Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is the perfect place to update the MCU's brand of comedy. Scott Lang isn't as powerful as Doctor Strange or as famous as Iron Man, but he was crucial in saving the universe thanks to his knowledge about the Quantum Realm and his possession of the Pym Particles. Now, Ant-Man may have the fate of the multiverse in his hands as he faces Kang the Conqueror himself inside the Quantum Realm. Despite being an Avenger known for his fun and lighthearted personality, Ant-Man is set to star in a particularly grim MCU movie.
Prior to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's potentially tragic story, the MCU had already tackled similarly ominous premises. Yet, threats like Ultron, Scarlet Witch, and Gorr the God Butcher didn't stop characters from joking around and exchanging quippy banter in the middle of battle. Although comedy is part of the MCU's allure, it can sometimes get in the way of the drama and undercut the emotional moments. For instance, Thor's heartfelt self-reflection in Avengers: Endgame is overshadowed by War Machine suggesting that Cheez Whiz courses through his veins, and the moment Doctor Strange officially accepts his role as a hero in Doctor Strange is immediately weakened when he reprimands the Cloak of Levitation for wiping his tears.
Ant-Man 3 Can Balance Comedy Better Than MCU Phase 4 Projects
Given that Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is tasked with the critical job of establishing Kang as the Multiverse Saga's main villain, Ant-Man's third outing needs to treat it as such. Not only is the multiverse at stake, but the lives of Scott Lang's loved ones are on the line. As far as Ant-Man knows, this could be the last time he could see them, either because they lose to Kang or because Scott sacrifices himself to save them. Seeing a fully somber Scott Lang putting all of his efforts into stopping Kang would be the ultimate proof that things are serious. After all, Ant-Man is not usually one to hold back on jokes.
That is not to say that Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania should be completely devoid of comedy. Ant-Man can use his signature sense of humor to lift his family’s spirits by being his goofy self at the appropriate time. Bill Murray's Lord Krylar and Corey Stoll's MODOK also provide plenty of opportunities for comedy. However, the conflict between Ant-Man and Kang would be most effective if it isn't ground to a halt by one-liners or self-aware humor. Fortunately, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's second full trailer already teased how a more serious tone could work with a wrathful Kang and a genuinely distraught Scott Lang.
Phase 5 Can Revamp The MCU’s Comedy
The MCU's Phase 5 slate seems quite varied in of tone. On one hand, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania already sets up the Multiverse Saga's epic conclusion, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 promises a bittersweet end to its trilogy, and Agatha: Coven of Chaos may explore a more whimsical tone. Each Phase 5 release could have a distinct style that's true to its own theme, contrary to previous Phases, where it seemed as if most MCU characters were trying to copy Tony Stark and Peter Quill’s witty personalities.
