Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is an exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Peyton Reed and written by Jeff Loveness, the film serves as the sequel to Ant-Man (2015) and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it features the beloved characters Scott Lang / Ant-Man (played by Paul Rudd) and Hope Pym / Wasp (played by Evangeline Lilly).
In this installment, Lang, Pym, and their family find themselves unintentionally transported to the Quantum Realm. They must navigate this mysterious realm and confront the formidable villain Kang the Conqueror, portrayed by Jonathan Majors. The film also stars Kathryn Newton, David Dastmalchian, Katy O’Brian, William Jackson Harper, Bill Murray, Michelle Pfeiffer, Corey Stoll, and Michael Douglas.
Development of the film began in 2019, with Reed and Rudd confirmed to return. Jeff Loveness joined as the writer, and production faced some challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming took place in Turkey, San Francisco, and Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania premiered in Los Angeles on February 6, 2023, and was released in the United States on February 17, 2023. It marked the first film in Phase Five of the MCU.
The film received mixed reviews from critics. While the performances of Rudd, Majors, and Pfeiffer were praised, some critics found fault with the plot, screenplay, and tonal departures from previous MCU films. However, the visual effects and musical score were appreciated by many. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania has achieved significant box office success, grossing approximately $476 million worldwide and ranking as the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2023.