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.
“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.
