Many of us were surprised when the news broke that Marvel was making Guardians of the Galaxy their next big cinematic franchise. It didn’t seem like a likely choice for the studio and, apparently, The Avengers writer/director Joss Whedon was a bit skeptical of the decision too.
MTVÂ spoke with Whedon at the Toronto International Film Festival this week, where he admitted that he was also surprised when the film was announced.
I myself was sort of like, ‘Well, I liked Rocket Raccoon as a kid, but I’m not sure how that plays [to a wider audience].’ And then they said, ‘Well, we’re thinking about using James Gunn.’ And I said, ‘Oh, then no, you’re fine.’ He is so off the wall, and so crazy, but so smart, such a craftsman and he builds from his heart. He loves the raccoon. Needs the raccoon.
He went on to say that Gunn has barely started on the script but already has an idea in mind.
He has a very twisted take on it, but it all comes from a real love for the material. It’s going to be hard for the humans to keep up. I know he’s going to come from left field and I’m going to go, ‘What?’ And then, ‘Of course, why didn’t I think of that?’ And then I’m going to beat him!”
In today’s age of comic book films you can’t get a better endorsement than that. I didn’t know much about Guardians of the Galaxy at first, but I’ve been doing my research since I heard that Marvel was bringing it to the big screen.
It’ll take someone who is very creative and willing to work outside the box to make it accessible to a mainstream audience, but if Whedon believes Gunn is that someone then I’m right on board.
The Guardians big screen lineup will consist of Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Rocket Raccoon and Gamora. It’s scheduled to hit theaters on August 1, 2014.
Do you think Gunn can make even the casual movie-goer fall in love with Guardians of the Galaxy? Let us know in the comments below.
