Stan Lee Comments on Edgar Wright's 'Ant-Man' Departure

Director Edgar Wright's farewell to 'Ant-Man' certainly had a large impact on fans and Marvel itself, the decision being made mere weeks before the 2015 film was set to go into production with Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly starring. While the studio is looking to fill the vacant seat with someone from their comedic shortlist, we had the chance to speak with Stan Lee, co-creator of the character, on the shakeup.

While promoting Marvel's Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., an interactive exhibit at Discovery Time Square in NYC that takes fans inside the world of the 'Avengers' and S.H.I.E.L.D., Stan "The Man" Lee spoke about his reaction to hearing the news of Wright's departure.

I’m sorry about that. I had lunch with him, I met him, he was so excited about it. That was over a year ago. But they’re still making the movie I understand, and it’ll be a great movie because, again, the special effects you can imagine them – a guy this big crawling around the room, people about to step on him. It’ll be great.

Wright had been attached to the film for a while, having also written the script for 'Ant-Man' with Joe Cornish, though ultimately leaving directing duties behind in light of creative differences -- more specifically, over the direction Marvel wanted to take the story. We learned earlier today that, while Marvel is expected to make an announcement shortly on Wright's replacement, the new director shortlist includes the likes of Adam McKay ('Anchorman 2'), Ruben Fleischer ('Zombieland'), Louis D'Esposito (Marvel One-Shots 'Item 47' and 'Agent Carter') and Rawson Thurber ('We're the Millers').

Despite the drama, however, Lee is hopeful and as excited to see the movie as ever. "He's so different from any other hero. You’re always looking for something that’s going to stand out, and Ant-Man will be the most unusual character of all."

'Ant-Man' is set to open in theaters on July 17, 2015.