James Gunn Reveals His First Choice for Guardians of the Galaxy

Director James Gunn, known for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, recently disclosed which cast member he had in mind from the very beginning for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series.

Marvel Studios Assembled Insights

This revelation came to light during Disney+’s Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 documentary. Gunn shared insights into his casting choices and how he assembled the iconic team of misfit heroes. He recalled his initial pitch to Marvel, which included a meticulously prepared book filled with character descriptions and his preferred actors.

In Gunn’s words,

When I first went to Marvel and I pitched Guardians of the Galaxy, I brought a little book… And in that book, there were all the characters listed and who I thought should play those characters.

Zoe Saldaña – A Precious Find

Interestingly, Gunn revealed that none of the actors he suggested for the roles in his book were ultimately cast, except for Zoe Saldaña, who portrayed Gamora. Gunn expressed his admiration for Saldaña, saying he “met and loved from the beginning.” Saldaña herself expressed her gratitude to Gunn, acknowledging his unwavering belief in her talent.

I want to thank you [Gunn], you have been a wonderful person. You believed in me before I even believed in myself. So thank you for sticking by me. I’m going to miss Gamora, but I’m not going to miss the four hours of makeup,

Saldaña commented during the documentary.

The Casting Chemistry

Gunn also shed light on the casting process for other key roles, including Peter Quill/Star-Lord. He explained how Dave Bautista, who played Drax the Destroyer, and Chris Pratt, initially considered for the role of Star-Lord, won over Marvel Studios. Pratt’s first audition had not gone smoothly, but Gunn arranged for Bautista and Pratt to perform an improv scene together, showcasing their on-screen chemistry, which ultimately convinced Marvel to cast Pratt in the pivotal role.

Future of the Guardians

Regarding the future of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Gunn expressed support for the characters to continue their journeys within the MCU, even in his absence. He envisioned the possibility of solo movies for the remaining characters, their integration into the Avengers, or the formation of a new iteration of the Guardians.

While Gunn confirmed that Star-Lord will return, the exact details of his reappearance remain undisclosed. Gunn, however, clarified that he won’t be directly involved in future Guardians projects due to his role as co-president and co-CEO of DC Studios.

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 can be streamed on Disney+, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the creative process behind the beloved MCU franchise.