Why Ant-Man is the best choice to face Kang first, according to Quantumania director Peyton Reed

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Peyton Reed talks to the Inside Total Film podcast about an incredibly "lopsided" Marvel mismatch

Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania
(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania introduces Kang the Conqueror to the MCU. Fated as Marvel’s next Thanos-level Big Bad, it might be a surprise to some to see Jonathan Majors’ time-travelling villain take on Scott Lang and the Ant-Family in his first cinematic showdown.

Speaking on the Inside Total Film podcast, which you can find on all good podcasting platforms, director Peyton Reed explains why Ant-Man is actually the best choice to face down Kang at the outset of Marvel Phase 5.

"We got excited about the idea of if you introduce Kang, one of the great Marvel villains, into the movies – who is going to be the first Avenger to go up against him? We liked the idea that Scott and Hope were the most unlikely Avengers to go up against him," Reed said.

"On paper, it’s an incredibly lopsided encounter," the director continues. "There was dramatic tension in that from the get-go. I was like, ‘Well, how can that possibly work? How’s that going to be a challenge in any regard? What is the story going to be? We like that challenge and also the mystery of that."

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is now showing in theaters worldwide. For more from the MCU, check out our guide to upcoming Marvel movies and shows. Seen Quantumania already? Here are our spoilery guides to some of its biggest moments.

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.