James Gunn, via a message on his Facebook page, has confirmed that he will write and direct the Guardians of the Galaxy adaptation for Marvel Studios. The Slither and Super director has long been rumoured to be the helmer of this tent-pole event for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially given Joss Whedon’s gushing support for the man in a recent interview with MTV, but now he is able to officially confirm it, dropping in another piece of the puzzle. All we need now is some casting rumours! Guardians of the Galaxy is due to be released on 1 August 2014 from Disney.
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!
