Writer/director Edgar Wright has departed Marvel Studios'
Ant-Man. In a joint statement, the studio and director announced they have parted ways "due to differences in their vision of the film." The official statement also stated that the move was "amicable" and doesn't impact
Ant-Man's release date: July 17, 2015. Marvel said a new director will be "announced shortly," although did not confirm a new director has been hired; an important distinction.
Wright became attached to the project in 2006 and passionately developed
Ant-Man, stating in 2010 that the film would not fit into the overarching
Avengers universe. That changed in 2013, when Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige announced
Ant-Man was being retooled by Wright and co-screenwriter Joe Cornish to fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, later revealing it would also officially launch Phase III of the MCU.
Wright oversaw casting of the film earlier this year, with Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly and Patrick Wilson being announced as
Ant-Man's primary cast. There is no indication that the cast or Cornish's role have been altered, even though the screenplay will presumably be redrafted to accommodate Marvel's vision.