Announced through his Facebook page, James Gunn has revealed that he will officially be directing the new Guardians of the Galaxy film. It’s been expected since Marvel approached the Scooby-Doo director back in August to direct the picture, but now it’s been made official and it has emerged that James Dunn will also be writing the script.

A script for the film already exists after being penned by Nicole Perlman and Chris McCoy, but it seems that Marvel has given Gunn free reign to change what he wishes, and even create a whole new script, just as it happened when Joss Whedon was given the helm of the hugely successful Marvel flick, The Avengers.

The film adaptation comes as a bit of a surprise to many, when other origin stories of Marvel characters were expected instead of another ensemble outing with a less well-known group of intergalactic peacekeepers. Included in the group is Rocket Raccoon, a raccoon (obviously) with a love of large and explosive weaponry. Potentially far too camp for a film outing but with Gunn’s success with his superhero flick Super, chances are he’s the one that can legitimise the character.

The Marvel villain Thanos is expected to be the bad guy for this film, which fans of the comics are excited about. Thanos has been involved in the Marvel universe for almost 40 years and has faced almost every hero going and is responsible for the creation of Drax the Destroyer (a member of the Guardians) after attacking and murdering his family when he first comes to Earth.

However, how much of Gunn’s script will follow the prescribed line of events remains to be seen.

Gunn said via his Facebook page:

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!

As you can see, the new Guardians of the Galaxy is expected out in the summer of 2014, shortly after the spring release of Captain America 2. Fans of the Marvel heroes won’t have long to wait though, with Iron Man 3 coming out in May 2013 and Thor 2 out in November next year to tide you over.

Leave a comment