Known for movies

Short Info

Date Of BirthAugust 5, 1970
SpouseJenna Fischer
MarkUnconventional characters
FactTook five years to write his first novel, "The Toy Collector."


James Gunn is an American filmmaker, actor, musician, and author. He is the writer and director of the Guardians of the Galaxy films, as well as the horror films Slither (2006) and Super (2010), and the web series James Gunn’s PG-Porn (2008–09). He has also written and directed episodes of the TV series Angel (2001) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997).

Gunn was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 5, 1966, the son of Leota and James Francis Gunn. His father worked as a police officer and later as a private investigator, while his mother was a homemaker. He has two older sisters, Beth and Barbara. Gunn was raised in a Catholic household and attended Catholic schools. He has said that his parents were “very strict” and that he was “not allowed to watch movies growing up.”

Gunn began his career as a screenwriter in the mid-1990s. He wrote the scripts for Tromeo and Juliet (1996), The Specials (2000), and Scooby-Doo (2002). He made his directorial debut with the horror film Slither (2006), which he also wrote. Gunn followed up with the superhero comedy Super (2010), which he also wrote and produced.

In 2012, Gunn was hired by Marvel Studios to write and direct Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $773 million worldwide. Gunn wrote and directed its sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), which grossed over $863 million worldwide.

In March 2018, Gunn was fired by Disney from directing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 after old offensive tweets of his resurfaced. However, in July 2018, it was announced that Gunn had been rehired by Disney to write and direct the third film.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjN6npvg_9b/

Gunn has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Jenna Fischer, with whom he has two children. His second marriage is to actress Anna Faris, with whom he has one child.

Gunn has an estimated net worth of $100 million. He has earned millions from his work as a director, writer, and producer.

General Info

Full NameJames Gunn
Date Of BirthAugust 5, 1970
Height1.82 m
ProfessionScreenwriter, Television producer, Musician, Cartoonist, Film producer, Film director, Novelist, Actor, Television Director
EducationSt. Louis University High School, Saint Louis University, Columbia University
NationalityAmerican

Family

SpouseJenna Fischer
ParentsJames F. Gunn
SiblingsSean Gunn, Matt Gunn, Brian Gunn, Patrick Gunn, Beth Gunn

Accomplishments

AwardsHugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form
NominationsWriters Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay
MoviesGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, The Belko Experiment, Guardians of the Galaxy, Movie 43, Super, Slither, LolliLove, Tales from the Crapper, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, Dawn of the Dead, Melvin Goes to Dinner, The Ghouls, Scooby-Doo, The Specials, Tromeo and Juliet, Ugly Nights, Doggie Tails
TV ShowsScream Queens

Social profile links

Marks

#Marks / Signs
1His spiky hair
2Nearly always casts Nathan Fillion, Gregg Henry, Michael Rooker, Lloyd Kaufman and Rob Zombie in his movies.
3Unconventional characters
4Heavy use of tongue-in-cheek dialogue

Quotes

#Quote
1I saw Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) in a theater when it first came out, and it was so gritty and dark I felt sick to my stomach for a couple of days afterwards - like the evil of it stuck to my soul. Part of what was so frightening was Rooker, Michael's incredible performance. We normally distance ourselves from villains, but I almost felt for him as Henry. The last thing you want to do is identify with a serial killer. That's scarier than anything jumping out of the corner of a film frame.
2If life gives you lemons, make lemonade, if life gives you assholes, make a Troma movie.
3On Scooby-Doo: "With all the difficulties plaguing the world over the past year, isn't it about time we had a hero who tells kids it's okay to be afraid?" "Scooby's the greatest cartoon character ever. He isn't cute like Mickey, or smart like Bugs, or fearless like Woody and Buzz -- he's a talking dog who's more human than I am. It's his humanity and imperfections that make him special."
4Money doesn't buy happiness, but it does buy happier.

Facts

#Fact
1Graduated from Saint Louis University High (SLUH) college preparatory school in St. Louis, MO.
2Owns a hand-painted movie poster, directly sourced from Ghana, for Slither (2006).
3Told NYTimes in August 2011 that the horror film with the most profound impact on him when he was young was Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986), because the most frightening aspect of all was that it moved him to relate to, or empathize, with the killer.
4Appeared as himself in the 2008 novel Bad Moon Rising by Jonathan Maberry. Gunn is one of several real-world horror celebrities who are in the fictional town of Pine Deep when monsters attack. Other celebrities include Tom Savini, Brinke Stevens, Ken Foree, Stephen Susco, Debbie Rochon, Joe Bob Briggs (aka John Bloom) and blues man Mem Shannon.
5Cousin of Mark Gunn.
6Former son-in-law of Anne Fischer.
7The first person in cinema history to write back-to-back #1 for the weekend box office hits, with Dawn of the Dead (2004) on 19 March 2004 and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004) on 26 March 2004.
8Was part of a Saint Louis consortium of teenage, amateur filmmakers who were called "The Splicers," that included George Hickenlooper, Bill Boll, Tim Gallaher, Steve Goedde, and Chris Curtis.
9Brother of actor Sean Gunn, writer Brian Gunn, filmmaker Matt Gunn and movie exec Patrick Gunn.
10Earned an MFA from Columbia University in New York.
11Interviewed for summer job filing papers at Troma Films, and was instead hired to write the screenplay for Tromeo and Juliet (1996) (and was paid $150 dollars to do so).
12Wrote the screenplays for both The Specials (2000) and Tromeo and Juliet (1996) in two week binges.
13Was hired to write Scooby-Doo (2002) after doing a draft of Spy vs. Spy (1985) for Warner Bros. and director Jay Roach.
14Choreographed the sex scenes for Tromeo and Juliet (1996).
15Has worked as a hospital orderly, bar musician, and quarry worker.
16Is an avid comic book reader.
17Took five years to write his first novel, "The Toy Collector."
18The character "Gunn" on the TV series Angel (1999) was named such after Angel (1999) creator Joss Whedon worked with both James and his brother Sean Gunn.

