We got our first look at Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp today, and boy have they upped the ante (pardon the almost-pun), particularly where special effects are concerned. The movie picks up right where Captain America: Civil War leaves off, following up on events that occurred after the massive all-hands-on-deck fight at the climax of Civil War. Scott asks Hope if she would have joined him in that battle, clearly already setting up the question “whose side is she on?” You didn’t expect to get an actual answer to that from a trailer, now did you?
Cue the special effects. Lots of them. Now, not only can Hank Pym shrink animals and people, but also a huge variety of inanimate objects, including an entire skyscraper. (The pigeon was a nice touch.) Somewhat predictably, our heroes are on the run, most likely from the government, as we see the FBI going through Scott’s house. Speaking of Scott’s house, we’re treated to a nice moment with Scott and daughter Cassie. She sets up the official Ant-Man and Wasp duo by suggesting that maybe Dad just needs someone to watch his back. A partner. Check!
While we’re being dazzled by the slow-motion effects, we get to see the Wasp spread her wings and fly. And we’re also told she has blasters! A bit of questioning from Scott reveals that Hank could have given Ant-Man wings and a blaster too, but he didn’t. It makes for a cute comedy beat, but it also gets me thinking. Did Hank give Hope the extra tech because he thought she could handle it? Or was he being an overprotective dad? I’m not sure how I feel about either scenario.
Blink and you might miss the tiniest bit from none other than Laurence Fishburne, fresh from playing Perry White in the DC Universe. Fishburne, a professed “Marvel guy”, plays Hank’s friend Bill Foster, known to comic fans as Goliath. How much of Bill’s story will happen in this movie? My guess is we might get the inciting incident of Foster-to-Goliath, if we’re lucky. I’m looking forward to enjoying the gravitas he brings to his work. And hopefully we’ll get to see him in more Marvel movies, too!
All in all, Ant-Man and the Wasp looks like another exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I’m especially ready to see Evangeline Lilly suit up and be badass. Even though she has second billing in the title, the Wasp is honestly what’s going to bring me to the theater. Okay, and a little bit of Paul Rudd, because he’s probably the most adorable superhero in the MCU. Sorry, Chris Evans.
Ant-Man and the Wasp hits theaters July 6.