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Two years ago, Director James Gunn and the immensely talented filmmakers involved with Guardians of the Galaxy were imagining the worlds and characters that would come together to bring this tenth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to life. While admittedly one of the lesser known “wings of the Marvel universe,” Gunn was drawn to the project because of the freedom he was given to create new worlds, new characters, and new species.
Now showing in theaters, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy follows the story of an unlikely quintet of characters who have banded together to “guard” the galaxy and stop the villainous Ronan from using the orb to destroy it. During a recent press conference, Gunn talked about the passion that drew him to the project, why the film is ideal for families, his connection to the underdog, and the challenges of working on Guardians of the Galaxy.
As a young boy, Gunn recalls being obsessed with all-things space, including the solar system and all of the different planets. “I would make drawings for each one of the different planets, the species that lived on that planet, their pets, their houses, and their water systems.” Gunn would house those drawings inside a box and “that was where my heart was…and where my heart is.” In many ways Guardians of the Galaxy was born out of Gunn’s love for space. “I love dancing, pop music, super heroes, space adventures and raccoons. So I have all the things I love in one movie.”
Known for being involved with edgier films, Gunn’s approach to Guardians of the Galaxy was different. “I wanted to make a movie that would make kids and adults feel like I felt when I saw this movie…something that would actively inspire imagination…that could touch me.” As I watched the film, I found myself unexpectedly surprised at how much heart and humor were permeated throughout the story. And while the current cinematic (and cultural) trend is to be cool and hip and show how you don’t care, “this movie is the exact opposite.” Guardians of the Galaxy “is about caring…it’s a movie that allows emotions into a spectacle film which is extremely rare.” Perhaps the merging of Disney and Marvel had a hint of influence on the filmmakers’ portrayal of real, relatable characters with real flaws.
Many families will likely be drawn to Groot‘s humble, sacrificial disposition and connection to nature. But for Gunn, it was Rocket whom he had the greatest connection. “I feel the outcast in Rocket,” muses Gunn. “I think that Rocket is the meanest Guardian…the most selfish Guardian…the Guardian that learns the least at the end of the movie.” And yet, Rocket is also the saddest. Completely alone in the world, Rocket was originally an innocent little animal. “I love animals and I’ve come to love him…I’ve had the greatest time in creating Rocket over any of the other Guardians.” One of the lesser known facts about the film is that Gunn’s own brother Sean provided motion capture for Rocket.
For two years, Gunn and his team labored relentlessly over the film which was shot entirely in England. Along with the lack of sleep and the fact that making a film like this can be likened to running a marathon, Gunn recalls the difficulty of leaving the Guardians’ characters behind. “They’ve become my friends over the past two years.” Cinematically, creating the CGI characters proved to be challenging. “We had to make them as real and believable and loveable as the rest of the characters in the movie.” Gunn refers to himself has a “perfectionist” when it comes to visual effects and recalled the lengthy process involved in ensuring the filmmakers achieved his desired “look” for the film and the characters.
If you’re a Guardians fan, you’ll be happy to know that a sequel is currently in development. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, Gunn commented on potential stories he would like to explore. “I would love to tell the Rocket and Groot story.” Gunn feels a deep connection to Drax, Gamora, and Nebula and could imagine making a film detailing each of their stories. And while specifics regarding the sequel’s plot have not been revealed, Gunn feels certain that Thanos is the “connective tissue” within the Marvel Universe who we can expect to see in future films.
Guardians of the Galaxy is now in theaters nationwide.
Images: Marvel
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