Pictures

Movies

Writer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 22017written by post-production
The Belko Experiment2016written by
Dolphinman Battles the Sex Lobsters2016Video short character
Guardians of the Galaxy2014written by
Movie 432013written by - segment "Beezel"
Lollipop Chainsaw2012Video Game writer
Super2010/Iwritten by
Du hard ou du cochon!2010TV Series idea
PG PornTV Series short created by - 8 episodes, 2008 - 2009 written by - 5 episodes, 2008 - 2009 script - 1 episode, 2009
Humanzee!TV Series creator - 1 episode, 2008 written by - 1 episode, 2008
Sparky & MikaelaTV Series creator - 1 episode, 2008 written by - 1 episode, 2008
Slither2006written by
LolliLove2004screenplay - uncredited
The Swidge2004Short
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed2004written by
Dawn of the Dead2004screenplay
Tube2004Short written by
Scooby-Doo2002screenplay / story
The Specials2000
Troma's Edge TV2000TV Series writer - 1 episode
Terror Firmer1999book "All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger" - inspiration
Hamster PSA1997Short
Sgt. Kabukiman Public Service Announcement1997TV Short written by
The Tromaville Café1997TV Series creator
Tromeo and Juliet1996screenplay

Producer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Belko Experiment2016producer
Lollipop Chainsaw: Zom-Be-Gone2012Short executive producer
PG Porn2008-2009TV Series short executive producer - 8 episodes
Post Apocalyptic Pizza2009TV Series executive producer - 2009
Humanzee!2008TV Series executive producer - 1 episode
Sparky & Mikaela2008TV Series executive producer - 1 episode
Fairy Tale Police2008Short executive producer
Blue Like You2008Video short executive producer
Doggie Heaven2008Video short executive producer
Miracle of Phil2008Short executive producer
El kuervo2005Short executive producer / producer
LolliLove2004executive producer
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed2004co-producer
The Man Who Invented the Moon2003Short co-executive producer
The Specials2000co-producer

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Con Man2015TV SeriesRaaker 2.0
Guardians of the Galaxy2014Maskless Sakaaran
LocoCycle2013Video GameBig Arms Chairman
Holliston2013TV SeriesJohn Anguish
Team Unicorn2013TV SeriesJames Gunn
Super2010/IDemonswill
PG Porn2008-2009TV Series shortLinus James Gunn Lance the Mechanic
Humanzee!2008TV SeriesJames
Slither2006Hank (uncredited)
LolliLove2004James Gunn
The Ghouls2003
Doggie Tails, Vol. 1: Lucky's First Sleep-Over2003VideoRiley (voice)
Melvin Goes to Dinner2003Scott
Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV2000Doctor Flem Hocking
The Specials2000Minute Man
Sgt. Kabukiman Public Service Announcement1997TV ShortInsane Masturbator
Tromeo and Juliet1996Found a Peanut Father

Director

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 22017post-production
Guardians of the Galaxy2014
Movie 432013segment "Beezel"
Super2010/I
PG Porn2008-2009TV Series short 8 episodes
Humanzee!2008TV Series 1 episode
Sparky & Mikaela2008TV Series 1 episode
Slither2006
Troma's Edge TV2000TV Series 1 episode
Hamster PSA1997Short
Sgt. Kabukiman Public Service Announcement1997TV Short
The Tromaville Café1997TV Series

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Movie 432013writer: "The Cat Song"
Super2010/Iwriter: "Speak Vernacular", "Starla", "The Hole", "Moonlight on the Prairie Libby's Hum"
PG Porn2009TV Series short writer - 1 episode
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed2004writer: "Scooby's Terrific Rap"
Scooby-Doo2002writer: "Creatures Chant"
Tromeo and Juliet1996writer: "Sunday", "Walking Naked"
The Low Life1995writer: "Ride My Bike"

Assistant Director

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Doctor Strange2016Stan Lee's cameo scene director - uncredited
Thor: The Dark World2013second unit director: mid-credit sequence

Miscellaneous

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Scooby-Doo2002script revisions - uncredited
Tromeo and Juliet1996associate director

