It looks like the Marvel superhero film "Ant-Man" is once again out of a director. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Adam McKay pulled out of negotiations with Marvel Studios. He was being considered as Edgar Wright's replacement but abruptly decided not to take the job.
A source told THR that the decision is said to be McKay's alone. According to Variety, he was up against Rawson Marshall Thurber and Ruben Fleischer. Wright quit the superhero project two weeks ago "due to differences in their version of the film," a statement read.
The statement also said the split was "amicable." Wright had been attached to direct "Ant-Man" since 2006 but a source told Deadline that the director and Marvel were starting to have problems. It was rumored that the script for the film is still not finished and that was one of the reasons Wright quit.
Ever since Wright backed out, the studio has been searching for a new director to helm the project. Just yesterday it was reported that McKay would be that replacement. He co-wrote and directed both "Anchorman" films and according to Variety, that was a major factor in him landing the gig. Because of his relationship with "Ant-Man's" Paul Rudd, he was able to beat out the other two directors. Rudd played Brian Fantana in both "Anchorman" movies.
McKay addressed his exit on Twitter writing, "And yes, met w/Marvel. Kirby & Lee r my Lennon Mccartney so it was awesome. But have other projects I'm committed to. Not sure it can work."
"Ant-Man" stars Rudd as Scott Lang and Michael Douglas as Hank Pym, as well as Patrick Wilson, Evangeline Lily, Corey Stoll and Michael Pena.
Marvel had previously said the search for a new director would not affect the July 17, 2015 release date.
