Shock exit for the Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz director, who has been involved in project since 2006, with an announcement late in the preproduction stages

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Director Edgar Wright has abruptly parted ways with Marvel Studios after years of work on the upcoming film Ant-Man, the studio announced Friday.

It is a startling break-up. Wright had been working on Ant-Man since 2006. He co-wrote the Ant-Man screenplay and also is listed as a co-producer.

The British director, whose credits include Hot Fuzz and the zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead, did not appear to retain any role in the Ant-Man project.

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“Marvel and Edgar Wright jointly announced today that the studio and director have parted ways on Ant-Man due to differences in their vision of the film,” a statement issued by the studio read. “The decision to move on is amicable and does not impact the release date on July 17, 2015. A new director will be announced shortly.”

Ant-Man had attracted an A-list cast, including Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas and Paul Rudd as Ant-Man. Variety reported that a new director had been chosen but not yet publicly named.

The Ant-Man project appeared set to elevate Wright to a much larger stage. Marvel Entertainment has generated a string of film hits based on stories from its comic books franchise, including Captain America, Thor, X-Men, Wolverine and the Amazing Spider-Man.

Ant-Man tells the story of a scientist who develops a power to control insects.



• This article was amended on 29 May 2014 to correct a reference to Marvel Entertainment, from Marvel studios as the original said.