Ant-Man and the Wasp is a 2018 American superhero film directed by Peyton Reed and is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
It serves as a sequel to the 2015 film Ant-Man and features returning stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne / Wasp, and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym. The film also introduces new characters, including Janet van Dyne, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, and the antagonist Ghost, portrayed by Hannah John-Kamen.
Set in the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, the story revolves around Scott Lang, who is under house arrest following his involvement with the Avengers. Struggling to balance his responsibilities as a superhero and a father, Scott is approached by Dr. Hank Pym and Hope van Dyne, who present him with an urgent mission to rescue Janet van Dyne from the quantum realm. As they work together, Scott must don the Ant-Man suit once again and learn to fight alongside Hope, who has her own suit and identity as the Wasp. The duo faces off against Ghost, a mysterious figure with the ability to phase through objects, who poses a significant threat to their mission.
The film was released on July 6, 2018, and received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its humor, visual effects, and the chemistry between Rudd and Lilly. It grossed approximately $622.7 million worldwide against a budget of $130–195 million, making it a commercial success. The film's light-hearted tone and comedic elements provided a refreshing contrast to some of the darker entries in the MCU, earning it a reputation as a "palate cleanser" within the franchise.
Ant-Man and the Wasp was well-received at various award ceremonies, garnering nominations for its visual effects and overall production. The film's success further solidified the popularity of the Ant-Man character within the MCU, leading to the subsequent release of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania in 2023. Overall, Ant-Man and the Wasp continues to explore themes of family, sacrifice, and heroism while delivering an entertaining superhero experience.