Marvel Studios
The first reactions to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania — the first movie in Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — have hit the internet.
A sequel to 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp, the film marks the introduction of Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, who is set to be the primary antagonist of this upcoming Phase of films and TV shows.
#AntMan was good. Not excellent and not terrible. The story worked but the plot had a few holes.
Mix of Journey to Center of Earth/Land of the Lost/Star Wars.
Key is going into it (and MCU films, in general) not expecting it to be Infinity War.#Kang is gonna be tons of fun. pic.twitter.com/MvZXN8TQCM
— Eric Italiano (@eric_ital) February 7, 2023
As for my personal reaction to the film, I felt that Quantumania was good — not excellent and not terrible. While the story worked, the plot had a few glaring holes. In fact, it reminded me of a mix of Star Wars, Land of the Lost, and Journey to the Center of the Earth.
The key going into it — and all MCU films these days, at least until the likes of Fantastic Four, X-Men, and Avengers role around (again) — is not expecting it to be Infinity War.
PHASE 5 HAS BEGUN! The new #AntMan movie is like a psychedelic rollercoaster full of frightening & hilarious oddities, plus one VERY menacing Kang. Big STAR WARS vibes meet the MCU at its freakiest & most inventive. MODOK is a riot, but Jonathan Majors conquers. Loved the ride! pic.twitter.com/gdJqHld3rT
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) February 7, 2023
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania is the best of the trilogy. Higher stakes, dangers & repercussions. Its also got one the best MCU villains in #Kang. As soon as #JonathanMayors comes in, its his show. Kang is a scary lean-mean multiverse big baddie. Also, 2 cool post credits scenes. pic.twitter.com/t1V8HP2dsO
— Fico Cangiano (@FicoCangiano) February 7, 2023
There comes a point where every franchise has to get weird, and the MCU has done just that with #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania. Like all his other roles, Jonathan Majors remains endlessly compelling. 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/cxWEcoKTze
— Brian Davids (@PickYourBrian) February 7, 2023
One (somewhat predictable) constant is that fans seem to love Majors as Kang.
Marvel’s #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania is a strong start to Phase 5. I now understand why it’s called #Quantumania. JonathanMajors is excellent as Kang and cannot wait to see where this all goes. 2 after the credits scenes and both are very good. pic.twitter.com/62Ch3w2O5N
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) February 7, 2023
Jonathan Majors is a force in #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania. He’s compelling, chilling, and already giving a top notch performance. I love the complexity he brings to Kang with literally a single look. MCU really won with this casting pic.twitter.com/4W8VCLGFBv
— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) February 7, 2023
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania was well balanced and fast paced. I loved the father/daughter moments in the movie. Jonathan Majors is a beast as Kang. With Black Panther and now #AntManAndTheWasp it feels like @MarvelStudios is back on track. Excited to see it again! pic.twitter.com/p5J0Fm7xF1
— Emmanuel Gomez (@MannyGomezMedia) February 7, 2023
Overall, following some lows in 2022 such as Thor: Love and Thunder, critics seem to think Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is a solid start to Phase 5.
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania kicks off Phase 5 with one of the MCUs most fascinating entries. This movie is Star Wars meets #AntMan and I dug it for the most part. Jonathan Majors DEMANDS your attention as #Kang and he absolutely SHINES. BIG implications for the future too! pic.twitter.com/VdFfo3Q9MI
— BSL (@bigscreenleaks) February 7, 2023
#AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania reaction:
Visually imaginative and very distinct from other two Ant-Man films. First still the best but this is much stronger than second. Jonathan Majors makes the impact you hope for future. Ending frustrated me. Overall it's good though not great.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) February 7, 2023
After a frustratingly rough act 1, #AntManAndTheWaspQuantumania finally gets going, only to end where this story should’ve began. While the external stakes are clear & weighty, emotional drive felt slight (and levity even lighter). That said, Jonathan Majors rules. pic.twitter.com/qpZeKTgdUd
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) February 7, 2023
In addition to Rudd as Scott Lang, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania stars Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Douglas, Kathryn Newton, David Dastmalchian, William Jackson Harper, Katy O’Brian, and Bill Murray.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is the first of three Marvel films that will be released this year. Next up will be James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which hits theaters in May. Then, in late July, The Marvels — a sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel — will release.
There are also a bevy of MCU shows set to hit Disney+ this year, such as Secret Invasion, Ironheart, Echo, Agatha: Coven of Chaos, and season two of both Loki and What If…?
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania hits theaters in the United States on Friday, February 17.