After making her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe inAnt-Man and the Wasp,Evangeline Lillyreprised her role as the Wasp in the new sequelAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, now playing in theaters. During the film’s production, however, there had been speculation on the internet that Lilly could end up getting cut from the production in response to controversy stemming from her social media activity. It’s something that had been seen with other actors, quite famously with Gina Carano andThe Mandalorian, but production moved forward unaffected with Lilly keeping her role.
Speaking with Josh Horowitz on theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast, Lilly revealed how the people at Marvel Studios stood by her throughout the social media controversy. She says thatAnt-Man 3helmer Peyton Reed even personally gave her a call to let her know that her job was not in danger, despite any rumors she might be reading on the internet. When Horowitz asked if Kevin Feige ever gave her a call about her social media posts, Lilly said:
“No. They’re very respectful. In fact, I’ve had direct conversations with them that I have instigated and they’ve always said, ‘That’s not our business. That’s not for us to tell you how to live your life or what opinions to have.’ And I actually even got a really supportive phone call from Peyton Reed at one point and just saying like, ’Just so you know, there’s some rumors spreading about Marvel ditching you or canceling you. And that didn’t come from Marvel and that didn’t come from us, so just ignore that.”
Lilly adds that the support she’s gotten from Marvel has been “really nice,” noting that the separation from her work and what she does outside of the set had been necessary.
“It’s really nice. And I think it’s really healthy. I think there there needs to be a divide between your professional life and your personal life.”
Related:Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Weekend Box Office Will Make New Record for Ant-Man Franchise
Evangeline Lilly Wasn’t “Canceled”
Lilly had created some controversy during the pandemic. In 2020, she posted on Instagram that she wasn’t going to self-isolate, as she valued her “freedom.” Lilly later apologized for the post, noting she had been insensitive to the people who’ve suffered because of the effects that the virus had on them or their family members.
In early 2022, Lilly again made some waves when she announced on social media that she had been present for a march against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, arguing that nobody should be “forced to inject their body with anything.” That had led to some additional criticism along with calls on social media for Lilly to be canned from the newAnt-Manmovie.
Life goes on for Lilly, who is even hopeful aboutgetting her own Wasp solo filmafter the newAnt-Manmovie. you may catch Lilly as the Wasp inAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, now playing in theaters.
