Peyton Reed’s Ant-Man is chock full of fantastic performances, helping it become one of Marvel Studios’ funniest films to date, but if there’s any actor who steals the show it’s Michael Pena as the motor-mouthed, waffle-making Luis. Every moments he is on screen is an absolute delight, so it would naturally be a crime if the character didn’t return for the upcoming sequel, Ant-Man And The Wasp. The good news, however, is that it looks like the star is locked in to reprise the role.
Earlier today at the SXSW Film Festival, I had a wonderful time sitting down for an interview with Michael Pena, Alexander Skarsgard, and writer/director John Michael McDonagh to talk about their new film War On Everyone (which is absolutely incredible), and it was at the very end of the interview that I took the opportunity to ask Pena about his status in regard to Ant-Man And The Wasp. And while I got the sense that perhaps not everything is set in stone, he did seem very confident that we will get to see Luis in another chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Said the actor,
I am. I am. Just because they announced it, that they’re doing a sequel. As far as I’m concerned I think I’m back! Unless you know something that I don’t know… [laughs]
An original character created for the big screen, Luis was introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a former cellmate and best friend of Scott Lang’s (Paul Rudd). He is a professional criminal, and also not exactly the smartest guy around, but what he lacks in moral fiber and intelligence he makes up for with loyalty and dependability. He also happens to be the guy with all of the contacts, as he’s not only the one who winds up being responsible for Scott meeting Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), but he also winds up being integral in getting his friend in contact with Sam Wilson a.k.a. Falcon.
When Ant-Man And The Wasp was officially announced as being in development back in October of 2015, the announcement came with the news that Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang and Evangeline Lilly’s Hope van Dyne were confirmed to return for the follow-up – but those were the only two actors on the list. Simply using logic, we assumed that they wouldn’t be the only two stars who would be coming back to reprise their role in the blockbuster sequel, and it’s definitely exciting that Michael Pena will be back for more action as well.
Ant-Man And The Wasp, which will be directed by Peyton Reed, is still a bit far off – not set for release until July 6, 2018 – but as we get closer and closer to that date, we will be getting more information about its development – so be sure to stay tuned!
