We reported last week that Marvel's adaptation of Ant-Man had lost its long-involved director Edgar Wright after it was rumoured he had pulled out because of script changes. Marvel said they had someone else in mind for the job and were due to announce it in the next week or so. So far, it's not looking good.
Anchorman's Adam McKay was tipped to be the front-runner as he's worked with Paul Rudd - star of Ant-Man - numerous times and would fit with the film's comedic tone. Now it looks as if McKay's not interested. The director posted a tweet last night saying that he wasn't able to take it on.
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.
— Adam McKay (@GhostPanther) May 31, 2014
The other two people rumoured to be in contention are Zombieland's Ruben Fleischer and We're The Millers' Rawson Marshall Thurber. Both are competent, but neither seems as though they've got the unique vision that's marked out the best Marvel films. You take a look at Kenneth Branagh's Thor or Shane Black's Iron Man 3 or even Joss Whedon's Avengers - all had a strong director who knew what they were after. Both of the directors Marvel's lined up look like run-of-the-mill comedy directors.
Marvel has been keen to stress that Ant-Man will be a much more lighter and comedy-driven that previous Marvel films, which can only be a good thing. Early trailers for Guardians of the Galaxy look very promising and a sequel is already in the works.
Is it likely Marvel will just drop the film altogether? Highly unlikely. Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas and the cast are locked into the film, regardless of who's behind the camera. Not only that, they've said this trouble will not affect its release date.
We're hoping a good director can come in and right the ship, but as it stands right now, it looks like the Ant-Man project is sinking in the eyes of the movie-going public. Edgar Wright's a fan favourite and had been working on the film for years. Fans will undoubtedly see whatever's released as what could have been.