Edgar Wright on Leaving Ant-Man and His Upcoming Projects
Director Edgar Wright, best known for Shaun of the Dead, reflected on his departure from Marvel’s Ant-Man after developing the film for eight years. He left the project in 2014, though his name remained credited for story and screenplay. The final version, starring Paul Rudd, was directed by Peyton Reed.
“The idea of doing it at the time excited me, because you want to put your own spin on it,” Wright told Variety. “But between pitching the idea and doing it, the whole franchise had blown up. The thing that attracted me about it had gone away.”
Rudd’s Ant-Man is set to reappear in next year’s Avengers: Doomsday, alongside Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, Letitia Wright’s Shuri, and Chris Hemsworth’s Thor.
Wright’s Next Film: The Running Man
Wright’s upcoming project is an adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man, starring Glen Powell as Ben Richards. The story follows Richards as he enters a lethal TV contest, fighting to survive 30 days while trying to win money to help his ill daughter.
Why There’s No Shaun of the Dead Sequel
“There are a lot of franchises where the sequels don’t really earn their keep because all the story has been told in the first movie,” Wright explained. “When a character has gone through a massive change, it's very difficult to have a second installment.”
Wright emphasized that the emotional and narrative arc of his 2004 hit feels complete, making a continuation unnecessary.
Author’s Summary: Edgar Wright parted ways with Marvel’s Ant-Man to maintain creative integrity and now focuses on adapting Stephen King’s The Running Man, while resisting pressure for sequels.