James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 proved to be the ending of an unlikely franchise in the MCU that became one of its most beloved entries. The ragtag team of misfits found their place in the hearts and minds of people and Gunn went deeper into the characters with the third installment.
With the release of the third Guardians film, the animal rights organization PETA awarded him the ‘Not a Number’ award earlier this year for showcasing the cruel experimentation done on animals in the world through the character of Rocket. Now, Gunn is being honored once again by the organization with another huge honor.
Also read: James Gunn’s Batman Movie Update Presents a Deeper DCU Problem That Never Happened With Zack Snyder
James Gunn Named PETA’s 2023 Person of the Year
Through Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, James Gunn explored the cruel experimentation done on animals through Rocket’s origin story. This sensitive portrayal of these animals got noticed by PETA and he was awarded the ‘Not a Number‘ award earlier this year.
Now, PETA has bestowed Gunn with another huge honor. Gunn has been named the organization’s Person of the Year. PETA wrote about Gunn’s contributions saying,
“PETA is honoring DC Studios’ co-CEO James Gunn for speaking up for animals in all facets of his life, from fiercely promoting adoption and featuring computer-generated animals in his films to using his knack for cinematic storytelling to expose the torture that animals endure in laboratories to millions of viewers worldwide.”
Fans took to X to celebrate Gunn’s achievement and his ability to raise a voice against the ruthless conditions that the animals are subjected to in the name of experimentation. Here are some of the reactions,
I mean they suck, if you know about them. But I liked that movie and the message, we should respect animals more
— SamJReimer (@SamuelStark93) December 8, 2023
average james gunn W
— chris ✞ (@chris_breheim) December 8, 2023
Actually a massive W for all parties involved. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 made me think about abusive animal experimentation in real life.
— Captain Davebeard (@DavebeardGames) December 8, 2023
GOTG vol. 3 was an emotionally charged gut-punch.
— notceei (@Justceei) December 8, 2023
rare PETA W
— Literal Burner (@burner_literal) December 8, 2023
This is indeed a huge achievement for Gunn and the whole team behind the film. This bolsters the fact that superhero films can deliver thought-provoking themes in addition to providing wholesome entertainment.
James Gunn Says Superman: Legacy Will Stick to Its Planned Release Date
James Gunn’s reboot of the DCU is set to begin with 2025’s Superman: Legacy. The film has been announced to release on July 11, 2025. The recent Hollywood strikes led to several films getting delayed and release dates getting shuffled. People assumed that Gunn’s film might be similarly pushed at a later date.
However, Gunn confirmed that the film would stick by its planned release date and thanked his crew for working hard on the pre-production process of the film. He said, (via Deadline)
“Thanks to the efforts of our talented crew, who never lost faith during the longest strikes in Hollywood history, and who never let their foot off the pedal, continuing to barrel forward, creating the most amazing character and set designs I’ve seen in my entire career, #SupermanLegacy will be making the originally planned release date of July 11, 2025,”
The film is set to star David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Clark Kent and Lois Lane respectively. The supporting cast of the film includes Nicholas Hoult, Skyler Gisondo, Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, and Nathan Fillion.
Also read: James Gunn’s Superman Legacy Update is Exactly What Henry Cavill Fans Won’t Like to Hear
