Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is working steadily towards its May 2023 release date, with James Gunn hard at work in post-production on his third directorial effort in the MCU since 2014. The classic band of holes has gone through a number of changes since their introduction in guardians of the galaxyGunn is never one to hide his process of making these films from the MCU fandom.
Recently, Gunn actually tackled the more negative side of doing directing work for Marvel Studios as well as how he’s evolved as a filmmaker since joining the MCU nine years ago. year. This includes explaining how films as a whole are getting worse due to the increasingly difficult working conditions that come with developing a Hollywood blockbuster.
Now, with his final quotes, Gunn has shared a glimpse of how things have changed for him specifically between his first solo MCU movie and his most recent effort in Guardians 3.
James Gunn changes his directing style for Guardians 3
Director James Gunn took Twitter discuss the differences between directing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and his work on the first film of the trilogy.
When asked how rigid the production had to be, Gunn said he realized Flight. 3 with a lot of “more loose” style as the first film, “often” make changes on set that he believes would improve the production and the final product. However, Gunn always makes sure he’s prepared with a plan each day he comes to put in place:
“No. Different movies have different vibes. Personally, I’m looser than I used to be – I often change stuff on set, which was heretical to me back in the days of Vol 1. But preparation comes in many forms – you can be loose but prepared. There’s a difference between that and not giving a damn.”
Gunn previously shared a view on his preparation for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
He included a preview of how he is preparing “like there’s no tomorrow” plan every detail of the script and storyboard and even admit to having over-planned everything at times:
“I’ve met very few directors who prepare as much as I do. The final film is very similar to the original conception. Everything is prepared. I started writing the script for Guardians Vol. 2 in August 2014, and the treatment was written a few months after. The script was finished months before filming started, which is almost never the case for a big spectacle film. I draw all my own storyboards. I work on stuff to know exactly what the movie is going to be. I plan everything, I plan for things to go wrong, I over-plan. I’m crazy about it.
He also included an excerpt of his belief that “improvisation is overrated” instead preferring to plan the script and the action in advance more often than not. While moments of improvisation sometimes arise “in rehearsals” rather than on set, he sees improvisation as something he doesn’t want to use as often as other directors:
“I’m a guy who believes in writing the script in advance. I rehearse a lot with the actors. If improvisation happens, it’s much more likely to happen during rehearsal than on set. Every once in a while you’ll find new moments, like a new camera move or a funny line, but the role of improvisation is vastly overrated.
During an Instagram Q&A in late 2019, via Cinema Blend, Gunn opened up about how difficult his movies were when asked what was the hardest for him to work on. Although he noted something difficult about the two Guardians films and his eventual work on The Suicide Squadhe nailed Guardians 2 as the biggest challenge for him overall:
“They’re all tough. Super was physically brutal – so much film and so little time to shoot it. [Guardians of the Galaxy] Flight. 1 was scary because I didn’t know if people would get the vibe. [Guardians of the Galaxy] Flight. 2 was the hardest because of my mental state. [The Suicide] The team is the most complex and largest but also the most fun to date. So I guess the overall theft. 2.”
Gunn gives less F*** to goalies 3
James Gunn is a Hollywood pro who’s developed a definite style over the years that he’s stuck to pretty firmly ever since he took on the Guardians of the Galaxy in their big-screen debut. Whether it’s keeping a list of names he won’t work with or being honest about what’s going on with the production of his films, the director is never at a loss for words.
With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Gunn shared his journey of not caring so much about the little things with his work, especially with fan criticism of superhero projects becoming more visible with each passing year. It certainly helps that he puts so much preparation into every detail that goes into his films, which should be even more the case with how long Guardians 3 was in development prior to release.
With the film still eight months after its theatrical release, only time will tell exactly how Gunn’s adjusted process will translate to the work being done on Guardians 3, which is expected to be the team’s biggest adventure yet. Considering this film features both Adam Warlock and the High Evolutionary alongside the iconic team, fans are already looking forward to seeing what Gunn has in store.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 premieres in theaters on May 5, 2023.