James Gunn Confirmed To Rewrite And Direct Marvel's 'Guardians Of The Galaxy'

Over the summer we heard not only that Marvel will definitely be making a film based on the slightly-more-obscure-than-The Avengers space team the Guardians of the Galaxy. Not only that, but James Gunn (Slither, Super) was said to be in talks to direct. Joss Whedon more or less confirmed the news of Gunn's hire not long ago, and now Gunn has released a statement talking about the film.

Gunn said on Facebook:

"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!"

We'll probably hear something about Guardians between now and summer 2014, but that's a good note from Gunn. I'm excited to see what he does with the project, because while his low-budget skills are certainly attractive to Marvel, it's his off-kilter sense of humor that is most appealing for Guardians. I like seeing the name of the guy who made Slither on a big-budget, weird Marvel team film.

Nicole Perlman wrote the draft of Guardians that got it in motion, and then Chris McCoy did a rewrite. At that point we knew that the story followed a "U.S. pilot who ends up in space in the middle of a universal conflict and goes on the run with futuristic ex-cons who have something everyone wants." Gunn's rewrite isn't likely to be a major one, but we'll likely learn more of the details on that in the coming year.