If you make a good impression working on a James Gunn project, then the chances are high you’ll end up with a job for life given the filmmaker’s propensity for recruiting a regular troupe of collaborators who show up in almost everything he does.
However, it’s becoming an increasing source of criticism, with people now fully expecting the likes of wife Jennifer Holland, brother Sean Gunn, close friends Michael Rooker, Steve Agee, and Nathan Fillion, and several others now virtually inevitable additions to the ensemble whenever a Gunn-backed feature film or TV series is announced.
Of course, there’s no harm in surrounding yourself with people you like and trust, regardless of how the trolls have been using it as a stick to beat him over the head. In an interview with Digital Spy, though, Gunn went into detail and broke down his approach and reasoning to ensuring he’s always got at least a couple of his personal favorites on board.
“In terms of just this family of people, I’ve been really good at hiring non-jerks. Not only non-jerks, but people who are actually positive, compassionate, loving, kind people. And so, I’ve just grown incredibly close to these people. I really love them. And it makes making movies a much more pleasant experience. So, my main memories are not going to the premieres or going on these press junkets. It’s being on set and having the little moments.”
With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 releasing this weekend, a bow is being tied over one batch of Gunn’s close-knit group. Then again, with the DCU set to become his full-time vocation as of next week, a new chapter is about to begin.
