The Ant-Man film franchise, built around Scott Lang’s shrinking superhero, has drawn questions about box office performance, family suitability, and the fate of a fourth sequel. This article covers why Ant-Man 3 underperformed, what age is appropriate for the films, and whether Marvel has shelved Ant-Man 4, based on verified data from Box Office Mojo, Common Sense Media, and industry reports.
Last checked: 2026-07-28
Release Year: 2015 · Main Character: Scott Lang · Sequel: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) · Latest Film: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-28.
Sources reviewed: official property site (Marvel.com), neutral review platforms (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Common Sense Media, Children and Media Australia, Movies4Kids), entertainment news (Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter), industry analysis (Box Office Mojo, The Numbers, The Walt Disney Company).
We did not conduct on-site visits or staff interviews. Box office data reflects reported totals as of 2025.
Ant-Man franchise at a glance
- Three theatrical films released between 2015 and 2023 (Box Office Mojo)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) earned about $623.1 million globally (Box Office Mojo)
- Quantumania (2023) finished with $476.1 million worldwide, below both predecessors (Box Office Mojo)
- All three films carry a PG-13 rating for sci-fi action violence (Common Sense Media)
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release year (first film) | 2015 |
| Main character | Scott Lang |
| Sequel | Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) |
| Latest film | Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) |
| Franchise box office leader | Ant-Man and the Wasp — $623.1 million worldwide |
| Best domestic opening | Quantumania — $106.1 million (The Numbers) |
| Worst domestic opening | Ant-Man (2015) — $57.2 million (The Numbers) |
| MPAA rating | PG-13 for sci-fi action violence |
Why Did Ant-Man 3 Flop?
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, released February 17, 2023, earned $476.1 million worldwide — $147 million less than the second film and $43 million less than the original, per Box Office Mojo. Yet its opening weekend of $106.1 million domestically was the franchise’s best (The Numbers). The Walt Disney Company reported a $249.7 million global opening and a domestic debut of $120.1 million over the Presidents’ Day frame (The Walt Disney Company).
Despite the strong start, the film’s legs collapsed. Critics panned the film: Rotten Tomatoes scores dropped into the 40s for critics, and audience reception cooled after opening weekend. Several industry analysts pointed to weaker word-of-mouth, competition from other February releases, and a shift in audience appetite for the MCU’s multiverse arc.
The bottom line: Quantumania posted the franchise’s best opening but worst final total, a pattern of steep week-to-week drops that lifted the “flop” label.
Is Ant-Man Appropriate for a 7-Year-Old?
The short answer: Most guidance sources say no for a 7-year-old without an adult present. The first Ant-Man carries a PG-13 rating for sci-fi action violence. Common Sense Media calls the 2015 film “not appropriate as a family movie … certainly not for 12 year olds” (Common Sense Media). Children and Media Australia gives three tiers: not recommended under 10, parental guidance for ages 10–13, and OK for 13+.
In the UK, Movies4Kids lists Ant-Man as a 12A — under-12s need an adult — and notes “mild violence, mild language, and potentially creepy ant close-ups” (Movies4Kids). IMDb’s official parental guide rates sex/nudity as none, violence/gore as mild, and profanity as mild. The sequels follow similar patterns: Quantumania has more sci-fi combat and visually intense quantum-realm scenes, which several parent guides flag as potentially scary for younger children.
Is Ant-Man 4 Confirmed or Cancelled?
As of May 2025, Marvel Studios has not officially announced Ant-Man 4. Multiple entertainment outlets — including Variety and Deadline — reported in 2024 that Marvel Studios shelved a planned fourth Ant-Man film alongside Captain Marvel 3 as part of a broader franchise recalibration under studio president Kevin Feige. No actor or director has been attached. Paul Rudd, who plays Scott Lang, has not commented on a return.
What Is the Biggest Marvel Flop?
Quantumania appears in nearly every “biggest Marvel flop” discussion alongside The Marvels (2023), which earned about $206 million worldwide on a reported $220 million budget. Quantumania’s $476 million total on a budget estimated between $200–$250 million yields a much smaller loss, but its sharp drop from its predecessor and weak critical reception made it a symbol of franchise fatigue. By comparison, Eternals (2021) earned $402 million, and Black Widow (2021) earned $380 million during pandemic conditions.
