The first Marvel film of 2023 is almost upon us. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is set to kick off Phase Five in just under a week. With new faces, mystical and dangerous new realms to discover, and an ‘Avengers-level’ villain – it may be a lot going into the new Ant-Man film if you haven’t seen some of the larger-than-life hero’s adventures in a while.
In order to help you enjoy the third, but maybe not final, entry into the Ant-Man trilogy, we’ve compiled this handy guide to tell you everything you need to know before you go and check out Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania!
What is Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania about?
Ant-Man 3 is the 31st film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It stars Paul Rudd (Scott Lang), Evangeline Lily (Hope Van Dyne), Michael Douglas (Hank Pym) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Janet Van Dyne) reprising their iconic roles from the past film. The film will also star Johnathon Majors as Kang The Conqueror, whom we first met in the season finale of Loki. Cassie Lang (Scott’s daughter) will make another appearance, however this time she will be played by Kathryn Newton.
As Ant-Man and the Wasp traverse the enthralling Quantum Realm, they discover a realm of unprecedented possibilities and encounter bizarre creatures. Together they traverse unknown lands, pushing past their limits. This journey of exploration and discovery provides them with an experience unlike any other, as they uncover the secrets of the mysterious Quantum Realm. As Scott is on a mission to get back lost time with his daughter, Cassie, there’s someone else looking to gain something from Scott. Kang The Conquerer makes Scott an offer he can’t refuse as the tiny duo set off on what may be their final mission.
Watch the trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania:
When is Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania out in the UK?
The highly-anticipated three-quel will hit UK cinemas Friday, February 17th. The confirmed runtime of the film is 2 hours and 5 minutes, which makes it the longest Ant-Man film thus far (by only 7 minutes!).
We also know the film will feature 2 end credits scenes, so make sure to stick around until the end because they are said to be pretty big! Whilst it can be assumed the film will soon go to Disney+, there is currently no date. However, by looking at when previous MCU films landed on the streaming service, it can be assumed the film will arrive some time around May or June.
What films and shows should I watch before seeing Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania?
When you include every show and film, it would take 6514 minutes to binge every title in the MCU. Thats’s about 108 hours hours of binging, or 4.5 full days without sleep (or toilet breaks!). Below we’ve listed the full order of MCU films in both release order, and chronological order. We’ll be sure to highlight the ones you need to watch before heading to see Ant-Man on the big screen!
The Marvel Cinematic Universe in release order:
All titles are available to stream in the UK on Disney+ unless stated otherwise.
Phase 1:
- Iron Man – 2 hours 6 minutes
- The Incredible Hulk – 1 hour 52 minutes (not available on Disney+)
- Iron Man 2 – 2 hours 4 minutes
- Thor – 1 hour 55 minutes
- Captain America: The First Avenger – 2 hours 4 minutes
- The Avengers – 2 hours 23 minutes
Phase 2:
- Iron Man 3 – 2 hours 10 minutes
- Thor: The Dark World – 1 hour 52 minutes
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier – 2 hours 16 minutes
- Guardians of the Galaxy – 2 hours
- Avengers: Age of Ultron – 2 hours 21 minutes
Ant-Man (2015)
Scott Lang’s debut on the big screen can be found right here. You’ll also meet Hope and Hank Pym, who will be key players in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The film sees Scott up against Corey Stoll’s YellowJacket, AKA Darren Cross. This may be someone worth remembering…
Phase 3:
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
In the third Captain America film, the Avengers are divided over something called the Sokovia Accords, leading to Captain America facing off against Iron Man. After the events of the first Ant-Man, Steve Rogers decides to recruit Scott Lang to join his fight. Whilst Scott doesn’t have a starring role in the film, he joins forces with the Avengers further down the line, so it’s good to get an idea of his relationship with them.
- Doctor Strange – 1 hour 55 minutes
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – 2 hours 16 minutes
- Spider-Man: Homecoming – 2 hours 13 minutes (not available on Disney+)
- Thor: Ragnarok – 2 hours 10 minutes
- Black Panther – 2 hours 14 minutes
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
If the MCU is a TV show, Infinity War is Part One of the season finale. Everything has led up to this, everyone is coming together to take down a huge threat. Everyone except Ant-Man. Wait, hang on. That can’t be right. Surely if it’s classed as a key watch we must see Ant-Man at least once??? Nope. Whilst neither Scott nor Hope show up in the film. However, the film does heavily tie into Ant-Man and the Wasp, and has huge implications for the future of Marvel, so is well worth a watch!
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
After the dramatic events of Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp serves as a lighter adventure while the world waited for Avengers: Endgame. However, it still has some importance, as it’s the first time we see Hope suit up as the Wasp.
- Captain Marvel – 2 hours 3 minutes
Avengers Endgame (2019)
Avengers: Endgame serves as the huge, three hour conclusion to the Infinity Saga. After the cliffhanger of Infinity War, the Avengers must come together to try and save half of all humanity. It is the most successful Marvel film to date, and without giving any spoilers away, has Ant-Man playing a key role, as well as set up phase 4 of the MCU.
- Spider-Man: Far From Home – 2 hours 9 minutes
Phase 4:
- WandaVision – (9 episodes) 5 hours 57 minutes
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – (6 episodes) 5 hours 24 minutes
Loki (2021)
It may seem a bit odd that we’ve included Loki as the only TV show we recommend you watch. Especially since Ant-Man isn’t seen or mentioned once. If you have time to watch all 6 episodes, then go ahead. However, if you find yourself pressed for time, then just make sure you watch episode 6. This is the introduction of Johnathon Majors into the MCU. And as the big bad of Ant-Man (as well as the future of Marvel), it’s a good idea to make sure you know who he is.
- Black Widow – 2 hours 14 minutes
- What If…? – (9 episodes) 5 hours 24 minutes
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – 2 hours 12 minutes
- Eternals – 2 hours 37 minutes
- Hawkeye – (6 episodes) – 4 hours 54 minutes
- Spider-Man: No Way Home – 2 hours 28 minutes (Not available on Disney+)
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – 2 hours 6 minutes
- Moon Knight – (6 episodes) – 4 hours 47 minutes
- Thor: Love and Thunder – 1 hour 59 minutes
- Ms Marvel – (6 episodes) – 4 hours 31 minutes
- I Am Groot (5 episodes) – 25 minutes
- She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (9 episodes) – 5 hours
- Werewolf By Night – 54 minutes
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – 2 hours 41 minutes
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is in cinemas this Friday, February 17th.
