Peyton Reed Confirmed as ‘Ant-Man’ Director; Adam McKay Contributing to Script

Marvel ends rampant speculation

Marvel has confirmed Peyton Reed as the director of “Ant-Man,” and says Adam McKay will contribute to the script.

The news Saturday came a day after TheWrap reported that Reed, director of “Yes Man,” was the frontrunner for the superhero project, which stars Paul Rudd. “Anchorman” director McKay had also been a candidate.

Also read: ‘Yes Man’s’ Peyton Reed Is Frontrunner to Direct Marvel’s ‘Ant-Man’ (Exclusive)

Speculation about who would direct the July 17, 2015 film has been rampant since Edgar Wright stepped down as director May 23 over creative differences with Marvel.

The film — which also features Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Michael Douglas, and Michael Peña — is part of the next wave of Marvel films, which includes this summer’s “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Also read: Edgar Wright Exits Marvel’s ‘Ant-Man’

“Ant-Man” finds con man Scott Lang (Rudd) embracing his inner hero to help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas), protect the Ant-Man suit, which allows its wearer to change his size. Together they must pull off a heist that will save the world.

Reed made his directorial debut with the hit 2000 cheerleading comedy “Bring It On” starring Kirsten Dunst. He followed that up with the visually inventive 2003 musical “Down with Love” starring Ewan McGregor and Renee Zellweger, and went on to direct the Vince Vaughn-Jennifer Aniston relationship comedy “The Break-Up,” which grossed more than $200 million worldwide. His latest film, the Jim Carrey comedy “Yes Man,” grossed $223 million worldwide.

Reed is represented by WME and attorney Robert Offer.

Comments