The Kidd here...
James Gunn officially confirmed that he is in to direct Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY earlier today, taking to his Facebook to spread the news.
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. Asa 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!
Since word first broke that Gunn was the frontrunner in the studio's eyes for the job, there's been strong support in the fan community for such an outside-the-box choice to take on the material. However, it shouldn't have been such a surprise as Marvel has made a habit of selecting filmmakers to front their properties that otherwise might not be at the top of a comic book/superhero directors list elsewhere. Yet they've all been perfect fits to bring the material to life on the screen, so here's to hoping that they've nailed it with Gunn yet again.
-Billy Donnelly
"The Infamous Billy The Kidd"
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