Looks like Marvel Studios needs to find a new director for its upcoming "Ant-Man" movie.
"Edgar Wright is no longer directing 'Ant-Man.' He and Marvel said in a joint statement they were parting ways over creative differences." (Via WNAC)
Friday's joint statement said the decision was "amicable and does not impact the release date on July 17, 2015." The studio also said a new director for the film "will be announced shortly." (Via Marvel)
But, according to Variety, it might not be all that soon. Sources told the outlet Marvel is zeroing in on Wright's replacement, but the studio apparently isn't in any negotiations yet.
Wright's sudden departure has been quite the shock to "Ant-Man" fans.
Entertainment Weekly notes he's been closely involved with the biochemist-turned-insect-controlling-superhero flick since 2006.
And he's been a regular at the San Diego Comic-Con, giving updates on the film and even showing test footage to the audience.
"It is action-packed. 'Ant-Man' will kick your ass one inch at a time." (Via Comic-Con)
So now, many are left wondering — what happened to make Wright up and leave a project he seemed extremely invested in? (Via Flickr / ewen and donabel)
The film was expected to be big for Wright. As a writer for The Hollywood Reporter puts it, "As opposed to most of its helmers, Wright has not been a director-for-hire, and the project was conceived as a major showcase for the man who made 'Shaun of the Dead,' 'Hot Fuzz' and 'The World's End.'"
Wright did put the budding "Ant-Man" project on the back burner to work on the science fiction comedy "The World's End" in 2012. (Via Universal Pictures / "The World's End")
But he said in a Q&A with Deadline at Comic-Con in 2013 the decision had nothing to do with the films. "I had a chance to do 'Ant-Man' in 2011. ... But then something else happened. [Working Title partner] Eric Fellner was diagnosed with cancer. ... He has given me permission to tell this ['World's End'] story. That changed everything."
Regardless of the reason behind Wright's seemingly permanent exit from "Ant-Man," the reaction has been predominantly negative on social media.
Countless fans have expressed their newly-lost enthusiasm for the film via Twitter.
While others are pointing the finger at Marvel for not supporting the director. (Via Twitter / @railoftomorrow)
At least Marvel has most of the film's lead roles cast. Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly and Michael Douglas are all set to make an appearance. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Luke Ford, Flickr / watchwithkristin / World Economic Forum)
Wright has yet to comment any further.
