The Ant-Man and the Wasp franchise has always been among the smaller corners of the MCU, both figuratively and literally. Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly's shrinking adventures have focussed more on the comedic angle, all while telling smaller family-driven stories in the Marvel world. But Quantumania looks set to put an end to that as Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror joins in on the fun, bringing with him more consequences for the MCU.
As the scale of the Ant-Man franchise ramps up, there will naturally be some casualties as some elements from the first two entries get sidelined. Captain America: Civil War greatly upped the scale from The First Avenger and The Winter Soldier, but as a result came close to being an Avengers film that abandoned some key elements of the trilogy.
With the introduction of Kang the Conqueror bringing a whole new world to the Ant-Man franchise, it appears some simpler elements of the earlier films may not be coming back. Bobby Cannavale's Paxton and Judy Greer's Maggie Lang have already been reported to be absent in Quantumania, and another actor has just confirmed he won't be returning to complete the trilogy.
Ant-Man Actor Confirms Quantumania Absence
During an interview with ScreenRant at the red carpet premiere of Moon Knight, Ant-Man and the Wasp's Kurt actor David Dastmalchian confirmed he won't be appearing in the third installment in the trilogy, Quantumania.
Dastmalchian revealed "it doesn't look like" he'll be involved with Quantumania but shared his excitement to "see what Peyton [Reed]" does with the film, as he knows that "they're making something incredible:"
"It doesn’t look like it... But that’s okay. I know they’re making something incredible. I can’t wait to see what Peyton does next. He’s one of my favorite directors... He’s been so busy. I have tried to stay in touch, but he’s making an incredible film right now."
The Ant-Man and The Suicide Squad actor had previously revealed during the production of Quantumania he was uncertain if he'd be coming back, and with filming now complete his absence seems all but certain.
No More Luis & the Gang in Ant-Man 3?
So it appears David Dastmalchian's cybercriminal Kurt won't be back for Quantumania, and Scott Lang's other criminal comrade, Dave, has already been revealed to be absent from the third installment after Marvel Studios dropped actor T.I. amid controversy.
Scott, Luis, Kurt, and Dave worked together during heists for some time prior to Lang's heroic turn. The group has since founded X-Con Security Consultants as they abandoned the criminal lifestyle to start up a legitimate security business.
Ant-Man's iconic storyteller Luis (Michael Pena) is the only member of the group whose status in the threequel has yet to be confirmed. Given the popularity of the character, it would be surprising if Luis didn't return in some capacity, but it's hard to see how he could fit into the bigger picture.
With the absence of Scott's friends, colleagues, ex-wife, and her new husband, all the evidence seems to be pointing to a story less driven by the hero's personal life. Perhaps the time-travel antics will even take the story away from the present day.
That being said, Cassie Lang appears set to play a critical role in Quantumania after Avengers: Endgame actress Emma Fuhrmann was replaced in the role by Blockers star Kathryn Newton. Marvel Studios' decision to recast the character strongly implies she will have a significant part to play in the film and possibly in the future.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania hits theaters on July 28, 2023.
