Although initially unsure about creating a movie like Star Wars, James Gunn was ultimately inspired by the iconic space opera. He sought to create a film that captured its essence while being fresh and original.
The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise has been one of the most successful and beloved parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, thanks largely to James Gunn’s vision and skill as a filmmaker.
James Gunn Took Inspiration from a Galaxy Far, Far Away
The Star Wars franchise has been a staple of the science fiction genre for over four decades, encouraging countless filmmakers and writers to experiment with space opera and other sci-fi subgenres. Star Wars has become one of the world’s most enduring and beloved franchises, thanks to its memorable characters, touching moments, breathtaking visuals, and epic scope.
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James Gunn’s creative outlook owes a great deal to the influence Star Wars had on him as a child. The fantastical elements of the original trilogy, such as the outsized characters, fantastic settings, and breathtaking action sequences, captivated him as a young boy. This sense of awe and adventure inspired him to create his own films, most notably the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
In a recent tweet, the writer and director of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies thanked the Star Wars franchise for inspiring his work. He reminisced about a meeting with Marvel Studios 11 years ago, where he was asked about the possibility of directing a Guardians of the Galaxy movie.
11 years ago I had a meeting with Marvel Studios about the possibility of doing a Guardians of the Galaxy movie. I remember driving home & thinking I didn't want to make a movie LIKE Star Wars, but a movie that made people FEEL like Star Wars made me feel as a kid. Outlandish… pic.twitter.com/xiCnJOTf7c
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 4, 2023
Although Star Wars influenced James Gunn, he was adamant about making something completely new and different from what had come before. He aimed to infuse the Guardians of the Galaxy films with Star Wars’ ethos while giving them his distinctive style.
Gunn accomplished this in part by using humor in the film. The Guardians of the Galaxy films have a distinct brand of irreverent, tongue-in-cheek humor that sets them apart from other science fiction films, even though Star Wars has its share of funny moments.
Star Wars And Comedy
One of the reasons the Guardians of the Galaxy films have connected so strongly with audiences is because of the comedic elements they contain. Gunn also put his stamp on the Guardians of the Galaxy series by scoring the films in his unique style.
Incredible rock hits from the 1970s, and 1980s are featured on the soundtracks of the Guardians of the Galaxy films. The score not only helps to establish the mood of the films but also lends each character a unique identity and adds depth to their backstories.
James Gunn’s inspiration from a galaxy far away will continue to shine through in this exciting and beloved franchise as fans eagerly await the next chapter in the adventures of Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot, and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Source: Twitter
