It's been exactly one month since James Gunn(Super) emerged as the guy Marvel wanted to direct Guardians of the Galaxy, based on the team of quirky space-faring heroes who figure to be a crucial piece leading up to The Avengers 2. Gunn seemed like a logical choice, and Joss Whedon certainly backed up the decision, but the deal wasn't signed, sealed, and delivered until today. Gunn took to his Facebook page to announce that it's been made official....
Gunn: “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!”He'll be taking a pass at the script from writer Chris McCoy, who was hired last month to rewrite Nicole Periman's draft. So there's clearly a lot of work to be done before the ball gets rolling, not the least of which will be casting and figuring out how to make a CGI Rocket Raccoon and Groot work on the silver screen. It's going to be a tough challenge, that's for sure. Guardians of the Galaxy hits theaters on August 1st 2014.
