Director Edgar Wright exits Marvel’s ‘Ant-Man’

Director Edgar Wright has departed Marvel’s superhero movie “Ant-Man” over “differences in their vision of the film,” according to a joint statement issued by Wright and the studio on Friday.

“The decision to move on is amicable and does not impact the release date on July 17, 2015,” the statement said. “A new director will be announced shortly.”

Wright’s exit comes as a surprising turn of events since he had been attached to the project as a screenwriter since its inception in 2006. He also showed off “Ant-Man” test footage at Comic-Con in 2012.

Wright’s credits include “The World’s End,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “Shaun of the Dead.”

“Ant-Man” is to star Paul Rudd as the titular hero, a scientist who uses a shrinking serum that allows him to sneak around in miniature form and surprise his foes. The cast also includes Evangeline Lilly, Patrick Wilson and Michael Douglas.