Marvel Comics has been a company that never forgot where it came from. The moment they embraced the power of the atomic age, they came out swinging with The Fantastic Four. Dubbed Marvel's First Family, that title has still held true as the team has continued to be treated with enough respect within the universe to know that they may be the most important thing in it. That said, they've yet to completely appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, even though there are rumors they may appear as time-displaced heroes. Until that's confirmed, it's clear that the MCU's first family has always been around, hiding under the noses of everyone -- literally.
In 2015, Ant-Man hit the screens and showed a new type of hero that was smaller than the average one but with a heart bigger than any other. Scott Lang showed that being a hero was more than just saving the day; it was also making your family proud of you and being a great role model for loved ones. While the first film only showed Hope, Scott and Hank as a rag-tag group of do-gooders, it was obvious that this was the start of a family dynamic that was equal parts heart and dysfunction.
In Ant-Man and the Wasp, the family dynamic grew even more after Scott accidentally alienated himself from the Pym's by making Hank and Hope criminals, thanks to the Sokovia Accords. However, their familial dysfunction showed once again, and their family grew with the addition of Janet. It's hard to say what's next for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, but with the confirmation that Cassie would have a suit as well, it'll be like another member has joined the Ant-family.
Part of why these heroes have shown an exceptional knack for operating so well together is because they know how important it is to stay together. They all may not be related by blood, but they're related by legacy, love and the knowledge that while they could work well separately, they're strongest as a team. Much like in The Fantastic Four, each member could run solo and make a difference as a hero, but when they're a team, that's when the impossible could be accomplished.
As a family, they've also brought their unique qualities to the larger MCU, especially Scott, who helped bring the Avengers together after The Snap. He also gave the audience their first look at the team eating and living as a found family. He's always been the heart, and he learned that from the family he has worked with for years. While there's still more than enough room for The Fantastic Four to bring their own level of love and dysfunction to the table, it's obvious the Ant-family has established the blueprint in this reality.
Ironically, the Ant-Man films have always been one of the most overlooked entries in the MCU, but even though they're one of the more light-hearted ones, they offer fans a fantastic glimpse at what a family of superheroes would look like, complete with tropes of the brains, heart, energy and logic that the FF helped establish. As a result, even when The Fantastic Four appear, The Pyms and Langs won't easily be forgotten.