It’s official! James Gunn has confirmed that he’ll both rewrite and direct Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy, planned for release on August 1, 2014. The Slither and Super director made the following statement on his official Facebook page:
For a month or so theres been a lot of Internet speculation about my involvement with Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy. Until now I havent said anything, because Im 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 Ive 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 were 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 thats it for now. Other than the occasional photos of my dog and cat here on Facebook, Ill talk to you again in August 2014 when Guardians is released!
The previous script was drafted by Chris McCoy and Nicole Periman and the team has been confirmed to include Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Rocket Racoon and Gamora.