'Ant-Man 2' release date, spoilers: Director Peyton Reed addresses Scott Lang's fugitive status

Paul Rudd in "Ant-Man"Marvel Studios

Speaking with Modern Myth Media during this year's Saturn Awards, director Peyton Reed revealed that Scott Lang, played by Paul Rudd, will be an even bigger fugitive in "Ant-Man and the Wasp" following the events that took place in "Ant-Man" and "Captain America: Civil War."

During the first "Ant-Man" movie, Lang broke into an Avengers warehouse to steal a piece of equipment and this is when he first encountered Falcon (Anthony Mackie). He was also established as a thief and criminal and this was his status at the end of the movie even after defeating the film's main villain.

In "Captain America: Civil War" Lang joined up with Captain America (Chris Evans) and fought against the Avengers who were supporting the Sokovia Accords, a government act that would control when and where the Avengers would operate. Because of this he, like Captain America, is a fugitive on the run. 

The director explained that the sequel will acknowledge these events and will have its plot jump from those specific arcs. As for the main plot, Reed stated that it will primarily be based on older comic books but will still draw inspiration from some of the newer materials.

Reed also confirms that the movie will spend as much time on Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) as it will on Lang. He explains that the film focuses on both of them and that Hope is not just a supporting character. She will also be fully immersed in her role as the Wasp, fighting with a completed suit and powers.

As for Scott's original companions, a band of thieves he has worked for before, the director stated there is a fighting chance that they shall be making a return. Fans speculate that they will at least appear in the beginning of the movie as they help Lang and Hope hide from the authorities and from Avengers Headquarters. 

"Ant-Man and the Wasp" opens in theaters on July 6, 2018.