Cinematographer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Making of 'LolliLove'2006Video documentary short uncredited

Camera Department

TitleYearStatusCharacter
A Look Behind the Scenes: Super2011Short camera operator

Music Department

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Scooby-Doo2002composer: cue "Demon Chant"

Production Manager

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Tromeo and Juliet1996executive in charge of production

Thanks

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe2014TV Movie documentary thanks
2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams2010special thanks
We Own the Night2007special thanks
The Visitor2007/IVShort special thanks
Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead2006special thanks
The Making of 'LolliLove'2006Video documentary short thanks
The Lost Tape: Andy's Terrifying Last Days Revealed2004Video short special thanks

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
After Paradise2015-2016TV SeriesHimself - Celebrity Super Fan / Himself - Celebrity Guest
Chris Pratt Shows You Around the Set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 22016TV ShortHimself
Avengers: Age of Ultron - The Infinite Six2015Video shortHimself
20th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards2015TV SpecialHimself
Guide to the Galaxy with James Gunn2014Video shortHimself
The Intergalactic Visual Effects of 'Guardians of the Galaxy'2014Video shortHimself
Hollywood Film Awards2014TV SpecialHimself
Made in Hollywood2011-2014TV SeriesHimself
IMDb: What to Watch2014TV Series documentaryHimself
Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe2014TV Movie documentaryHimself
Breaking In2012TV SeriesHimself
Durch die Nacht mit...2012TV Series documentaryHimself
Talking Dead2011TV SeriesHimself
Produce Your Own Damn Movie!2011Video documentaryHimself
Sidewalks Entertainment2011TV SeriesHimself
A Look Behind the Scenes: Super2011ShortHimself
This Week in Horror2011TV SeriesHimself
Attack of the Show!2011TV SeriesHimself - Guest / Director, Super
The 2nd Annual Streamy Awards2010TV SpecialHimself
ReelzChannel Directors Tribute Televised Party2009TV MovieHimself
Tromatized: Meet Lloyd Kaufman2009DocumentaryHimself
Direct Your Own Damn Movie!2009Video documentaryHimself
The Jace Hall Show2009TV SeriesHimself
Filmnut2007-2009TV SeriesHimself
Scream Queens2008TV SeriesHimself - Judge
King Kaufman: The Passion of Lloyd2008DocumentaryHimself
30 Even Scarier Movie Moments2006TV Mini-SeriesHimself
HypaSpace2006TV Series documentaryHimself
The King of Cult Lloyd Kaufman's Video Diary2006Video documentary shortHimself
The Making of 'LolliLove'2006Video documentary shortHimself
Make Your Own Damn Movie!2005Video documentaryHimself - Writer
Scooby-Doo's Triple Threat Featurette2004Video shortHimself - Writer (uncredited)
Surviving the Dawn2004Video documentaryHimself
Tales from the Crapper2004VideoHimself
Scooby Doo: Unmasking the Mystery2002Video documentary shortHimself - Screenplay Writer
Apocalypse Soon: The Making of 'Citizen Toxie'2002Video documentaryHimself
The Tromaville Café1997TV SeriesHimself / Mike the Crazy Boom Guy

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Troma Is Spanish for Troma2010DocumentaryDoctor Flem Hocking (in 'Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV')

Awards

Won Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2015Saturn AwardAcademy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USABest DirectorGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2015HugoHugo AwardsBest Dramatic Presentation - Long FormGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2015NCFCA AwardNorth Carolina Film Critics AssociationBest Adapted ScreenplayGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2015Bradbury AwardScience Fiction and Fantasy Writers of AmericaGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2014Hollywood Blockbuster AwardHollywood Film AwardsGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2014Flicker AwardMatchflick Flicker AwardsBest ReviewedGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2014Razzie AwardRazzie AwardsWorst DirectorMovie 43 (2013)
2014Razzie AwardRazzie AwardsWorst ScreenplayMovie 43 (2013)
2014Rondo StatuetteRondo Hatton Classic Horror AwardsBest FilmGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2011AQCC AwardFantasia Film FestivalSuper (2010)
2007Filmmaker's Showcase AwardAcademy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA
2006Chainsaw AwardFangoria Chainsaw AwardsHighest Body CountSlither (2006)

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2015Saturn AwardAcademy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USABest WritingGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2015Gold Derby AwardGold Derby AwardsAdapted ScreenplayGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2015GrammyGrammy AwardsBest Compilation Soundtrack for Visual MediaGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2015WGA Award (Screen)Writers Guild of America, USABest Adapted ScreenplayGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2014ACCAAwards Circuit Community AwardsBest Adapted ScreenplayGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2014Screenplay CompetitionScreenwriters Choice Awards, OnlineBest Adapted ScreenplayGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2014SLFCA AwardSt. Louis Film Critics Association, USBest Adapted ScreenplayGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2010Streamy AwardThe Streamy AwardsBest Directing for a Comedy Web SeriesPG Porn (2008)
2005Bram Stoker AwardBram Stoker AwardsScreenplayDawn of the Dead (2004)

Source: IMDb, Wikipedia

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