James Gunn’s name these days is frequently linked with almost every DC Studios project in one way or another, so much so that one would be forgiven for thinking he never worked for their rivals, Marvel. The filmmaker behind DC’s The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker is now at the helm of the studio alongside Peter Safran. The two share the title of CEO and are spearheading the DCU reboot, having already announced the new DCU slate, which will be kicked off by Creature Commandos in 2024.
However, before he got the reins at DC, Gunn worked prominently with Marvel Studios. Accordingly, they’ve decided to honor him in a unique way.
How Marvel Has Decided to Honor DCU Chief James Gunn
DC fans are certainly excited to see how James Gunn will direct the first true DCU movie, Superman: Legacy despite the negative headlines the project has attracted due to snubbing off fan-favorite Henry Cavill.
There are certainly question marks over Gunn’s casting decision, however, when it comes to directing and shaping the plot of a movie, the 57-year-old has a pretty impressive record; with both Marvel and DC. From The Guardians of the Galaxy to Peacemaker, not once have fans questioned his talent as a director.
He has directed and written all three volumes of Guardians of the Galaxy. Further, Gunn has played his part in the MCU’s two biggest hits: Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame by serving as an executive producer.
Another show where he had the same title is I Am Groot. Featuring Vin Diesel, the Disney+ show follows the journey of mischievous toddler Baby Groot, who learns to group up among the stars. Its first season premiered in 2022 and the five episodes of Season 2 are also available on the streaming platform.
Apart from Diesel and Bradley Cooper’s (Rocket) hilarious voices, the end part of each episode has attracted the attention of fans as they include a “Special Thanks” credit for Gunn – a sign that curtains are drawn between the once very successful relationship.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Kirsten Lepore suggested Gunn’s advice concerning Groot’s expressive face – akin to an emoji – was a big help throughout the animated show’s production.
Why Marvel Once Fired Guardians Of The Galaxy Director James Gunn
The nice little gesture in I Am Groot underlines there’s no bad blood between Marvel Studios and Gunn at the moment. However, the two parties haven’t always maintained the same level of cordiality.
This isn’t the first time Marvel has said their goodbyes to the filmmaker. In 2018, he was removed as the director of the Guardians Of The Galaxy franchise after his offensive tweets from the past resurfaced on social media.
However, considering how successful the first two Chris Pratt-led movies were (grossed more than $1.5 billion globally) many believed the separation was going to be only temporary, and they were proven right. Gunn returned to direct Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3. This Star-Lord movie also enjoyed great numbers at the box office, managing $844 million in worldwide collection.
Things are different now and Gunn is fully engrossed in ensuring DC superheroes match up to Marvel stars – at least in the box office arena. As such, this feels like a goodbye for good!
Source: The Direct
