If the early buzz is any indication, Marvel’s latest blockbuster, Guardians of the Galaxy, is going to be a huge hit. Given that the film is part of the larger and ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, we’ll definitely see the titular criminals-turned-heroes on the big screen again, especially if the recent Hulk/Guardians team-up rumors are true. In fact, the film may already have a release date, as it could easily be one of Marvel’s several “unannounced” projects landing in theaters between now and 2019.
Jon Favreau and Joss Whedon are the only directors to return for second franchise installments (though Captain America: The Winter Soldier directors Joe and Anthony Russo are coming back for Captain America 3), so there’s always the chance that if Guardians of the Galaxy 2 happens, director James Gunn may not return. When asked about it in a recent interview with Adam Corolla, Gunn said:
“I’m actually in a somewhat weird position. Because if the movie does well, then I’m gonna make the sequel. And if it does okay then, well, I’ve already been offered other movies but I can only do those other movies if I don’t do the sequel, so it’s a weird situation.”
It’s definitely a great “weird situation” for Gunn to be in, but it’s bound to be frustrating. Guardians of the Galaxy is the director’s biggest gig yet, and if successful it will likely open a lot of doors for him. However, with Guardians’ opening weekend tracking numbers currently predicting a $60 million opening weekend, there’s a very good chance that Gunn will find the success needed to convince him to return for another installment.
What do you think, would you like to see James Gunn direct Guardians of the Galaxy 2? Or do you have to see the first film before making that call? Let us know your predictions in the comments below…
Originally published July 20, 2014. Updated January 18, 2020.
