James Gunn Is Locked-In For “Guardians of the Galaxy”

After a month of speculation about his involvement in the film, James Gunn took to his Facebook page to confirm that he will indeed be writing and directing the upcoming Marvel Studios film, “Guardians of the Galaxy.

This will be Gunn’s third feature film he has directed following “Super” (2010) and “Slither” (2006). I’m a fan of both of those films, especially the way he blends violence and humor in each. Now, I know very little about the “Guardians of the Galaxy”, and I know there is no way that he will be able to make the film a hard-R like his first two directorial films were, but even if we get close to the tone of those films then I have pretty high hopes that he will do a good job. Gunn hasn’t just worked on hard R-rated films, either; he also wrote the script for “Scooby-Doo” (2002), which I thought was legitimately funny. I think the key to this film being successful will be his ability to bring a dark humor to the film. I mean, look at that lineup of characters he is working with; a raccoon with a huge gun...

Hit the jump for Gunn’s official statement.

“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!”

I like the enthusiasm coming from him, and now I'm just waiting to start getting the casting news. The film is slated to be released August 1, 2014. The characters that have been confirmed to be in the film are Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Rocket Racoon and Gamora.

What is the general consensus on this? Do people think Gunn is the right man for the job? 

Leave your thoughts in the comment section.