It’s been rumoured for some time now that director James Gunn (Slither, Super) would tackle Marvel’s ‘big space epic’ Guardians of the Galaxy, and following last week’s semi-confirmation from ‘Phase Two’ creative consultant Joss Whedon, Gunn has now taken to Facebook to officially announce that he’s set to direct the project, as well as rewriting the screenplay for Nicole Periman and Christopher McCoy. Check out Gunn’s statement below:
“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!”
Now that Gunn is confirmed as helming Guardians of the Galaxy, we have a clear picture of how ‘Phase Two’ of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will play out. Things will get underway next year with the release of Iron Man 3 (directed by Shane Black; Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) and Thor: The Dark World (Alan Taylor; Game of Thrones), followed by Captain America: The Winter Solider (Anthony and Joe Russo; Community) and Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, leading up to Joss Whedon’s The Avengers 2 on May 1st, 2015. Of course, there’s also the possibility that Marvel will squeeze in Edgar Wright’s Ant-Man somewhere in between…
Are you happy with James Gunn’s appointment on Guardians of the Galaxy, and which of Marvel’s Phase Two movies are you most looking forward to? Feel free to let us know in the comments below…
Originally published September 18, 2012. Updated April 10, 2018.
