After many failed attempts, the DC Universe seems to be finally getting back on its feet. With the announcement of its new phase, God and Monsters, DC has been doing better than it has in years and there is one person to credit for this. DC Universe CEO, James Gunn, has created quite a lot of buzz around himself with the release of The Guardians of the Galaxy 3 and his intricate plans for the DCU.
Despite all of this success, Gunn experienced deep struggles in his early life. Having faced serious addiction and gone through immense mental turmoil, the director finally feels comfortable talking about this publically.
James Gunn Talks About His Addiction
During an interview with EL PAÍS, James Gunn talked about his early years and his struggle with substance abuse. He talked about how he has had struggles like this all throughout his life but the ‘demons’ change. When he was young he would focus his energies on alcohol and drugs. Gunn simply needed to focus on creating something and not being distracted by menial things.
“My demons change over the years. I was an alcoholic as a young person, and a drug addict. I went through a number of crazy years. I think that for me, it’s really about focusing on the creative process and not being distracted by money, power, attention, negativity, and just focusing on the creative process.” James Gunn said,“As someone who was himself a violent teenager addicted to drugs & entered recovery with the help & love of his family, as well as someone who has seen dozens of other young men stay sober & become fruitful members of society, these are not the only two options.”
Through the years, James Gunn’s struggle with alcohol and drugs turned into trying not to get distracted by his fame. He talked about how he has to constantly force himself to focus on his creative process and not get distracted by money power and glory.
James Gunn’s Struggle with Depression
In a 2017 Facebook, James Gunn talked about his other struggle, his suicidal tendencies, and his depression. The director talked about how he felt completely alone and he started to have quite dark thoughts. Despite having people who loved and cared for him, he was having difficulty confiding in people. He was however able to find solace in entertainment.
“When I was young I felt utterly alone, at times to the point of suicidal thoughts. I never felt like I belonged, had an incredibly difficult time connecting to other people and, despite having love around me, I had an impossible time experiencing it, or taking it in. But I found my respite in popular entertainment” James Gunn talked about his dark times in a Facebook post “[The Guardians are] a group of heartbroken misfits whose lives have been bereft of tenderness and connection and who have a nearly impossible time trusting themselves or others. But they’re learning, one step at a time. They are me. They are you. We are Groot. And no matter how much world leaders are telling you we aren’t in this together, we are. You are not alone.”
