Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn has taken to Facebook to reflect on his time working on Marvel’s space opera, as he puts the final touches to the film ahead of its impending release…
I swear, I’ve gotten angry with filmmakers like Ridley Scott and George Lucas who can’t let go of their old films and want to keep going back and offering up different versions, but I can easily see myself doing that now.
This is essentially my last week of actually making Guardians of the Galaxy. It’s been two years straight and I’ve starting to become terrified of actually having to STOP. But on July 7 I leave for Singapore to begin the press tour so I suppose I really have no choice.
There isn’t much left. I’m still playing with the sound mix and the 3D and the DI (digital intermediate – basically the color-timing) – and there are some outstanding visual effects shots. But I still want to do what I can with what I have left to make the most stunning film I can for you guys on August 1! I think the Marvel producers are starting to understand my almost psychotic inability to be happy with anything, and to pick apart things to the very bitter end. They’re going to have to tear this movie from my bloody grip.
Aagh.
I’m starting to get very sad every time I think of how I’m going to miss all of the people I’ve been working with side-by-side for the past two years. And – to show you how strange I really am – I get teary-eyed when I think of how I won’t be working with Rocket (at least for a little while). He’s been the center of my life for a long time now, and I’ve come to love the little son-of-a-bitch. Really.
Let’s be honest. I’m getting teary-eyed now writing those words. And yes that may be a sign that I really am in need of a break.
But for now, it’s back to work. Love to you all. Have a fantastic weekend.
Guardians of the Galaxy is set for release on July 31st in the UK and August 1st in North America, with James Gunn (Super) directing a cast that includes Chris Pratt (The Lego Movie) as Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora, Dave Bautista (Riddick) as Drax the Destroyer, Bradley Cooper (American Hustle) as Rocket Raccoon, Vin Diesel (Fast & Furious 6) as Groot, Benicio Del Toro (Sin City) as The Collector, Lee Pace (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) as Ronan the Accuser, Karen Gillan (Doctor Who) as Nebula, Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond) as Korath, John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) as Rhomman Dey, Glenn Close (Damages) as Nova Prime Rael and Josh Brolin (Men in Black 3) as Thanos. Watch the latest trailer here.
Originally published June 29, 2014. Updated December 13, 2019.
