While Marvel fans are still reeling from the shocking final moments of Avengers: Infinity War, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has kept rolling, introducing its first new blockbuster with Ant-Man and The Wasp. Peyton Reed's sequel follows up on the events of 2015's Ant-Man, allowing Hope van Dyne to become a full fledged superhero in the process. While Hope got to throw a few punches inAnt-Man, she was mostly left out of the film's biggest action sequences. But this time she's got half the top billing alongside Ant-Man. CinemaBlend's Eric Eisenberg recently spoke with actress Evangeline Lilly about her process as Hope, and asked if she re-watched the original film in preparation. The answer is a resounding yes, with Lilly saying:
That was what I spent the most time doing. Preparing for the film, and during the film. So I love this question because it really was the most important element. Who was she at the beginning Ant-Man? Who was she at the end of Ant-Man? Because there was so much emotional growth that went on, because of the healing between her and her father. And then also because she finally got to take on the mantle that has been her life-long dream and aspiration. And she's been living as a team with her father, reunited, connected, partnered. And living his mantle, being The Wasp, for years before we actually start the Ant-Man and The Wasp film. So how do I show you that?
While Hope was showing a bunch of new colors in Ant-Man and The Wasp (including a new haircut and superpowered suit), Evangeline Lilly found it critical to go back and re-explore Peyton Reed's first Marvel blockbuster. Considering the character's emotional arc in each of her two appearances, it makes a great deal of sense.
While Ant-Man and The Wasp sees Hope and her father Hank Pym united in a mission to bring Janet back from the Quantum Realm, they were working through some serious issues throughout the first film. Hope felt neglected and hurt from their mutual loss, which was eventually worked out throughout the movie's runtime. This allowed her to truly team up with her father in the acclaimed sequel.
In her same conversation with Eric Eisenberg, Evangeline Lilly explained how she wanted Hope's portrayal to be different in Ant-Man and The Wasp to show her emotional growth.
So I spent a lot of time contemplating that. And what was really important to me is that you saw that she had softened. That she wasn't as cold and hard as she was in the first film. Because she'd healed.
This change in dynamic can definitely be seen in Ant-Man and The Wasp, as Hope really shines in her new superheroic role. Hope is decidedly lighter hearted, and able to banter alongside Scott Lang and the rest of the cast. And with calls for more female Marvel heroes, we can assume she'll be around for the long haul. That is, if Ant-Man and The Wasp's post-credit scene doesn't prevent that.
You can catch Evangeline Lilly's full comments below.
Clearly Evangeline Lilly is taking on her role as Hope van Dyne seriously, especially now that she's become one of Marvel's roster of heroes. And while Peyton Reed maintains that a third Ant-Man movie isn't guaranteed, it would be surprising if Marvel Studios turned its back on the still growing franchise.
Ant-Man and The Wasp is in theaters now. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
