Where Does Ant-Man and the Wasp Fit into the MCU Timeline?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a tightly woven tapestry of interconnected storylines and timelines, each piece contributing to a larger narrative. The film Ant-Man and the Wasp seamlessly integrates into this patchwork, occurring between two significant events in the MCU timeline: Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.
Context After Civil War
Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, Scott Lang, also known as Ant-Man, is under house arrest. This house arrest is a direct consequence of the damages and the havoc caused by the actions of the Avengers at the airport. This period of house arrest is crucial for setting up the characters and their background, allowing for a character-driven narrative while also providing a bridge to the larger cosmic stakes of the MCU.
Placement Between Civil War to Infinity War
Exact placement of Ant-Man and the Wasp within the timeline of the MCU is disputed, but many sources confirm it occurs somewhere between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. This period is mentioned in official sources and is consistent with the narrative and visual cues provided in the film itself.
The film's placement is further highlighted by
A mention of Scott Lang taking a court marshal and being placed under house arrest to be with his family.
Its connection to the events where Captain America and the Avengers escape from the Raft, a key moment from Civil War.
The lack of any direct mention of Infinity War in the first teaser and official trailer, suggesting a closer time frame to Civil War.
Timeline Analysis: A Few Months After Civil War
With the events of Captain America: Civil War concluded, the film Ant-Man and the Wasp picks up a few months later. This period is significant in that it allows for the characters to be established in a way that highlights their current situations and challenges, while also setting the stage for the broader narrative of Infinity War.
The film chiefly follows the story of Scott Lang as he attempts to balance his role as the Ant-Man with his family responsibilities. During this time, events are afoot in the Avengers' world, which are yet to spill over into the actions of Scott and his team. This creates a unique narrative space where the smaller, more human story meets the larger cosmic stakes of the MCU.
From a technical standpoint, the film's placement ensures that it serves as a bridge, introducing new characters and plot threads while also providing a glimpse into the future of the Avengers' mission as depicted in Infinity War.
Conclusion
In summary, Ant-Man and the Wasp fits snugly into the MCU timeline, occurring between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. This placement allows for a rich and dynamic narrative that builds on the events of the previous film while also laying the groundwork for the larger battles to come.
For those interested in the intricacies of the MCU timeline, this highlights the importance of understanding the context and placement of each film. By examining the details of Ant-Man and the Wasp, clear insights into the broader narrative can be gained, enriching the viewing experience.
Stay tuned for more detailed discussions on the MCU timeline and other Marvel films!