Analysts at industry trade sites consistently rank Quantumania and The Marvels as the MCU’s two biggest disappointments relative to budget and expectations. The difference is that Quantumania opened larger but fell harder.
Timeline of the Ant-Man Franchise
Key events
- — Ant-Man released; franchise’s weakest opening weekend ($57.2 million domestic)
Source: Box Office Mojo - — Ant-Man and the Wasp released; becomes franchise top grosser ($623.1 million worldwide)
Source: Box Office Mojo - — Quantumania released; franchise-best opening but lowest total ($476.1 million)
Source: Box Office Mojo - — Reports surface that Marvel shelved plans for Ant-Man 4
Source: Variety, Deadline (2024)
Alternatives in the Marvel Universe
For viewers exploring other Marvel franchises, two provide useful comparisons: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: 2027 Sequel Delay Explained and its sequels offer animated, family-friendly superhero content with a younger-targeted rating (PG). The Cast of Fantastic Beasts 3 franchise, while not Marvel, shares the “multiple sequels, shifting reception” pattern. For a broader look at Marvel’s big-screen track record, readers can compare per-film data on Box Office Mojo.
Our pick: Which Ant-Man film to watch
For families with children ages 10–13: Start with Ant-Man (2015). It has the lightest tone, the least intense action, and the strongest standalone story. The sequel (Ant-Man and the Wasp) adds Hope van Dyne as a co-lead but maintains similar levels of violence. Quantumania shifts into sci-fi-heavy quantum-realm visuals that younger viewers may find disorienting or scary.
For Marvel completionists: All three films are necessary viewing for MCU Phase 4 and 5 context, especially the Loki season 2 connection. Watch in release order.
For casual viewers: Ant-Man (2015) works as a standalone heist comedy. The sequels increasingly rely on broader MCU continuity.
“This movie, while very good, is not appropriate as a family movie, certainly not for 12 year olds as indicated.”
– Common Sense Media reviewer, review outlet
“The film’s global opening totals $249.7 million.”
– The Walt Disney Company, studio distributor
m.the-numbers.com, commonsensemedia.org, boxofficemojo.com, raisingwhasians.com, isthismoviesuitable.com, storyscanner.app, ksl.com, screenwiseapp.com, youtube.com, screenrant.com, parentpreviews.com, parentzia.com, hollywoodreporter.com, ign.com, joblo.com, screenrant.com, themommadiaries.com, en.wikipedia.org, movieguide.org, forbes.com
For a detailed breakdown of the franchise’s earnings and age suitability, check out this Ant-Man franchise box office and age rating guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my 8-year-old watch Ant-Man?
Most independent guidance says not without a parent. Common Sense Media recommends ages 12+; Children and Media Australia recommends ages 10+ with parental guidance. The first film contains sci-fi action violence and mild language.
Did Chris Evans quit Marvel?
Chris Evans is not part of the Ant-Man franchise. He has not appeared in any Ant-Man film. His reported departure from the MCU as Captain America does not affect Ant-Man, which focuses on Scott Lang.
What is the Ant-Man cast?
Paul Rudd plays Scott Lang. Evangeline Lilly plays Hope van Dyne/Wasp. Michael Douglas plays Hank Pym. Michelle Pfeiffer plays Janet van Dyne. Kathryn Newton plays Cassie Lang. Jonathan Majors played Kang the Conqueror in Quantumania.
What is Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania?
It is the third Ant-Man film, released February 2023, directed by Peyton Reed. Scott Lang and his family are pulled into the Quantum Realm, where they encounter Kang the Conqueror.
Is there anything inappropriate in Ant-Man?
IMDb’s parental guide lists no sex/nudity, mild violence/gore, mild profanity, mild alcohol/drugs/smoking, and mild frightening/intense scenes (IMDb).
What is the biggest Marvel flop besides Ant-Man 3?
The Marvels (2023) earned about $206 million worldwide, widely considered a bigger financial disappointment than Quantumania due to its higher budget-to-box-office ratio.