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James Gunn Confirmed to Rewrite & Direct 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

by Ethan Anderton
September 18, 2012
Source: Facebook

While we heard that Slither and Super director James Gunn was the top choice to direct Marvel's next ensemble superhero project, Guardians of the Galaxy (and earlier Joss Whedon basically confirmed his involvement by putting his faith in him as a filmmaker), Disney and Marvel didn't release a statement confirming or denying Gunn's involvement (though that's become standard operating procedure when news like this comes from fairly unofficial channels). However, Gunn, who is normally pretty vocal online, has also remained quiet. But that changed today as Gunn took to Facebook with an official statement. Read on!

Here's James Gunn's entire statement about directing Guardians of the Galaxy published on his Facebook:

"For a month or so there’s been a lot of Internet speculation about my involvement with Marvel’s 'Guardians of the Galaxy.' Until now I haven’t said anything, because I’m trying to be less expulsive about this project than I am about the rest of my life. But last night I got the go-ahead from Kevin Feige to let you all know that, yes, indeed, I am rewriting and directing 'Guardians of the Galaxy.'

As a lifelong lover of Marvel comics, space epics, AND raccoons, this is the movie I’ve been waiting to make since I was nine years old. Kevin, Joss, and all the folks at Marvel have been amazing collaborators so far, and we’re committed to bringing you something majestic, beautiful, and unique. I am incredibly excited. I am also incredibly grateful to the fans and the press for all their words of encouragement and support regarding my involvement with this project since the news first leaked. Thanks – you have, honestly, touched and overwhelmed me.

And that’s it for now. Other than the occasional photos of my dog and cat here on Facebook, I’ll talk to you again in August 2014 when 'Guardians' is released!"

I'm sure Gunn will talk more about the project before the film's release in 2014, but Marvel and Disney love their secrets, so his words will probably still be vague and few and far between. Either way, it's good to have official confirmation straight from the horse's mouth, and hear that this is exactly what Gunn has been building towards with his film career. I'm sure he never thought this project would specifically be Guardians of the Galaxy, but it's this scope, this style and this comic book blockbuster part of a bigger universe that he's likely always envisioned. We'll keep you posted on Guardians of the Galaxy so stay tuned! Thoughts?

Filed under Development, Hype, Movie News

From around the web:

DAVIDPD

Good news everyone...
JerseyBoy

NO! OH GOD WHY MARVEL! -crys- Well this is the end for Marvel Studioa alright, giving more inexperienced directors who has never helmed a superhero level assemble to helm a film ( Joss Whedon,Alan Taylor,jon favreau,Russo Hacks,Leterrier) and now James Gunn joins the slowly sinking boat. You have to admit Avengers had its many mistakes that didn't sit well with comic continuity. But this is going to far Marvel, please bring in experienced directors in this genre so another bomb like Iron Man 2 or The Incredible Hulk wouldn't happen again.
- http://www.facebook.com/matt.peloquin.14 Matt Peloquin
  
  Everything you just described is exactly what sets Marvel apart from the other studios and why I love them so much. The only way we're going to get fresh ideas is to give the younger generation a couple hundred million dollars and let them run wild with something they're very passionate about. I'd rather have a fan of the comic making the film than a Hollywood heavy weight any day.
- http://twitter.com/stalkbrandon Brandon V. Fletcher
  
  funny considering I think Thor was one of the weaker films (Letterrier's Hulk is the worst). Asgard scenes> Earth scenes. This is why Taylor will nail the second film. *shrug*
- Cody W
  
  I wasnt sure if your whole post was sarcasm or not, I couldnt disagree with you more. Giving younger directors the keys is the key, they are the ones with the passion, they are the ones who stayed up until 3 in the morning trying to finish the the next comic in the series at 9 years old. You give those older "more experienced" farts the helm and there going to put a boring formulaic twist on something that has to be new and improved.
- Scopedog
  
  Hmmm...what you are describing is the exact opposite of what's happened...but I'll say no more.
http://twitter.com/FidelReyes_ Fidel Reyes

I have faith in you James Gunn, make us proud!
Hattopri Hanzi

Let's face it, the only way any movie with a furry gun toting racoon can have a chance of appealing to anyone older than 11 (or those of similiar mentality) is by giving it to Tarantino and that's only if he makes it his first comedy.
New Dawn

Guys marvel is the most broad thinking and creative film house in the business. It had the guts to link its films and carefully craft the Avengers. I'm a massive comic fan and I'd never heard of the guardians but if Marvel is excited about it I think they deserve the benefit of the doubt. Can't wait for it!
Ehsan Davodi

Very Talented Director But Big Jump. Extremely Interested
- DAVIDPD
  
  Really though this is not as big of a jump as THE AVENGERS was for Joss Whedon. Giving these tent poles to the small fries is what we need.
  - Ehsan Davodi
    
    David I think Serenity (and even butterfly series) was primitive big jumps for whedon. Anyway I hope james win Sent from my iPod
    - DAVIDPD
      
      Yes and no. Those IP's were never going to be "profitable" in the sense THE AVENGERS was. You know?
      - Ehsan Davodi
        
        Yes and No David Too, you must compare whedon with gunn. In my opinion Serenity is much bigger that both super & slither. I mean whedon not was unfamiliar with big budget project. Even Butterfly was something big (not too much also) I don't Wana argue with you and I'm not skeptical too , but if this not big jump then what is it dude? Sent from my iPod
- Scopedog
  
  Yeah, but it's happened before and the payoff was worth it. Besides, Gunn wrote and directed SLITHER, and for that, he earned my respect (and also for the script for the remake of DAWN OF THE DEAD).