such as editorial tasks and image creation.