Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hasn’t been released in theaters yet but there’s already talk of a fourth installment in the Ant-Man franchise. Marvel Studios’ Parliament member and executive producer Stephen Broussard recently indicated that a plan has been hatched for another Ant-Family film, citing “whispers” between Kevin Feige, director Peyton Reed and himself. With Quantumania looking to take in $100M or so in its opening weekend at the box office, it’s likely those whispers will grow a little louder and that Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Kathryn Newton, Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael Douglas will all be reprising their respective role in Ant-Man 4.
While Newton’s MCU career is on its first leg, however, Douglas‘s may be on its last though it isn’t because the legendary actor is getting shoved out the door by Marvel Studios. Quite to the contrary, Douglas, who joined the MCU as Hank Pym in 2015’s Ant-Man seems to be ready to turn the page. When asked about his interest in returning for a fourth Ant-Man film, Douglas agreed he’d do it on one condition. “As long as I could die,” the actor joked about Pym’s return.
The 78-year-old Douglas has had a stellar career and should undoubtedly go out on his own terms. Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, have only played supporting roles in the MCU thus far and it seems unlikely that further films in the Ant-Man franchise would provide more opportunities for meatier roles. Perhaps there’s still more life for the characters in a 70s set Disney Plus series following their adventures, but if so it seems like Disney may have to look to replace Douglas.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hits theaters on February 17th.
