Marvel Studios has welcomed back Paul Rudd to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with his latest appearance, marking a return since his last role in the 2023 film, ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania.’
This return was not just a simple cameo but a portrayal of Scott Lang in a 17th-century setting in the eighth episode of ‘What If…? Season 2’. In contrast to ‘Ant-Man 3’s performance, Rudd’s venture in ‘What If…? Season 2’ gave the fans a twist on his character.
Set in the year 1602, the episode features a version of Scott Lang as part of a Robin Hood-like group alongside Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes. Produced by Marvel Studios Animation and released on Disney+ on December 22, 2023, this animated series has been a part of the MCU’s exploration of alternate timelines and narratives.
What Happened to ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania’?
‘Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania‘ debuted as the first film in Phase Five of the MCU. However, it faced a mixed reception.
Garnering only $476.1 million at the global box office and receiving a modest 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film did not meet the commercial and critical expectations typically associated with the MCU.
Directed by Peyton Reed and written by Jeff Loveness, this third installment in the Ant-Man series starred Rudd alongside Evangeline Lilly, with a cast that included Jonathan Majors, Kathryn Newton, and Michael Douglas.
What’s In Store For Paul Rudd?
The future of Ant-Man remains uncertain, especially with no comments from Rudd regarding a potential ‘Ant-Man 4.’
With the dismissal of Jonathan Majors and the delay of ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty‘ until at least 2026, Rudd’s involvement in future projects remains a topic of speculation. However, his character’s history with Kang suggests a potential return in the upcoming Avengers film.
Outside the MCU, Paul Rudd is expanding his portfolio with four upcoming projects, including ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’, ‘The Invite’, ‘Death of a Unicorne’, and ‘Friendship’.
