After the emotional roller-coaster of Avengers: Infinity War, the upcoming Ant-Man and The Wasp might not seem as exciting. But it could be more important than we think.
After the action packed, heartbreaking ride that was Infinity War, fans could be forgiven for thinking that the next MCU offering, Ant-Man and The Wasp, will be small potatoes by comparison.
They are, most likely, wrong.
Marvel have always been clever with the order in which they release their films. There is a reason why they fit where they do.
The original Ant-Man closed out Phase Two of the MCU, setting up Phase Three with a number of subtle Easter Eggs foreshadowing the upcoming Civil War scattered throughout the film.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.2 shows Nebula and Gamora beginning to repair their relationship. Due to this, Gamora giving up the Soul Stone’s location to save her sister in Infinity War does not come out of left field.
Black Panther introduces nanite technology, which may explain Tony Stark’s use of it in Infinity War.
There is a reason Ant-Man and The Wasp is the film to follow Infinity War.
Why is that, you ask?
The Quantum Realm.
What is the Quantum Realm?
In the MCU, the Quantum Realm is an alternate dimension in which space and time are irrelevant. It can currently only be accessed by the use of Pym Particles, or a Sling Ring.
The Quantum Realm has been seen twice so far in the films. First when Scott Lang becomes trapped there in Ant-Man, and again when Stephen Strange briefly passes through it in Doctor Strange.
The original Wasp Janet Van Dyne, wife of Hank Pym, is apparently trapped there. Michelle Pfeiffer has been cast to play Janet, and features prominently on posters for Ant-Man and the Wasp. This has led fans to believe that she will probably be rescued from the Quantum Realm during the film.
The Quantum Realm is also said to feature in Captain Marvel.
Why does the Quantum Realm make Ant-Man and The Wasp so Important?
As likeable and fun as Ant-Man is, most fans view him as a second-tier character. So, why does the inclusion of the Quantum Realm make Ant-Man and The Wasp important?
Some of this lies in speculation over exactly when the film is taking place. Officially, Ant-Man and The Wasp is set between Civil War and Infinity War. However, some fans theorise that at least some of the film is taking place during Infinity War.
As we all know by now, Thanos’s dastardly plan lead to him wiping out half of all life in the Universe.
The Quantum Realm exists outside of the regular Universe. So, if Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne enter the Quantum Realm during the climax of Ant-Man and The Wasp, it would be outside our Universe. Supposing this is happening around the same time as Infinity War’s climax, the pair will potentially avoid the Universe-halving Snap.
Beyond Ant-Man and The Wasp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqwbEufALwU
The inclusion of the Quantum Realm could affect other elements of Avengers 4.
It is possible, being a dimension where time and space are irrelevant, that the Time and Space stones may not work there. Because it is outside our Universe, maybe none of the Infinity Stones will work.
The Quantum Realm could also serve as a good place to hide the Stones. If they can’t be used there, the Stones are effectively neutralised. Currently, only trusted figures such as Scott, Hope, and Doctor Strange can access the Quantum Realm. There, the Stones would be safe. The nightmare would be over, at least for a while.
Ant-Man and The Wasp seems a lot more important now, doesn’t it? We’ll see just how important when it hits theatres in July.
For more Ant-Man and The Wasp goodness, have a read of this article explaining the film’s villain, The Ghost. Or this piece breaking down the trailer. Spoilt for choice.
