As part of the kick-off festivities for New York Comic-Con, Marvel announced some changes to Phase III of their cinematic universe. Specifically, “Ant-Man” is getting a sequel. Considering it was a hit – grossing over $178 million domestically – this isn”t exactly surprise news. What was a surprise? The title of said sequel and the official release date.
From the official press release:
Following our hero”s debut adventure in this summer”s “Ant-Man,” Scott Lang will return alongside Hope Van Dyne on July 6, 2018 with Marvel”s “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” The sequel will mark the first Marvel Studios film named after its heroine.
After being sidelined in the initial outing, the Wasp is finally getting her due in 2018! It”s no secret I was a fan of Evangeline Lilly”s portrayal as Hope. So it”s a banner day when not only does Hope get to suit up but she”s co-headlining the title of the film.
But wait a minute. How can Wasp be the first Marvel heroine to have a film named after her when “Captain Marvel” is coming out first? Because now “Ant-Man and the Wasp” is scheduled on that release date and “Captain Marvel” has been bumped back to March 8, 2019.
Are. You. Kidding. Me? Talk about robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Silver lining? “Black Panther” is also affected by these changes but in a positive way. His movie is now bumped forward to February 16, 2018.