Even though Marvel seemingly has problems keeping directors on board for their superhero sequels, you certainly cannot fault the production house for failing to court interesting choices. From the brow-raising choice of Jon Favreau for Iron Man and the interesting snags that were Shane Black for Iron Man 3, Kenneth Branagh for Thor and Joss Whedon for The Avengers, Marvel is now in talks with James Gunn to direct Guardians of the Galaxy.
If you’re not too familiar with the name I wouldn’t fault you, James Gunn is a niche filmmaker to be sure, having previously directed small projects including the fantastic horror-comedy Slither in 2006 (with Nathan Fillion and Elizabeth Banks), Super with Rainn Wilson in 2010 and also leant his pen to Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead.
Like Whedon, Gunn is not only a highly capable filmmaker and screenwriter, he also is an expert at genre deconstructions full of unique ideas and humour. Personally, I think he is a perfect choice for Guardians of the Galaxy and has ridden under the radar for far too long (also like Whedon pre-Avengers).
As for the project itself, Marvel first chatted Guardians of the Galaxy at this year’s Comic-Con, which finds a group of space-bound superheroes (including the likes of Drax the Destroyer, Gamora and Rocket Raccoon, among others) who, not coincidently, guard the galaxy from the enemies to be. The film adaptation will follow a U.S. pilot who ends up in space in the middle of a universal conflict and goes on the run with futuristic group.
Currently, Gunn is in exclusive talks, meaning a deal will likely be reached shortly to prep Guardians of the Galaxy for its August 1, 2014 release date.
(Source: THR)