The Hollywood Reporter has the latest scoop on the official list of contenders to take over the helm from director Edgar Wright who recently left the project due to creative differences. Wright was hired to write and direct Ant-Man in April 2006, long before Iron-Man was released, back when there was no Marvel Cinematic Universe to speak of. The continuity between the films that now exist in the cinematic universe proved to be too problematic.

Also see: “Ant-Man” is one of our most anticipated released for 2015

The three top contenders:

  • Adam McKay (“Anchorman” movies)
  • Ruben Fleischer (“Gangster Squad”)
  • Rawson Marshall Thurber (“We’re the Millers”)
Screen capture: A “cybernetic helmet” enables him to communicate and study ants. Pym also designed a protective costume for himself and steel mesh

Screen capture: A “cybernetic helmet” enables him to communicate and study ants. Pym also designed a protective costume for himself and steel mesh

Rumors suggest that Thurber or McKay is most likely in line to get the job. McKay entered negotians to helm the project but declined the offer due to scheduling conflicts, he tweeted the following:

“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.”

Also see: Joss Whedon Responds to the Edgar Wright Antman Departure

Wright’s controversial departure sparked rumors suggesting that he was behind schedule, but apparently Marvel is to blame according to some sources. The studio had some notes for Wright and his co-writer Joe Cornish, who turned in two drafts attempting to satisfy the studio without compromising their vision. Seven weeks ago, Marvel gave the script to two less experienced writers, one of whom is from their in-house writing team. Wright raised concerns with the studio about the revisions and met with Marvel last Friday to formally resign.

The storyline for the anticipated Marvel movie is still under wraps but earlier reports and casting announcement suggest that we will have two protagonists in the superhero flick. Paul Rudd will take on the role as Scott Lang, we assume he will also be Ant-Man. Michael Douglas joined the cast as the inventor of Ant-Man’s shrinking particles and equipment.

Additional casting rumors suggest that Michael Pena has entered early negotiations for an undisclosed role, and Former “Lost” star Evangeline Lilly is in talks to take on a role as a female lead with some insiders suggesting that “she would play the daughter of Pym (Douglas) and Lang’s love interest.”

“Ant-Man” is set to be released on July 17, 2015.

Check out: “Ant-Man” archive

Also see: Ant-Man’s Superheroes Hank Pym and Scott Lang Explained for character descriptions