The untitled sequel to The Avengers is the only cinematic addition to Marvel's shared universe that writer-director Joss Whedon is contracted to helm. However, his three-year deal with the studio allows his “creative” input into the other “Phase 2” films that will ultimately lead up to Earth Mightiest Heroes' big reassembly.
And with Marvel's risky interstellar superhero assembly, Guardians of the Galaxy on that “Phase 2” slate, and rumored to lead directly into The Avengers sequel, surely Whedon will be in the know. And that's especially so considering the studio tapped his good friend, James Gunn, to direct the 2014 flick last month. And while promoting his praised take on the classic William Shakespeare comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, the critically acclaimed filmmaker shared with MTV News what he thinks about Gunn's direction so far.
“James is what makes me think it will work. 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. This is the guy who wrote 'The Specials.' People don't understand how influential that movie was about heroes, about taking heroes and making them mundane. And [he directed] 'Super.' Gunn has barely started, but already 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," said Whedon. "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!”
Marvel Studios presents “Guardians of the Galaxy”—the big cinematic event exploring an interstellar super hero team-up, featuring Marvel characters Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot and Rocket Raccoon. While story details are under wraps, the film is rumored to lead with a U.S. pilot who ends up in space in the middle of a universal conflict and goes on the run with futuristic ex-cons who have something everyone wants.
Directed by James Gunn from a screenplay by James Gunn, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is based on the Marvel comic book series “Guardians of the Galaxy,” first published in 1969 and revived in 2008. While a director and ensemble cast have yet to be announced, “Guardians of the Galaxy” will assemble on August 1, 2014. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures will distribute the film. In addition to “Guardians of the Galaxy”, Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on other iconic Marvel characters including “Iron Man 3” on May 3, 2013; “Thor: The Dark World ” on November 8, 2013; “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” on April 4, 2014; and the currently-untitled sequel to “Marvel's The Avengers,” the third highest grossing film of all time, on May 1, 2015.