Hot on the heels of yesterday's report that Paul Rudd was in negotiations to play Ant Man, Marvel studios releases its official press statement. (from comingsoon.net)

"Marvel Studios confirmed today that renowned actor Paul Rudd has been cast to star as the title character in Marvel's Ant-Man. The feature film is being directed by Edgar Wright. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige will produce the film with Nira Park.

The casting of Rudd represents the actor that Marvel had long ago identified as its first choice to play Ant-Man, continuing the studio's desire to cast actors that bring several dimensions to its onscreen heroes. The film's plot is being kept under wraps.

Rudd brings a diverse background to the role having become one of the industry's most known actors with a reputation for smart, funny and creative performances. Rudd can currently be seen in Anchor Man 2: The Legend Continues, as well as past roles in Anchorman; This Is 40; I Love You, Man; Role Models; Forgetting Sarah Marshall; Our Idiot Brother; Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin among numerous other films, television shows and primetime animation."

Marvel president Kevin Feige was also delighted in their latest signing. Rudd was Director Edgar Wright's preference all along, and they were happy to acquire him. Feige shares:

"When Edgar Wright came to us with the idea of Paul Rudd, we felt a huge sense of relief because the first step in creating any Marvel Studios film is finding the right star. We knew early on that we had found the right person in Paul. When he not only agreed to do it but became as enthusiastic as any actor we'd ever met with about doing the work, we knew we'd found the right guy. We couldn't be more excited for our audiences to see what he's going to do to bring Ant-Man to life."

While Kevin Feige had already stated in a previous interview that they will identify the Ant Man actor "by the end of the year," it's probably not a coincidence that the decision was announced just days after their other prospect Joseph Gordon Levitt announced that he was taking on the "Sandman" project from rival studio Warner Bros.

Nevertheless, Paul Rudd's casting was met with generally positive feedback, far from the Ben Affleck as Batman backlash, partly because not too many people are passionate over the character.

"Ant-Man" will premiere July 31, 2015.