Marvel Studios has confirmed that Paul Rudd will resume his role as Scott Lang in a new Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) project scheduled for release in 2025 on Disney+. This return marks Rudd’s continued involvement in the MCU after his last major appearance in 2023’s Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania and the animated What If…? Season 2, with additional plans for Avengers: Doomsday.
Alongside Rudd, Tessa Thompson and Wyatt Russell are confirmed cast members of Marvel Zombies, an R-rated animated MCU series premiering on Disney+ on September 24, 2025. Rudd reprises Ant-Man, Thompson returns as Valkyrie, and Russell voices John Walker, also known as U.S. Agent. This new series continues the story from the What If…? universe, expanding its dark and complex narrative.
Details on Marvel Zombies and the Returning Cast
Marvel Studios officially announced the main cast roster for Marvel Zombies, linking it to their successful What If…? series. Paul Rudd has appeared in both seasons of the animated adaptation, continuing Scott Lang’s story beyond live-action. Tessa Thompson, who previously appeared in What If…? Season 2 and will feature in Season 3, is returning as Valkyrie, a character last seen in 2023’s The Marvels film.
Wyatt Russell brings fresh energy to the project, having featured in What If…? Season 3 and recently reprising his role as John Walker in the 2025 live-action film Thunderbolts. Though Thunderbolts earned positive reviews, it was noted as Marvel’s biggest box office disappointment of the year. The inclusion of these actors underscores the series’ connection to broader MCU events and characters.
The Marvel Zombies cast also includes Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff, Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, Florence Pugh reprising her role as Yelena Belova, and Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel. The series operates as a spin-off from the What If…? Season 1 episode titled What If… Zombies?!, further exploring this alternate, darker reality within the MCU.
Exploring the Roles of Ant-Man, Valkyrie, and John Walker in the Series
Paul Rudd’s role as Scott Lang is directly tied to events established in the What If… Zombies?! episode, where Scott narrowly escaped the zombie outbreak at Camp Lehigh. Though originally seen only as a preserved head sustained by life support in a jar, Scott manages to join Spider-Man, T’Challa, and the Cloak of Levitation on a mission toward Wakanda, aiming to save what remains of humanity. Marvel Zombies is expected to continue this storyline.
In contrast, the roles of Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie and Wyatt Russell’s John Walker remain unclear. Neither character appeared in the original zombie-themed episode or related concept art, leaving fans uncertain whether they will appear as infected zombies or heroes resisting the outbreak. Given that Steve Rogers’ Captain America has been confirmed as a zombie in the series, John Walker is speculated to either oppose or join him in the conflict.
The mysteries surrounding Valkyrie and John Walker’s roles add a layer of suspense to Marvel Zombies, standing as major questions for fans awaiting the series launch. With the project set for late 2025, viewers will soon learn how these characters fit into this grim, animated chapter of the MCU.
Anticipation Builds for Marvel Zombies and Paul Rudd’s MCU Return
The announcement of Marvel Zombies and Paul Rudd’s return underscores Marvel Studios’ effort to explore varied and mature narratives within the MCU. This series’ R rating suggests a darker tone than typical MCU entries, likely drawing in fans eager for complex storytelling and new character dynamics.
Rudd’s involvement in both Marvel Zombies and Avengers: Doomsday highlights his continued significance in the MCU’s evolving saga. The series also strengthens Disney+’s position as the home of innovative Marvel content expanding beyond traditional live-action films.
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation grows for how the Marvel Zombies storyline will intertwine with broader MCU developments, especially given the return of key characters like Scott Lang, Valkyrie, and John Walker. The series promises to offer intense and unpredictable developments for MCU fans.
