As anticipation builds within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Paul Rudd recently addressed speculation about his return as Ant-Man in the upcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on May 1, 2026. During a promotional interview for his latest project, Death of a Unicorn, Rudd was queried about his potential inclusion in the next Avengers installment amidst a wave of actors revisiting their iconic roles.
Given the MCU’s recent trajectory, which has seen a mix of hits and misses at the box office, including Rudd's film Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, often labeled as one of the franchise's biggest disappointments, the question of whether Ant-Man would have a place in the new storyline looms large. Rudd joked during the interview, "As far as the Russos, they have my number. They know where I’m at, and that’s all I can say," playing coy about his future as the microscopic hero.
Rudd’s stint in the MCU spans three standalone films—Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Quantumania—alongside appearances in ensemble films such as Avengers: Endgame and brief cameos in Avengers: Infinity War and Captain America: Civil War. Critics have pointed to the original Ant-Man as having been overshadowed by subsequent releases like Doctor Strange, which were seen as more innovative for the franchise. Many fans are split on whether the character has run its course, and some speculate if the MCU is ready to phase out certain heroes ahead of its next pivotal saga.
Adding to the intrigue is the confirmed return of Robert Downey Jr., who is set to appear, albeit as Dr. Doom rather than Iron Man. This pivot raises further questions about the dynamics of the Avengers moving forward. During a discussion about Downey Jr.'s comeback, Joe Russo shared, "That was Kevin [Feige, President of Marvel Studios], and interesting enough about that was, that conversation was had a while ago. And then Robert tried to talk us into doing it, and we said 'no,' weirdly because we said we wouldn't come back." This creative reshuffle indicates that Marvel is looking for fresh narratives, while existing fan favorites, including Rudd's Ant-Man, may still have significant roles to play.
As the production for Avengers: Doomsday gears up to start in the UK, Rudd’s future in the movie remains uncertain but not ruled out. He commented humorously, "Isn’t everyone traveling to London soon now in this business?" hinting at possible involvement without confirming specifics. The anticipation surrounding the production is palpable, especially with confirmed appearances by other beloved characters, including Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange and Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord.
While the fate of Ant-Man hangs in the balance, the nostalgia for Rudd’s portrayal remains strong, with many hoping for at least some cameo appearances in line with the next generation of heroes. The next phase of the MCU appears to be ambitious, with plans extending to Avengers: Secret Wars, set for release on May 7, 2027. Questions surrounding casting and character arcs will intensify in the coming months as Marvel enthusiasts dissect every snippet of information.
Despite the mixed reviews of his previous film, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania managed to gross over $476 million against a production budget of $388.4 million, indicating that there is still commercial viability in continuing Ant-Man's story arc.
As the industry eagerly debates which characters will emerge victorious and which will fade into obscurity, Rudd's light-hearted comments serve as a reminder of the humor and charm he brings to the role. With uncertain futures for many of the franchise’s heroes, fans remain hopeful for the return of beloved characters and the possibilities that come with a shifting MCU landscape.
