‘Ant-Man’ cast expands with John Slattery, Judy Greer as cameras roll

The cast of “Ant-Man” is starting to look anything but insectoid.

The upcoming movie starring Paul Rudd as a superhero who shrinks in size but increases in strength has added several new cast members, including John Slattery, Judy Greer, Bobby Cannavale, Wood Harris, rapper T.I. and comedian Gregg Turkington (a.k.a. Neil Hamburger), Marvel and Disney revealed Monday. The newcomers join Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll and others.

The news arrived as part of an announcement that the long-gestating movie has finally commenced principal photography in San Francisco, with director Peyton Reed (“Yes Man,” “Bring It On”) at the helm. “Ant-Man” will film in Atlanta.

The start of shooting marks a significant step forward for “Ant-Man,” which has had a rocky path to production.

Writer-director Edgar Wright (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Shaun of the Dead”) had originally been attached to the project since its inception in 2006 and even showed off “Ant-Man” test footage at Comic-Con in 2012. In May, however, Wright abruptly parted ways with Marvel over “differences in their vision of the film,” according to a joint statement from the studio and director. Many observers believed that Wright’s unconventional style didn’t mesh with Marvel’s more regimented approach.

Following Wright’s departure, reports surfaced that Adam McKay (“Anchorman 2,” “Step Brothers”) was in talks to replace him but ultimately withdrew. In June, Marvel named Reed as the director, with McKay contributing to the script.

Reed may have his work cut out for him winning over the fan community, which generally considered Wright — a director with a knack for quirky, imaginative action-comedies — an inspired choice to bring “Ant-Man” to the screen.

Marvel, meanwhile, is charging full speed ahead with a slate of 11 superhero movies planned through 2019.

“Ant-Man” is set to hit theaters July 17, 2015.

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