Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is set to introduce Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, giving the film a chance to replicate one of the most tragic scenes from Avengers: Infinity War. In the film, Scott Lang, Hope van Dyne, and their family will encounter Kang in the mysterious Quantum Realm, where they have become trapped. Though the film's plot is still kept heavily under wraps, it seems very likely that the heroes will fail in their fight against the more powerful Kang, especially given the villain's importance to Phase 6 of the MCU and the ultimate finale of the Multiverse Saga.
Kang follows in the footsteps of Thanos, who served as the primary antagonist of the Infinity Saga, finally attacking Earth in the two-part finale event Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. When the Mad Titan first arrived, however, he ensured that audiences would take him seriously when he brutally killed Loki in the very first scene of Infinity War, strangling him to death in front of his brother Thor. In order to properly set up Kang in his own MCU debut, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania may have the Multiverse Saga's main antagonist repeat Thanos' most tragic trick.
Every Clue Pointing To Ant-Man's Death In Quantumania
The MCU has been dropping heavy hints for months that Paul Rudd's Scott Lang will meet his death in Quantumania. From a behind-the-scenes standpoint, Ant-Man is approaching the end of his trilogy with the sequel, putting his MCU future into question. While the true nature of MCU stars' contracts is typically kept under wraps, it isn't inconceivable that Paul Rudd's current agreement with Marvel Studio may be approaching its endpoint. In fact, given the conclusion of his own solo franchise and Ant-Man's eight-year tenure in the MCU, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania may indeed prove to be his final outing.
The first trailer for Quantumania also hinted at Scott Lang's death, particularly in his battle with Kang the Conqueror. Upon their first meeting, Kang learns that Ant-Man is an Avenger, leading him to menacingly ask "Have I killed you before?" in the Comic-Con trailer's final moments. Kang's foreboding question reminds viewers that he is indeed an Avengers-level threat--one that's too powerful for Ant-Man and the Wasp. When they do inevitably come to blows in the film, it wouldn't be difficult for Kang to take out one or both of these Avengers in battle.
Moreover, the introduction of Kang in an Ant-Man film seems somewhat out of place for both characters. Kang is clearly far more powerful than all of the film's heroes combined, making it odd that Marvel Studios would elect to introduce such a massive threat in a franchise that has most often dealt with smaller corners of the MCU. Kang would truly be a fish out of water in Quantumania, a truth that the film would do best to fully adopt by having the villain win in the end, killing the hero before moving on to battle the rest of the Avengers.
How Ant-Man's Death Would Affect The Kang Dynasty (& Repeat Infinity War)
Scott's death by Quantumania would have a tremendous effect on Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, alerting Earth's Mightiest Heroes to Kang's existence in the most tragic way possible. Word of Ant-Man's death would not only make the Avengers aware of Kang the Conqueror but would also give them a reason to pursue the villain to avenge the loss of their beloved teammate and friend. Seeking to avert a similar disaster to Thanos's crusade, the Avengers would choose to play offense in their fight against Kang, seeking to end his conquering once and for all before it goes too far.
Killing Ant-Man in his first appearance would also set Kang up as a villain equal to Thanos himself, repeating the Mad Titan's Infinity War introduction. The third Avengers film saw Thanos kill Loki in the very first scene, proving that he was capable of killing major characters. Because Thanos was such a well-received antagonist, the MCU must ensure that Kang is a worthy successor by repeating Loki's death with another character. Instead of killing a fan-favorite villain, Kang's choice could be a hero whose death would not only break the audience's hearts but give The Kang Dynasty even higher stakes.
Several beloved characters may die during the Avengers' war against Kang. Unlike the battle with Thanos, Kang's conquest doesn't seem to be contained to just the last two films in Phase 6. His rampage appears to be an ongoing battle, stretching over several movies until finally coming to a head in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars. As the first step in his MCU conquest, Kang could make no bigger an entrance than by killing one of the franchise's most beloved Avengers. This would also be a decidedly shocking move given the normally comedic nature of the Ant-Man franchise and would end the trilogy on a tragic note.
The MCU Has Already Introduced Its Ant-Man Replacement
Although Ant-Man seems poised to possibly take his final bow in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the MCU has already introduced the perfect character to replace him moving forward. His daughter, Cassie Lang, who will henceforth be portrayed by Katheryn Newton, has already been heavily hinted to adopt her comic book moniker of Stature in the film. Becoming Stature may indeed be Cassie Lang's way of honoring her fallen father after his death at the hands of Kang the Conqueror, carrying on his legacy as a superhero with a similar set of powers.
Rumors of Cassie's elevation to superhero status have only been amplified based on Quantumania's first trailer, which includes several shots of the character suited up alongside Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne. Similarly, interviews with Katheryn Newton and director Peyton Reed seem to confirm that Cassie will be a fully-fledged superhero by the end of the film. If Scott does indeed die in the film, Cassie would already be fully poised to take over his role in the MCU.
Furthermore, Cassie's role as Stature would also perfectly set up the MCU's rumored Young Avengers team. The character is a frequent member of the comic book version of the Young Avengers, making her a perfect fit for the MCU's adaptation. While a Young Avengers project is not yet confirmed, it seems very likely given the rate at which the franchise is introducing characters from the Young Avengers lineup.
If the group is to be introduced prior to the end of the Multiverse Saga, Marvel will need to lay the groundwork for their union in the next several films. Cassie's superhero debut can act as the perfect first step in gathering other heroes of a similar age. Should Scott Lang truly meet his end in his fight against Kang, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania may end with a tease of Cassie's future as Stature on the Young Avengers team.
