Last month it was reported that writer/director James Gunn was in negotiations to direct Marvel Studio’s Guardians Of The Galaxy. Earlier today, Gunn himself confirmed that he had the job on 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!
Gunn’s rewrite will mark the third person to work on the project’s screenplay following Chris McCoy rewriting the original draft by Nicole Perlman
Gunn reportedly beaten out Peyton Reed (Bring It On) and directing team Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden (Half Nelson) for the job.
The film is part of Marvel’s “Phase Two” of their interlocking cinematic superhero universe and so far is the only non-sequel film in this new set of films. (Marvel has not yet officially announced Ant-Man though it appears to be a sure thing at this point.) Thanos, the villain glimpsed at the very end of this summer’s The Avengers, is a major baddie in the various Guardians comic series and it is generally being assumed that this movie will be used to set the villain up for The Avengers 2.
Guardians Of The Galaxy is set for an August 1, 2014 release.The director confirmed the news today on Facebook.
