Last week there were some strong rumors of three directors Marvel was looking at to took over directing duties on ANT-MAN, since Edgar Wright has left the project. The three in contest were Adam McKay (ANCHORMAN), Rawson Marshall Thurber (WE'RE THE MILLERS) and Ruben Fleischer (ZOMBIELAND). All three had qualities somewhat comparable to Wright's, and are at least capable of delivering a project such as ANT-MAN. However, they also seem to be dropping like flies.
The first to respond to the news was Adam McKay:
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
Now it looks as if Rawson Marshall Thurber may have passed on the gig, as Jeff Sneider tweets (via ThisIsInfamous):
So Rawson Marshall Thurber already passed on ANT-MAN, the movie that no self-respecting director appears to want to adopt?
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) June 4, 2014
This leaves Ruben Fleischer left in the mix, but what of the earlier report that he may be negotiations to helm GHOSTBUSTERS 3? It's hard not bring up Fleischer's name as a candidate, given the most memorable scene in ZOMBIELAND, however Fleischer also seems like he knows how to balance action and effects with humor. As the earlier report states, his wife recently had a baby and shooting on GHOSTBUSTERS 3 probably won't begin any time soon, giving him time to spend with his family (as opposed to the ANT-MAN gig which Marvel looks like they're trying to get done as quickly as possible). Perhaps we may hear from Fleischer sooner, rather than later, on the matter.
Obviously there's plenty of directing fish in the sea, as these were just Marvel's rumored top picks to replace Edgar Wright, but I do find it interesting that each director is passing on the project. Does this say much for the state of ANT-MAN, or does it happen to be a coincidence? It's all a matter of time before a director says, "yes", but who?
The director-less ANT-MAN, starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, is still set to be released on July 17, 2015.