Hank Pym's MCU Future Could Be Darker Than You Think

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is expected to set up major plot points for the Marvel Cinematic Universe's ongoing Multiverse Saga but may also seal a very dark fate for Michael Douglas's Dr. Hank Pym. The film, set to hit theaters on February 17th, will kick off Phase 5 of the MCU by introducing Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors, the main villain of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. As such, it can be expected that Ant-Man and his friends won't escape the film unscathed, and by the time the credits roll, Hank may be the one to bear the brunt of Kang's wrath.

Quantumania introduces Kang the Conqueror, the MCU's new Big Bad, officially marking the beginning of the Kang Dynasty. However, while Quantumania signals major things to come in Phase 5 and beyond, it also likely marks the end of the Ant-Man franchise, bringing the trilogy to a close eight years after the original film. As such, the sequel's marketing has heavily revolved around the importance of Scott Lang's loved ones and their relationship with one another, teasing an emotional and, at times, heart-wrenching conclusion to a normally upbeat franchise. As such, several beloved characters could suffer a dire fate at the hands of the villainous Kang the Conqueror.

Quantumania May Mentally Break Hank Pym

Although the first Ant-Man trailers hint at a major death therein, Hank Pym may suffer a far worse fate than losing his life, instead losing his mind during the conflict with Kang. When first recruiting Scott Lang to become the new Ant-Man, Hank revealed that he couldn't wear the suit anymore, citing that the frequent use of Pym Particles had taken a toll on him. Later, it was revealed that the imperfect Pym Particles powering the Yellowjacket suit had caused Darren Cross to lose his mind, altering his brain chemistry. Quantumania may revisit this plot point by having Hank suffer a breakdown after shrinking once more into the Quantum Realm.

Hank Pym actually became the evil Yellowjacket in the comics for a very similar reason, suffering a mental breakdown that caused him to briefly take a villainous role. After coming to his senses, Hank eventually retired from the world of superheroes for a period of time. A similar fate may befall his MCU counterpart, whose mind is already delicate after decades of using the Pym Particles to accomplish missions as Ant-Man. Since Hank ends up in the Quantum Realm once more in Quantumania, it is safe to assume that he has once again been exposed to unstable Pym Particles, putting his mental health in serious jeopardy.

Hank Pym May Create Or Aid A Supervillain

Hank Pym addresses Nick Fury in What If...?

Although Hank may not become Yellowjacket in the MCU, his future in the franchise may see him create or even aid a supervillain. This wouldn't be unheard of for the character, whose comic book counterpart was not only responsible for the creation of Yellowjacket, who has been both a hero and a villain throughout his history but also played a key role in the rise of Ultron. One time, Ultron was even able to brainwash his creator into waging war on the Avengers, leading Hank once more down the road of villainy. His comic book history makes Hank Pym especially susceptible to aiding supervillains, even if he does so unintentionally.

Recent rumors contend that Ultron will return in Armor Wars, though this has not yet been confirmed by Marvel Studios. Nevertheless, if Hank does follow in the footsteps of his comic book counterpart, he could play a key role in bringing the supervillain back to life, whether by accident or on purpose, due to a fractured mind. Apart from Ultron, Kang himself may have a nefarious purpose for Hank, exploiting his genius to build weapons of war that will aid his conquest of the Multiverse. Having already recruited evil henchmen like MODOK to his cause, Kang would certainly make room in his council for one of Earth's greatest geniuses.

Hank May Lose Janet...Again

Ant-Man and The Wasp Hank Pym Janet Van Dyne in Quantum Realm

Unfortunately, Quantumania may see Hank lose his beloved wife, Janet, again. Theories about Janet van Dyne's history with Kang the Conqueror suggest that she will have a major role in the upcoming film. Tragic as it may be, Janet's relationship with Kang may prove her undoing, stealing her away from her family so soon after their long-awaited reunion. If such a tragedy were to befall Janet's family, it might prove more than they can bear, especially the aging Hank. Should he lose his beloved wife yet again, Hank could collapse under the weight of his sorrow, marking a tragic ending to his character arc in the MCU.

Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne appear to be destined to be kept apart, not only in the MCU but also in the comics. The married couple has rarely been able to make their relationship work, with each of their unions ending in separation or one of their deaths. With Quantumania possibly marking Hank and Janet's last appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the tragedy of their imminent separation seems more likely than ever. Should Hank lose Janet for a second time during the events of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the one-time hero may truly never be the same again.

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