Avengers: Infinity War is finally here! The biggest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date and likely the biggest movie of the year as a whole, it sees practically everyone in the franchise unite to take on Thanos, the alien overlord who wants to wipe out all life in the universe. We haven’t had the chance yet to count just how many main characters there are rolling around the film, but the number that’s been put forth by the cast and crew is somewhere between 26-35.
That being said, there are two individuals that fans were expecting to see that were unfortunately, nowhere to be found. Of course, we’re talking about Ant-Man and the Wasp. Along with Hawkeye, they were suspiciously absent from Infinity War and while it was always a long shot that we’d see Hope van Dyne, we were pretty sure Scott Lang would be involved. At least via a small cameo.
But, as it turns out, there was no role for either hero and now, fans are left to wonder why? Frankly, the real reason is probably that the film is just so stuffed full of characters as is and Marvel are instead saving them for Avengers 4. But in terms of the story, we’re told that Lang’s on house arrest due to his involvement in the events that took place during Captain America: Civil War. Apparently, he cut a deal with the government after getting out of the Raft, which allowed him to go back home to his family under the condition that he remains there.
True, one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes could have probably hopped on over to San Francisco and recruited him to help fight Thanos, but there was really no time for that. And of course, without Ant-Man, there obviously can’t be a role for Wasp, since the rest of the team has no idea who she is. So in short, that’s why neither of these characters showed up in Infinity War. But there may be another reason, as well.
Given that Ant-Man and the Wasp takes place before the events of Avengers: Infinity War, it’s entirely possible that something happens to them at the end of the upcoming sequel which would lead to the pair having to miss the battle with Thanos. Perhaps they get stuck in the Quantum Realm? Or maybe they’re off on another mission somewhere? It’s hard to say right now, but we’ll no doubt get some answers later this summer when Peyton Reed’s film arrives.
Until then, you can catch Avengers: Infinity War in theaters from today, as it’s now playing worldwide. And if it’s more coverage you’re after, look no further than our easter eggs guide.