Ant-Man actor Paul Rudd was also in town for the official launch of the first attraction featuring the nano-sized hero in the world
Actress Jessica Hsuan (from left) and government officials Paul Chan Mo-po and Eliza Lee Man-ching helped launch the new ride. Photo: SCMPHong Kong Disneyland Resort introduced visitors to Ant-Man, The Wasp, and a new local hero on Thursday at the launch ceremony of the attraction.
The park’s newly-opened Marvel-themed ride, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!, features a Hong Kong-specific character named Leslie Lam.
Lam is the chief engineer of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Science & Technology Pavilion, and is played by local actress Jessica Hsuan.
“As a Hong Kong artist, it’s amazing to see our very own Hong Kong Disneyland continue to grow and to have new local Marvel characters who truly represent our city,” said Hsuan.
The interactive ride takes visitors on an important mission with Ant-Man and The Wasp to help defend Hong Kong against an army of Swarmbots.
Hsuan was among the guests at Thursday’s launch, along with actor Paul Rudd, who plays Ant-Man in the Marvel films.
“I grew up going to Disney parks, and now to be part of an attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland is a dream come true,” Rudd said. “I can’t wait to share this experience with my kids – they’re going to love it.”
Ant-Man isn’t the only new to character arriving at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort; more new rides and attractions are on the way, according the theme park’s managing director, Stephanie Young.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is currently one year into a six-year HK$10.9 billion expansion plan that includes new Marvel, Moana and Frozen-themed attractions, as well as an upgraded castle set to open in 2020.
An even bigger Marvel-themed area, featuring superheroes from the Avengers franchise, is expected to open in 2023.
The expansion was launched to boost business for park, which has been losing money for the past four years.