Good news for Marvel fans, who were surely getting antsy over the past few days (sorry). Today, it was announced that Peyton Reed has officially signed on to direct Ant-Man. The comedy director, who previously helmed Yes Man, The Break-Up and Bring It On, was named the front-runner to take the reins on the superhero blockbuster yesterday. He’ll receive scripting help from Adam McKay, the Step Brothers director who was previously offered Ant-Man but turned the gig down.
It’s been a tough few days for Ant-Man; the film lost its long-time director Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) rather abruptly when he dropped out due to script changes. The departure of Wright came as a shock to fans, considering the director had been involved with the project since 2006. Luckily, Reed seems like a good choice to rescue the movie, which many considered to be in-flux and which multiple individuals came forward to say Marvel should abandon.
Reed is not a total newcomer to the superhero genre; he developed Fantastic Four for years over at Fox before Tim Story stepped in to take it over. Plus, he definitely has the comedic sensibilities that will be required for a film like this.
In addition to naming a director, Marvel also unveiled a new synopsis for the blockbuster:
“Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.”
Ant-Man opens July 17th, 2015, until announced otherwise.