One of the most endearing heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man. He was introduced to us in the 2015 solo origin movie, The ant Man and went on to play an increasingly prominent role in the MCU thereafter. However, the superhero may not have a long story ahead of him in the coming era of mainstream events after a recently leaked image sparked fan speculation about his downcast condition in Quantumania.
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The disturbing state of Ant-Man in the Phase 5 movie, Quantumania
Paul Rudd’s superhero character is such an integral part of Marvel history for a number of reasons. He started out as a reformed criminal who rose to the occasion by donning the Ant-Man costume. The character also became a vital part of the Avengers’ victory in End of Game putting them on the path to building a time portal. In his solo endeavors, the hero helped unite the Pym family and contributed to the redemptive arc of the now-reformed villain, Ghost, who is set to appear in Love at first sight.
Also Read: Is Paul Rudd Leaving the MCU?: Actor Scott Lang Says He’s ‘Somewhat Conflicted About Being a Superhero’ in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
After being built as a carefree man who loves his family as much as he loves saving the world, quick-witted Scott Lang just might serve as the perfect pawn in the next list of sacrifices Marvel has planned for the Kang Arc. As has been evident in every tragic epic, literary or cinematic, there can be no real uprising of heroes before the death of a beloved character. This theory helped form the Avengers after the death of Phil Coulson. The dusting of half the universe also served as the catalyst for the climactic battle of End of Game.
For the next big MCU villain aka Kang the Conqueror, a similar plot is needed in order to launch the Avengers for a full circle on their journey to the climactic battle. If Scott Lang becomes the first victim at Kang’s hands, his death could set off the chain of events that will give the Avengers the impetus to hunt down Kang. And so far, Scott Lang’s bruised and bruised state in the leaked image leaves little to the imagination as to his likely dark fate.
Also read: “A little darker than we went. And it’s epic: Ant Man 3 Star Michelle Pfeiffer seemingly confirms fan rumors that the film will be the darkest MCU project yet
Ant-Man’s Sacrifice Could Make or Break the MCU
In the comics, Ant-Man’s death sparked the formation of the Young Avengers, with Cassie Lang becoming an integral part of the team in order to avenge her father. We already know Quantumania introduces us to Kathryn Newton’s Cassie and coupled with the fact that the mainstream MCU has been subtly injecting potential Young Avenger candidates throughout Phase 4, the theory holds more account for Ant-Man’s fate going forward.
But, if Paul Rudd’s character is truly destined to end with his third solo outing, the Marvel fandom might as well burst into flames of protest for making the heartwarming character expendable early on in Kang’s arc.
Scott Lang is such a nice little guy this picture is really uncomfortable to watch
It’s like Winnie the Pooh is getting carried away pic.twitter.com/Wy7fWOLzLT
– Sperm Donor (@BorkEternal) September 24, 2022
I know people who like stakes and all that bullshit but please don’t kill it
— Elmirage2 (@jwo409) September 24, 2022
I pray to God, Cassie better throw Hank in Scott’s way so Scott can live. I don’t lose this precious teddy bear of a man
– QueutreMcRib (He/Him) pls rt Pinned📌 (@DBR71304) September 24, 2022
They better not kill my boy Scott
— soul saber 123 (@soulsaber123) September 24, 2022
He’s the only character you’re not supposed to kill pic.twitter.com/djfxx4HqOB
— Bruh (@basedbot52) September 24, 2022
As Michelle Pfeiffer once said, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is set to be much darker than what Marvel is usually used to. Whether this is an indication of Kang the Conqueror’s arrival or Ant-Man’s death remains to be seen.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania premieres on February 17, 2023.
Source: Twitter
