SDCC 2014: James Gunn to write and direct ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ sequel

Chad Woodward Guardians of the Galaxy poster

Guardians of the Galaxy is almost upon us, and given we’ve already given it a perfect 10/10 review, it comes as no surprise that James Gunn will be writing and directing a Guardians of the Galaxy sequel.

Nicole Perlman, who wrote an early draft of Guardians of the Galaxy and is listed as a co-writer, revealed the news in an interview with The Wrap“James will be directing ‘Guardians 2,’ so he would also be writing ‘Guardians 2.’”  Perlman doesn’t seem to be able to confirm her own involvement at this time.

Currently sitting on 100% on Rotten Tomatoes (as at 26 July 2014), a sequel seems like an inevitability at this point. Indeed, with Marvel staking out six release dates between now and 2019, at least one of those is bound to be a Guardians sequel. Officially opening on 1 August in the US (with preview screenings that week in Australia, where it opens on 7 August), early tracking indicates a large opening weekend.

Confidently handling large scale special effects and action sequences, Gunn’s smart script and larger-than-life approach paid off in spades. Marvel’s riskiest prospect to date has also offered the biggest reward for comics fans. If mainstream audiences find their way to the cinema on this one, they’ll be greeted with a smart spectacle, with genuine and non-stop laughs that show the rest of the universe how it’s done.

Be sure to check out our full review for Guardians of the Galaxy.