The actress who plays The Wasp in 'Ant-Man' movies has announced that she's stepping away from acting, explaining that she's 'so filled with joy and contentment' by her decision.
- Jun 5, 2024
AceShowbiz - "Ant-Man and The Wasp" star, Evangeline Lilly, has declared her retirement from Hollywood, sending waves through the Marvel fan community. The 44-year-old actress made the announcement via an Instagram post where she shared a 2006 video of herself detailing her dreams and future aspirations.
In this old footage, Lilly expressed her longtime goal of stepping back from acting to starting a family and engaging in humanitarian work. It seems that time has now come.
Lilly's Instagram message was filled with gratitude, "I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision. Praise God, I feel so grateful for my blessings. Stepping away from what seems like the obvious choice (wealth and fame) can feel scary at times, but stepping into your dharma replaces the fear with fulfillment."
Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will undoubtedly miss her presence, especially with major upcoming Avengers movies in the pipeline. Lilly's portrayal of Hope Van Dyne, also known as The Wasp, began in 2015 with "Ant-Man" and continued through "Ant-Man and The Wasp", "Avengers: Endgame", and "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania".
However, the actress has left the door open for a possible return to acting in the future, hinting that this is not necessarily a permanent farewell. "I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong," she added.
Beyond the realm of Marvel, Evangeline Lilly has enjoyed a diverse career. She first gained recognition for her role as Kate Austen in the iconic TV series "Lost". Other notable works include her performance alongside Hugh Jackman in the 2011 film "Real Steel" and her role as the elf Tauriel in "The Hobbit" film series.
Throughout her career, she has made headlines by turning down roles that didn't resonate with her - famously declining Hugh Jackman's invitation to join the "X-Men" franchise, highlighting her selective approach to acting.
Lilly's departure brings mixed emotions for fans, particularly her son, who has come to revel in his mom's superhero status. "My 11-year-old son is in middle school, Marvel is currency in middle school," she shared humorously on "Good Morning America". "He likes to flex on his friends, 'I know what's going on. My mom is the Wasp. No big deal.'" Nonetheless, she is ready for this new chapter, embodying a spirit of fulfillment and readiness.
As she embarks on this new journey, Evangeline Lilly's legacy in Hollywood, especially within the Marvel Universe, remains indelible. Fans and industry peers alike will surely keep an eye out for any future cameos or returns to the silver screen.
