Ant-Man and the Wasp, the newest film in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU) opened on July 6. IQIM’s Spiros Michalakis, has earned his own spot in the MCU as a science consultant on Ant-Man, Doctor Strange and Captain Marvel. Read the New York Times article, The Science (and Scientists) behind Ant Man, featuring the role of science in super hero films. “Working with the writers and producers on Ant Man and the Wasp, Spiros Michalakis describes the quantum realm as “a place of infinite possibility, an alternative universe where the laws of physics and forces of nature as we know them haven’t crystallized.”
Los Angeles Times reviewer Justin Chang describes 
one of his favorite elements of the new film, the quantum realm. “Happily, we get to spend a lot more time in that wondrously multi-hued place, which — not unlike previous capers including Doctor Strange and the Guardians of the Galaxy movies — pushes the typically polished, professional-looking Marvel aesthetic in a more adventurous visual direction. To behold this world, invisible to the naked human eye but dazzlingly amplified on the screen, is marvelously transporting: Who hasn’t dreamed of swimming in rainbow sherbet?”
Discussion of the quantum realm and the potential associated with quantum effects is a big part of the question: Is Ant-Man Secretly the Most Powerful Avenger? in this episode of Because Science with Kyle Hill. He argues that spacetime is significantly more powerful to wield than the other avenger’s weapon or shield. Spiros Michalakis also consulted on this episode which ranges from quantum entanglement to muonic matter, with a few Pym particles thrown in for good measure.
Watch the NBC news video Particle physics can’t shrink you like Ant-Man… yet “The Marvel universe is built on its own fictional laws of science that dictate how superheroes get their powers and wield them. Ant-Man and the Wasp is no different. Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must dawn the Ant-Man suit yet again to enter the ‘Quantum Realm’ and bring back Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), who has been stuck there. Spyridon Michalakis, a quantum physicist and science adviser to the film explains how this fictional science is rooted in some cutting edge ideas that are a part of physics right now.”
Ant Man producer Stephen Broussard talks about their goals to include accurate science and what it’s like to work with Spiros Michalakis as a science consultant, in this video from the Los Angeles premier of the film. For the Los Angeles premier, Spiros was also included as a special guest. Included here are a few photos from the Red Carpet:
From the Los Angeles premier of the film: Kasey Rose and Spiros Michalakis (left), Paul Rudd (right, top) and Evangeline Lilly (right bottom)
Looking for more? This article from Esquire.com If you’re a Marvel Completist, Ant-Man and the Wasp Is the Key to the Avengers . For true Marvel comic book enthusiasts, the difference between the micro-verse and the quantum realm is significant. This post describes the potential power of the quantum realm, and how that could play a major role in the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The post includes spoilers about the post-credit scene so read it after you see the film. Also included in the Esquire blog is an excerpt from an Inverse blog post, Ant-man could destroy Superman says Quantum Physics by Spiros Michalakis following the initial Ant-man film.
