Hank Pym’s MCU future may be bleaker than you think
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is supposed to set up important narrative elements for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s continuing Multiverse Saga, but it could also spell the end of Michael Douglas’s Dr Hank Pym.
The film, due to hit theatres on February 17th, will introduce Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors, the main villain of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. As a result, Ant-Man and his pals are unlikely to escape the film unhurt; by the end, Hank may bear the brunt of Kang’s anger.
Kang the Conqueror, the MCU’s new Big Bad, is introduce in Quantumania, formally kicking off the Kang Dynasty. However, while Quantumania foreshadows significant developments in Phase 5 and beyond, it is also likely to be the end of the Ant-Man franchise, putting the trilogy to a close eight years after the original film.
As a result, the sequel’s marketing has focused significantly on the significance of Scott Lang’s loved ones and their relationship with one another, foreshadowing an emotional and, at times, heartbreaking conclusion to a generally cheery franchise. As a result, several cherished characters may perish at the hands of the wicked Kang the Conqueror.
Quantumania may break Hank Pym’s mind.
Although the first Ant-Man teasers hint at a significant death, Hank Pym may face a far worse fate than losing his life during the confrontation with Kang. Hank admitted that he couldn’t wear the suit longer when first recruiting Scott Lang to be the new Ant-Man, saying that the regular use of Pym Particles had taken a toll on him.
Later, it was revealed that the flaws in the Pym Particles that power the Yellowjacket outfit cause Darren Cross to lose his mind, changing his brain chemistry. Quantumania may return this plot point by having Hank have a breakdown after shrinking into the Quantum Realm once more.
In the comics, Hank Pym became the evil Yellowjacket for a similar reason, suffering a mental breakdown that prompted him to briefly take on a villainous role. Hank eventually retired from the realm of superheroes after regaining his composure.
A similar fate could await his MCU counterpart, whose intellect is already frail after decades of using Pym Particles to complete missions as Ant-Man. Because Hank winds up in the Quantum Realm again in Quantumania, it is safe to presume that he has been exposed to unstable Pym Particles once more, putting his mental health in grave danger.
Hank Pym may invent or assist a supervillain.
Although Hank may not become Yellowjacket in the MCU, he may create or assist a supervillain in the future. It would not be unprecedented for the character, whose comic book counterpart not only created Yellowjacket, who has been both a hero and a villain throughout his history but also played a vital role in the birth of Ultron.
Ultron was once able to hypnotise his creator into fighting the Avengers, driving Hank down the path of villainy once more. Hank Pym’s comic book background makes him especially vulnerable to assisting supervillains, even if unwittingly.
Recent reports claim that Ultron will return in Armor Wars, though Marvel Studios has yet to confirm this. Nonetheless, suppose Hank follows in the footsteps of his comic book counterpart. In that case, he may play a vital role in resurrecting the supervillain, whether by accident or on purpose, resulting from a fragmented psyche.
Apart from Ultron, Kang may have a sinister plan for Hank, utilising his genius to create weapons of war that will aid in his conquest of the Multiverse. Kang, who has already enlisted terrible henchmen like MODOK to his cause, would undoubtedly make room for one of Earth’s greatest minds in his council.
Hank might lose Janet yet again.
Unfortunately, Hank may lose his beloved wife, Janet, again in Quantumania. According to theories concerning Janet van Dyne’s relationship with Kang the Conqueror, she will play a significant role in the future film. Janet’s relationship with Kang may be her undoing, pulling her away from her family so soon after their long-awaited reunion.
If such a catastrophe occurs Janet’s family, it may be too much for them to endure, especially Hank, who is getting older. If Hank loses his beloved wife again, he may collapse under his grief, bringing a terrible end to his character arc in the MCU.
Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne are doom to be separat, not only in the MCU but also in the comics. The married couple has had a difficult time making their relationship work, with each marriage ending in divorce or one of their deaths.
With Quantumania potentially being Hank and Janet’s final appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the tragedy of their impending separation is more likely than ever. If Hank loses Janet a second time during Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, he may never be the same again.
