However, a new picture circulating on social media has created some buzz among Marvel fans. Is Dan Levy (of Netflix’s Schitt’s Creek) actually going to become part of the cast in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania? Find out more below.
The big picture
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is scheduled for a 2023 release date. As of this point, it is the ninth Marvel Studios film that is part of the so-called Phase Four of the popular comic book-based live action film and television franchise. In the prior Ant-Man franchise entry Ant-Man and The Wasp, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), along with The Wasp/Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lily) and her father, Henry Pym (Michael Douglas), traveled the Quantum Realm. This subatomic universe is where the first Wasp and Henry Pym’s wife, Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeifer) was trapped. In the course of the film, the heroes manage to bring back Janet while also opening the possibilities of the Quantum Realm. This latter plot element was key to the finale of Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is through the Quantum Realm and the use of Pym Particles that Tony Stark/Iron Man discovered time travel and what led to the final victory against the cosmic villain Thanos in Avengers: Endgame. Since Endgame, the MCU has moved forward, exploring the repercussions of the blink that erased half of the universe’s population. Spider-Man: Far From Home and the Disney+ exclusive shows WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and especially Loki have become jumping off points for the rest of the Phase Four plot threads, thus far.
The small picture
As Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is one of the last titles scheduled to be released for Phase Four, there is a large gap on what the future film holds. The title, of course, implies that it will further explore the subatomic Quantum Realm. With Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror cast as the main villain, then it will surely involve time travel and reality altering situations. The only other casting news and rumors about the film are of Kathryn Newton (who replaces Emma Fuhrmann as Scott Lang’s daughter, Cassie/Stature) and Corey Stoll (Darren Cross/Yellowjacket). But there may be some new info at hand. British chef Asma Khan shared a photo of Paul Rudd to Twitter on July 31st. But it is not Paul Rudd himself that is generating the Marvel Cinematic Universe talk, but who he is with: Dan Levy. Most of the general comments refer to how young the 52-year old Paul Rudd looks. However, Marvel Cinematic Universe fans have begun to speculate that Levy may be there for more than just a friendly visit.
(via: @Asma_KhanLDN) pic.twitter.com/sZ6ODWLXGE — Marvel Updates (@UpdatesFile) August 1, 2021 As the location of the photo is in London where the Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania filming is taking place, there is speculation that the Schitt’s Creek actor is going to be part of the production. In what capacity, though, remains a question. Of course, this could simply be two old friends hanging out for a meal together. However, there is a precedent for all the speculation too. Just recently, it was confirmed that Matt Damon is returning to reprise his role as Fake Loki from Thor: Ragnarok. The first buzz came from Chris Hemsworth himself when he shared a photo on his Instagram with both director Taika Waititi and Matt Damon on the set of Thor: Love & Thunder.
Who could Levy be playing?
This bit of lighthearted speculation is a breath of fresh air from the controversy that has befallen Marvel Studios with Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit over an alleged breach of contract by parent company Disney. But if Dan Levy is appearing in Quantumania, what role could he be playing? Would it be an incidental character like Damon’s Fake Loki, or will it be a major MCU character? For now, nothing is confirmed. So we will just have to wait and see what the future holds. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania official synopsis: Directed by Peyton Reed, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathryn Newton, and Jonathan Majors. The film is set for theatrical release on February 17, 2023.
