Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Star Announces Acting Retirement (2024)

One of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's top stars heads off into retirement after starring in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film. The MCU's Wasp, Evangeline Lilly, won't buzz in Hollywood anymore as she confirms she's stepping away from on-screen work.

Via her Instagram page, Lilly posted a throwback video to mark her acting retirement from a fan account of the classic TV series, Lost, where she made her name portraying Kate Austen throughout its 7-season run. The video, filmed in 2006, shows Lilly outlining her career ambitions, admitting her desire to retire within 10 years and start a family, among other dreams. In the caption, the Canadian actor said she is filled with "joy and contentment" to live out her vision while admitting the decision was a "scary" one. "Stepping away from what seems like the obvious choice (wealth and fame) can feel scary at times, but stepping into your dharma replaces the fear with fulfillment," she said.

Lilly enjoyed a distinguished career, first making her name playing Kate on Lost and receiving a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination for her work before moving to the big screen to feature in notable flicks such as Real Steel, The Hobbit franchise and the Ant-Man film series. Though she'll be stepping away from acting, Lilly teased she could return one day if the opportunity is right. "I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong. A new season has arrived, and I AM READY...and I AM HAPPY," she said.

MCU fans grew to know Lilly as Hope van Dyne/Wasp in the Ant-Man film series, starring opposite Paul Rudd as her character took on bigger roles in the last two installments. The first two Ant-Man films were critical and commercial successes, with 2018's Ant-Man and the Wasp being the titular franchise's apex, making over $622 million at the global box office. She also portrayed Wasp in Avengers: Endgame and voiced the character in What If...?

Ahead of Quantumania, Lilly expressed optimism about her character landing a spinoff film and pushed for an all-female Avengers movie as she wanted to explore new nuances within the MCU. However, Quantumania's disappointing critical and commercial performance has seemingly scuppered any plans for the Ant-Man franchise, with Marvel reportedly shelving plans for a fourth movie. The ill-fated film suffered from a "chaotic" production and questions about its relevance in the MCU after Jonathan Majors was axed from his acclaimed role as Kang the Conqueror due to his much-publicized legal troubles.

Evangeline Lilly Walks Away From Hollywood

Lilly's career also includes features in The Hurt Locker and South of Heaven. She is also an author, penning the children's book series, The Squickerwonkers.

Fans can stream Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania on Disney+.

Source: Evangeline Lilly via Instagram

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

PG-13

Superhero

Action

7

10

Director

Peyton Reed

Release Date

February 17, 2023

Studio

Marvel Studios

Cast

Paul Rudd , Evangeline Lilly , Jonathan Majors , Kathryn Newton , Michael Douglas , Michelle Pfeiffer , David Dastmalchian , Bill Murray , Corey Stoll

Writers

jeff loveness

Runtime

124 Minutes

Franchise

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Prequel

Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp

Cinematographer

William Pope

Producer

Kevin Feige, Stephen Broussard

Production Company

Marvel Studios