Warning! Spoilers ahead for Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania.Michael Peña's Marvel Cinematic Universe character Luis is notably absent in Ant-Man franchise with the heroes' biggest and most dangerous mission yet. In the "threequel," Team Ant-Man faces off with Kang the Conqueror. Poised to be the Multiverse Saga's primary villain, he is a big step up from the film series' previous antagonists. Despite a great set-up, ultimately, Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania is a letdown.
ittedly, the public seems to enjoy Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania. According to Marvel Studios boss, Kevin Feige, kicking off MCU Phase 5 with the often underestimated Avenger is by design, in an effort to highlight his significance. It's also likely an indication of the role he will play in the franchise's next culminating event. Unfortunately, Ant-Man 3 reviews are mixed, with critics having several problems with the third installment's story and pacing. The specific issues, however, can be summed up in one particular element — the absence of fan-favorite Luis who played a big role in previous Ant-Man movies.
Why Luis Wasn't In Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania
The film itself doesn't explain why Luis is nowhere to be found. Aside from him, his other friends, Dave and Kurt, aren't featured as well. The last time they were in the MCU, however, was back in explained Luis' absence in Ant-Man 3, but his reasons are very much unsatisfying.
According to the filmmaker, there is no version of Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania that has Luis in it. From the get-go, they decided on the narrative that they wanted to tell and it just so happened that the character wouldn't work on it. Reed cites that the already packed film, with all the new players introduced, and wanting to focus on the Lang family are the primary reasons for not including Luis.
Luis’ Absence Shows How Quantumania Betrayed The Ant-Man Franchise
Since the majority of the film takes place in the Quantum Realm, it's understandable that several of the human characters of the franchise don't make an appearance. That includes Cassie Lang's mom and stepdad. However, while that's the case for most Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania's absences, Luis should have definitely been in the film. The movie started and ended on Earth, so Marvel Studios could have easily incorporated him into either or both of them.
Overall, Reed's reasons for sidelining Luis don't make sense. It's absurd to prioritize new characters, who may not even have any long-term role in the MCU, over a fan favorite. Granted that they are part of Ant-Man 3's Quantum Realm world-building, it shouldn't have been at the expense of someone who has strong ties to the franchise. Additionally, while Luis isn’t blood-related to the Langs, he’s more like a family to Scott. In both Ant-Man films, he willingly risked his life to help Team Ant-Man. He has been nothing but a loyal friend and ally to Scott, and he deserves to be part of s cast.
Luis’ Death Could Have Been The Emotional Core Of Quantumania
Luis symbolizes all that worked in the sub-franchise. He is funny; he represents the power of second chances and found families. Considering how much he has meant to Scott, seeing Kang the Conqueror kill him could be the emotional core of Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania. While Reed wanted to focus on Scott and Cassie's relationship, there was no way that Marvel Studios were going to end either of them given that Avengers: Infinity War.
