Before spearheading projects in the DC Universe, James Gunn showcased his distinctive storytelling prowess in the MCU with the Guardians of the Galaxy film series. Starting with the 2014 movie, the filmmaker brought cosmic superheroes to life on the big screen, gradually captivating audiences with their narratives while maintaining a sense of intrigue and blending humor, with a diverse cast of characters.
However, the Guardians of the Galaxy threequel became his last venture in the MCU, as he transitioned to a leading role in the DC Universe. And the meticulous attention he devoted to the film, particularly evident in his use of music, highlights that the studio may never find another eccentric filmmaker like Gunn who can carry the series forward while preserving its distinct energy.
How Did James Gunn Incorporate Music in Guardians of the Galaxy?
The integration of music has been a pivotal aspect of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, serving to deepen Star-Lord’s character arc, highlight his relationship with Gamora, and foster camaraderie among the team. While James Gunn has made it a significant part of the story, it was not incorporated in the screenplay he received from Nicole Perlman.
The filmmaker has shared that the story quite didn’t resonate with him, prompting a rewrite where he seamlessly incorporated music and songs into the narrative. He explained that the Walkman and cassette tape served as Quill’s connection to his home planet of Earth, describing it as the “emotional center of the movie.”
During the rewriting process, Gunn meticulously curated a playlist of iconic 70s songs, drawing from Billboard charts and immersing himself in the era’s musical landscape. He would often listen to this playlist during his daily routine, finding inspiration for scenes and even crafting narratives around specific songs. He told Vulture,
“I started the process by reading the Billboard charts for all of the top hits of the ‘70s—I downloaded a few hundred songs—I would listen to the playlist on my speakers around the house — sometimes I would be inspired to create a scene around a song.”
Gunn’s approach involved selecting songs that not only complemented the story but also enhanced its emotional resonance. Whether it was matching a song to a scene or using music to elevate existing moments in the script, he consistently turned to his carefully crafted playlist for guidance. Music remained a vital component of the franchise throughout.
James Gunn on the Guardians of the Galaxy’s Future in the MCU
Following three Guardians of the Galaxy films and a Holiday Special, James Gunn left the franchise after introducing a new version of the superhero team to the fans. And the filmmaker expressed his hopes for their future in the franchise.
When asked by a fan about who Gunn would want to direct the potential next installment in the film series, he shared that he would trust Marvel head Kevin Feige to pick the right person for the job. He also mentioned that some of the characters from the franchise would not be coming back.
“Although a few characters aren’t coming back, I’d love for GotG to continue with the current members,” he said on Threads. Actors like Dave Bautista and Zoe Saldana have confirmed that Vol. 3 marked their final appearance in the franchise.
While Chris Pratt has shared that he is open to reprising his role, he would do it only if the story respects Gunn’s work with the characters. While there have been discussions about a fourth installment featuring the new Guardians of the Galaxy lineup, the studio has yet to announce any definitive plans for such a project.
Guardians of the Galaxy film series is available to stream on Disney+.
