James Gunn

Gunn grew up in Manchester, Missouri, making low-budget films with his brothers. He graduated from Saint Louis University in 1992 with a psychology degree, then earned an MFA at Columbia University, which identifies him as a 1995 School of the Arts alumnus.⁠[4][5][6]

A 2017 university profile describes Gunn writing a play for Al Montesi’s creative-writing class and seeing students perform it. He also played in Icons and drew the student-newspaper comic Young Alien Lust, before beginning his professional film career.⁠[5]

Gunn began professional screenwriting at Troma, writing Tromeo and Juliet (1996). In a 2011 interview, he identified Lloyd Kaufman as a mentor and described learning different aspects of filmmaking through the small company’s overlapping writing and production duties.⁠[7][8][4]

In 2000, Gunn wrote and appeared in The Specials and published the novel The Toy Collector. He also co-authored the nonfiction All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger with Kaufman; The Toy Collector is not an autobiography.⁠[9]

His screenplays included Scooby-Doo (2002), its sequel and Dawn of the Dead (both 2004). Slither (2006) was his feature-directing debut; studio-film and visual-effects experience preceded Marvel.⁠[7][9]

Gunn’s work beyond feature films included James Gunn’s PG Porn and the Xbox Live short Sparky & Mikaela in 2008, followed by the 2012 game Lollipop Chainsaw.⁠[10]

Gunn wrote and directed Super, starring Rainn Wilson; it premiered at Toronto in 2010 and was released the following year. In 2011, he described writing and directing as connected activities, with the finished film functioning as a screenplay’s final form.⁠[10][4]

Guardians of the Galaxy opened in the United States on August 1, 2014. Gunn directed and shared screenplay credit with Nicole Perlman. The film brought Peter Quill, Gamora, Rocket, Groot and Drax into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s cosmic setting.⁠[11]

For The Belko Experiment, Gunn served as writer and producer, while Greg McLean directed. Its survival conflict inside a sealed office building continued Gunn’s work in horror alongside his studio superhero films.⁠[10]

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 opened in the United States on May 5, 2017, with Gunn writing and directing. In a university interview that year, he contrasted introducing characters with exploring an established family and described organizing stories through drawings and storyboards.⁠[12][5]

On July 20, 2018, Disney dismissed Gunn from the Guardians franchise after old jokes about rape and pedophilia resurfaced. The studio said the remarks conflicted with its values. Gunn apologized, accepted responsibility and acknowledged the company’s business decision. The controversy concerned public statements, rather than established criminal conduct.⁠[13]

On March 15, 2019, Gunn’s reinstatement to write and direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was confirmed. He thanked supporters and Disney and said he would continue learning. The plan was to complete DC’s The Suicide Squad before returning to Guardians.⁠[14]

He wrote and directed The Suicide Squad (2021). In MovieMaker’s interview that year, he attributed the choice to its story, reflected on earlier production anxiety and advocated calmer collaboration.⁠[7]

Peacemaker, created, written and directed by Gunn and starring John Cena, premiered January 13, 2022. He also personally selected songs for the first two Guardians films.⁠[9]

Warner Bros. Discovery announced Gunn and Peter Safran as DC Studios co-chairmen and co-CEOs on October 25, 2022, effective November 1. Their remit covered DC film, television and animation while retaining hands-on creative and producing work.⁠[3]

In DC’s January 2023 Q&A, Gunn said story length and tone should determine film or television format. He advocated continuity across a shared universe while preserving individual writers’ and directors’ expression. These were creative principles, rather than confirmation that every planned project had been completed.⁠[15]

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 opened in the United States on May 5, 2023, written and directed by Gunn and produced by Kevin Feige. Disney lists 2024 Oscar visual-effects and Golden Globe cinematic-and-box-office-achievement nominations for the film; these are not personal wins by Gunn.⁠[16]

The seven-episode adult animated Creature Commandos, written and executive produced by Gunn, debuted on Max on December 5, 2024. Produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, it follows a monster task force and introduced the new DC Universe.⁠[17]

Superman opened in the United States on July 11, 2025, written and directed by Gunn and produced with Safran. David Corenswet played Superman, Rachel Brosnahan Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult Lex Luthor.⁠[2][18]

On September 3, 2025, DC announced Man of Tomorrow for a planned July 9, 2027 release, following posts by Gunn, Corenswet and Hoult. This was an announced release date, not a completed release.⁠[18]

On May 16, 2026, Gunn spoke at Saint Louis University’s commencement and received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts. The university summarized his advice on finishing work, recognizing abilities, serving others and facing obstacles. The honorary award is distinct from his earned undergraduate and master’s degrees.⁠[1][19]

On October 4, 2026, Gunn replied on Threads that he had begun writing another film while waiting for the Man of Tomorrow assembly. Variety subsequently reported that the assembly was complete and filming had wrapped in August. His reply did not identify the next film.⁠[20][21]

The Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition closed on October 6, 2026. Skydance’s current leadership page lists Gunn as DC Studios co-chairman.⁠[22][23]

Troma Entertainment: Official website: https://www.tromadirect.com (opens in a new window).⁠[8]

Marvel Studios: Official website: https://www.marvel.com (opens in a new window).⁠[24]

DC Studios: Official website: https://www.dc.com (opens in a new window).⁠[25]

X: Public account: https://x.com/JamesGunn (opens in a new window).⁠[26]

Threads: Public account: https://www.threads.com/@jamesgunn (opens in a new window).⁠[20]