James Gunn’s last Marvel film before he bids goodbye to the MCU and focuses on the DCU is the much-awaited Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The film is stacked full of high caliber casts like Will Poulter, Chukwudi Iwuji, alongside franchise stables like Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, and more.
While a lot of the cast are seasoned actors, Chukwudi Iwuji is a comparative newbie. But James Gunn was taken by the acting prowess of the newly emerging star and after hiring him for Peacemaker, he called him back for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
James Gunn Puts New Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Star On Par With Acclaimed Actors
Variety published a new interview where James Gunn praised new star Chukwudi Iwuji and called him one of the best actors he has worked with. This is high praise from the acclaimed director who has a near-perfect Marvel record and is now helming DC Studios. Gunn said:
“He (Chukwudi Iwuji) was, along with Viola Davis and Margot Robbie and Benicio Del Toro and a few others, one of the best actors I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I had a feeling Chuk could bring something unique to the role.”
Before starring in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Chukwudi Iwuji was cast by James Gunn in Peacemaker, a spin-off of The Suicide Squad, starring John Cena. But why is Gunn enamored with Iwuji? It’s because he was the only one who gave a nuanced portrayal of every character he played. Gunn said:
“He was able to play an alien of extraordinary empathy and integrity who took over the body and memories of a sociopathic mercenary and was somehow able to convey all of those character aspects at once. His performance was nuanced and layered and unlike anyone else who auditioned.”
Iwuji was flabbergasted when during the production of Peacemaker, the director told him about the Marvel role he wanted planning to cast him in. He was so baffled by the offer that Iwuji thought Gunn had mistaken him for some other actor.
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Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Actor Was In Disbelief Over James Gunn’s Offer
In the Variety interview, Chukwudi Iwuji stated that he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing when James Gunn hired him for the High Evolutionary. He said, “I jokingly said to him, ‘James, is this when you tell me that you actually had meant to hire Chiwetel Ejiofor, and you got our names mixed up?’ He said, ‘Actually, what I want is for you to be the main villain in Guardians of the Galaxy 3.'”
However, Gunn did make Iwuji take a screen test even after pretty much promising him the role. But in a way, The Suicide Squad director did stick to his promise by not calling anyone else for the screen test. Iwuji said, “There was a side of me that was secretly hoping I wouldn’t have to do a screen test, that I’d just get the role. But it was a screen test for one. When I arrived, I did not see five other actors that looked like me. It was just for me.”
There are very actors who have worked in two of the biggest superhero franchises in the world. Now, Chukwudi Iwuji can proudly add his name to the list. It will be exciting to see how his career shapes up next.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 releases on 5 May 2023.
Source: Variety
