The Marvel Cinematic Universe seems to have added a Ghostbusters icon and comic legend to its roster. Bill Murray has indicated that he will appear in Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Murray appears to have been cast in an undisclosed, secretive role, which he claims he already filmed. In a recent interview for the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Murray revealed he just wrapped on a Marvel project. “You know, recently I made a Marvel movie. I probably won’t tell you, but never mind. In any case, some people were quite surprised why I decided on such a project. But for me the thing was quite clear: I got to know the director – and really liked him very much,” Murray tells the paper, mentioning the director in question previously helmed Bring It On, all but confirming the project is Ant-Man 3.
Although he didn’t specify which role he would be playing, an exciting addition like Murray, the veteran actor best known for his classic roles in 1984’s Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and Caddyshack, will surely play a pivotal one in the upcoming MCU phase 4 story. “Let’s put it this way: the director is a good guy, and now I’ve at least tried out what it’s like to shoot a Marvel movie,” Murray added. “But I don’t think I need that experience a second time. And to come back to your previous question: I have mostly had a pretty good knack for avoiding the nasties of this industry. Fortunately, most good artists are also good people. At least that’s how I experience it with my friends.”
Other than starring alongside Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly in the film, Murray has also joined Marvel newcomer Jonathan Majors, who made his brief appearance in Loki’s season finale. Majors has already received praise for his performance as Kang the Conqueror from co-stars, with Rudd claiming his portrayal to be a very exciting and fresh one that will surely rank towards the top of the list when it comes to the MCU’s most intriguing characters. Although he was referred to as He Who Remains in Loki (a variant of Kang), Majors claimed that his role in Ant-Man 3 will be drastically different. The Wasp’s Evangeline Lilly also spoke highly of the upcoming film, praising Ant-Man 3 writer Jeff Loveness’ (the man behind the hit animated series Rick and Morty) ability to really bring each character’s personality to life. Lilly was particularly impressed by Loveness’ ability to harness the unique personalities of each character.
Plot details have been kept under wraps for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, but based on the title as well as the buildup of the multiverse that has been occurring in previous MCU content such as WandaVision and Loki and how it also plans to intertwine with big films like Spider-Man: No Way Home, it appears Rudd and Lilly’s characters are headed for more cosmic, otherworldly adventures.
Peyton Reed, who is coming off of his work on Star Wars’ The Mandalorian for Disney Plus, is returning yet again to direct. Other cast members include Michael Douglas as Hank Pym, Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet van Dyne, and Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang (replacing Emma Fuhrmann who played the character in Avengers: Endgame).
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will be released in theatres on February 17th, 2023.
Source: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (translation via The Cosmic Circus)
