With the MCU continuing to expand its universe and its undeniable impact on the film industry, countless actors that were likely never expected to join its massive roster have continued to surprise audiences and critics alike with their performances. One actress who has certainly had her name in the headlines lately thanks to the popular HBO series The White Lotus is Jennifer Coolidge, who has since won an Emmy for her performance in the show. Given her recent success, it turns out that she was in fact offered a role in Marvel’s latest release Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and nearly made it.

Related: Jennifer Coolidge’s Long Road to Fame Beyond American Pie
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The writer on Quantumania Jeff Loveness recently disclosed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that Coolidge was heavily considered for a part in the film. Apparently the role in question was a woman named Linda with whom Hank Pym had a romantic fling with while his wife was stuck in the Quantum Realm. Creatives were reportedly very excited about the opportunity to bring Coolidge aboard, but Loveness lamented that things just didn’t pan out this time around.

“It never reached beyond a Zoom between ourselves…We’ll save her for next time. I’m sure she’ll wind up in the MCU sometime.”

So while Coolidge didn’t make it time for the last installment in the Ant-Man franchise, it certainly doesn’t rule out her appearing somewhere else in the MCU. The possibilities are exciting to think about, as Coolidge has proved herself over the years as a unique and diversified actress, known for her unique approach to comedy, impeccable line delivery and ability to infuse comedy into the most serious situations. She grabbed the spotlight as troubled Tanya McQuoid in popular dark comedy The White Lotus, which has since been renewed for a third season at HBO.

Marvel’s Road Ahead After Ant-Man’s Lukewarm Reception at the Box Office

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania kicked off Phase 5 of the MCU, which has some catching up to do after Phase 4 proved itself a mixed bag with big sequels like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) that still critically underperformed. The latest installment in the Ant-Man franchise had strong opening in its first weekend, but has since dwindled rather quickly at the box office, being outdone by other films like Elizabeth Banks’ Cocaine Bear.

Audiences and critics alike praised the actors for their performances, but complained that Quantumania’s story was confusing and that many visual sequences were also confusing rather than immersive. In the end, the movie seemed to only serve as a stepping stone for the road ahead in Phase 5, and the prospects of a fourth film are being discussed but likely remain uncertain for now.