History of James Gunn in Timeline
James Gunn is an American filmmaker who began his career as a screenwriter, notably at Troma Entertainment. He transitioned to directing with horror-comedy film Slither before achieving mainstream success with superhero films. He is most known for directing Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, The Suicide Squad, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
August 5, 1966: James Gunn's Birth
On August 5, 1966, James Francis Gunn Jr. was born. He would grow up to become an American filmmaker.
1996: Career Began at Troma Entertainment
In 1996, James Gunn started his filmmaking career at Troma Entertainment, co-writing the independent film Tromeo and Juliet.
October 7, 2000: Marriage to Jenna Fischer
On October 7, 2000, James Gunn married actress Jenna Fischer.
2002: Major Hollywood Screenplay Debut with Scooby-Doo
In 2002, James Gunn's first major Hollywood screenplay, Scooby-Doo, was released.
2004: Consecutive Box Office Successes
In 2004, James Gunn wrote the screenplays for the remake of Dawn of the Dead and the sequel Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. These films made him the first screenwriter to have two films top the box office in consecutive weeks. He also executive produced and starred in the mockumentary LolliLove.
2006: Directorial Debut with Slither
In 2006, James Gunn made his film directorial debut with the horror-comedy Slither. The film was included on Rotten Tomatoes' list of the 50 Best Ever Reviewed Horror Movies.
September 5, 2007: Separation Announcement
On September 5, 2007, James Gunn and Jenna Fischer announced their separation in a joint statement after seven years of marriage.
2008: Divorce from Jenna Fischer
In 2008, James Gunn and Jenna Fischer divorced, but remained friends.
2008: Judge on Scream Queens
In 2008, James Gunn served as a judge on the VH1 reality television show Scream Queens, where actresses competed for a role in Saw VI.
December 31, 2008: "Sparky and Mikaela" Debuts on Xbox Live
On December 31, 2008, James Gunn's short comedy film "Sparky and Mikaela" debuted on Xbox Live. Gunn described it as being about a human and raccoon crime fighting team.
April 2009: Gunn Discusses "Sparky and Mikaela" on The Jace Hall Show
In April 2009, James Gunn discussed his short comedy film "Sparky and Mikaela", about a human and raccoon crime fighting team, on The Jace Hall Show.
2010: Release of Super
In 2010, James Gunn released Super, a dark comedy and superhero satire starring Rainn Wilson and Elliot Page.
2010: Rainn Wilson Cast in Super
In 2010, Jenna Fischer persuaded James Gunn to cast Rainn Wilson, her co-star on The Office, in Gunn's film Super.
2013: Direction of Movie 43 Segment
In 2013, James Gunn directed a segment of the comedy anthology film Movie 43, which starred Elizabeth Banks and Josh Duhamel. The film was critically panned.
August 1, 2014: Guardians of the Galaxy Release
On August 1, 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy, co-written and directed by James Gunn, was released by Marvel Studios.
2015: Relationship with Jennifer Holland
Since 2015, James Gunn has been in a relationship with actress Jennifer Holland.
2016: Stan Lee Cameo Scenes
In 2016, James Gunn directed three Stan Lee cameo scenes in one day, for the film Doctor Strange and two unrevealed projects.
2017: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Release
In 2017, James Gunn wrote and directed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
2017: The Belko Experiment Release
In 2017, The Belko Experiment, a horror film written and produced by James Gunn, was released.
July 2018: Controversy and Severance from Disney
In July 2018, James Gunn faced controversy after old tweets resurfaced, leading Disney to sever ties with him as the director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
July 2018: Initial Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Directing
In July 2018, James Gunn was slated to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
July 30, 2018: Guardians Cast Support for Gunn
On July 30, 2018, Guardians of the Galaxy cast members released a joint statement expressing their support for James Gunn after he was fired from directing Vol. 3.
October 2018: Hired to Write The Suicide Squad
In October 2018, James Gunn was hired to write a completely new script for the DC Extended Universe film The Suicide Squad, with the intention of also serving as director.
December 8, 2018: Brightburn Trailer Release
On December 8, 2018, the first trailer for the horror film Brightburn, produced by James Gunn, was released with Gunn's name prominently featured.
January 2019: Confirmed to Direct The Suicide Squad
In January 2019, James Gunn was officially confirmed to direct The Suicide Squad.
March 2019: Rehiring for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
In March 2019, James Gunn was rehired to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 after a mass public appeal.
March 2019: Gunn Reinstated by Disney
In March 2019, James Gunn was reinstated by Disney as director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 after meeting with Alan Horn.
February 2022: Engagement to Jennifer Holland
In February 2022, Jennifer Holland and James Gunn became engaged.
September 2022: Marriage to Jennifer Holland
At the end of September 2022, James Gunn and Jennifer Holland were married.
November 1, 2022: Start of DC Studios Leadership
On November 1, 2022, James Gunn and Peter Safran assumed their positions as co-chairpersons and co-CEOs of DC Studios.
December 2022: Gunn Announces Superman Film
In December 2022, James Gunn announced he was writing a film about a young Superman during his early years in Metropolis, later revealed to be titled Superman.
2022: Adoption of Ozu
In 2022, James Gunn adopted a dog named Ozu from a shelter and has regularly shared photos and promoted #AdoptDontShop.
January 2023: DCU Plans Revealed
In January 2023, James Gunn and Safran revealed their plans for future DCU films, with the first chapter being titled "Gods and Monsters." Gunn also wrote a seven-episode animated series titled Creature Commandos and worked on the HBO Max series Waller.
March 2023: Gunn to Direct Superman
In March 2023, it was confirmed that James Gunn would also direct the upcoming Superman film.
2023: PETA Person of the Year
For his CGI work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and his promotion of animal adoption, PETA declared James Gunn to be their 2023 Person of the Year.
July 2025: Superman Release
The film Superman is scheduled to be released in July 2025.
2025: Inspiration for Krypto the Superdog
Ozu served as the inspiration for the redesigned, CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in James Gunn's 2025 adaptation of Superman.
2026: Supergirl Production
James Gunn is involved in multiple other DC projects, including producing Supergirl due for release in 2026.
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