James Gunn, known for his unique and bold approach to filmmaking, initially had some surprising feelings about one of his most successful projects—Guardians of the Galaxy. Despite the franchise’s critical and commercial success, Gunn once described the original Marvel comics as “dumb.” In this article, we explore Gunn’s journey with the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, from initial skepticism to achieving unprecedented success, while also reflecting on his evolving collaborations with actor Nathan Fillion.
The Long-Standing Collaboration Between James Gunn and Nathan Fillion
Nathan Fillion and James Gunn have shared a creative partnership for nearly two decades, working together on films like Slither (2006) and Super (2010). Over time, their collaboration has evolved, notably in the MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Fillion, known for his sharp wit and natural charisma, has always been a trusted actor in Gunn’s projects. However, even with their history, Fillion expressed some reservations when Gunn first approached him to be part of Guardians of the Galaxy.
A Shared Skepticism: Gunn and Fillion’s Initial Doubts About the Guardians of the Galaxy
When Gunn offered Fillion a role in Guardians of the Galaxy, both the filmmaker and the actor had doubts. Fillion revealed in an interview with The Mix that he wasn’t a fan of the original Guardians comics.
“When he told me, ‘Hey guys, I got Guardians of the Galaxy!’ I said, ‘I hated that comic. That was a dumb comic — that’s like the worst.’”
But to his surprise, James Gunn admitted he shared the same view of the source material.
“I know. I know just what to do with it. It’s going to be amazing,”
This shared skepticism was an unusual but crucial moment, as it revealed Gunn’s deep understanding of what the comics needed to succeed on the big screen. Gunn saw potential where others, including Fillion, did not.
James Gunn’s Transformative Vision for Guardians of the Galaxy
Despite his initial misgivings, James Gunn went on to direct Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), a film that would redefine both the superhero genre and his own career. Gunn took a lesser-known Marvel property and infused it with his signature blend of humor, heart, and bold, unconventional storytelling. The movie was an instant hit, grossing $773 million worldwide and propelling the Guardians to the forefront of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Nathan Fillion, who voiced a small role as the Monstrous Inmate in the first Guardians movie, witnessed Gunn’s transformation of the “dumb” comics into something extraordinary. This success solidified Fillion’s faith in Gunn’s vision, leading to further collaborations, including a more prominent role as Master Karja in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
James Gunn’s Career Shift: Why He Thinks The Suicide Squad is His Best Work
While Guardians of the Galaxy catapulted James Gunn to mainstream success, it wasn’t the film he considered his best. That honor, according to Gunn, belongs to his 2021 DC film The Suicide Squad. Nathan Fillion, who also starred in The Suicide Squad as T.D.K., shared insight into Gunn’s feelings:
“From the horse’s mouth, James told me, ‘This is the best movie I’ve ever made.’”
This bold statement is intriguing, given the massive success of Guardians of the Galaxy, which grossed $2.48 billion across its trilogy (via The Numbers). However, it’s a testament to Gunn’s creative spirit. For Gunn, The Suicide Squad represents the pinnacle of his artistic vision, allowing him to experiment with new narrative forms, bolder character arcs, and darker humor, free from the constraints of Marvel’s more family-friendly tone.
Guardians of the Galaxy: A Success Story Built on Risk and Trust
The Guardians of the Galaxy films are widely regarded as some of the best superhero movies, blending quirky characters, stunning visuals, and Gunn’s trademark offbeat humor. The franchise’s success wouldn’t have been possible without Gunn’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries. In many ways, Gunn’s skepticism about the comics informed his approach to the films—he transformed what was once considered a lackluster property into something vibrant and fresh.
Nathan Fillion, who initially shared Gunn’s reservations, grew to appreciate the director’s creative instincts. The trust they built during their long-standing collaboration paved the way for Fillion’s involvement in The Suicide Squad, cementing their partnership as one of Hollywood’s most exciting actor-director duos.
James Gunn’s journey with Guardians of the Galaxy is a testament to his ability to see beyond the surface of a project and uncover its hidden potential. What started as a franchise both he and Nathan Fillion viewed skeptically became one of the most beloved and profitable parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet, despite the triumph of Guardians, Gunn’s passion for filmmaking led him to hail The Suicide Squad as his best work—a testament to his ever-evolving artistic vision.
With a career marked by bold decisions and creative risk-taking, Gunn’s films continue to surprise and entertain audiences. Whether it’s through the wild adventures of Star-Lord and Rocket Raccoon or the gritty humor of The Suicide Squad, James Gunn remains one of Hollywood’s most inventive storytellers.
Guardians of the Galaxy is currently available to stream on Disney+, while The Suicide Squad is available on Max.
