We’ve known since August that Troma vet and SLITHER director James Gunn was in talks to take the reigns of Marvel Studios’ 2014 space opus GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, but it wasn’t until today that it was made official. Okay, so Joss Whedon, new Marvel Studios PHASE TWO supervisor, might have accidentally let the cat out of the bag last week while promoting his film MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – “He has a very twisted take on it, but it comes from a real love for the material”, he said of the cult filmmaker – but here’s Gunn’s recent facebbok post confirming that he’s got the gig. As we stated when we first brought the news that this was a possibility (read that here if you missed it), we couldn’t be happier. Inspired choice.

Over to Gunn…

“For a month or so there’s been a lot of Internet speculation about my involvement with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Until now I haven’t said anything, because I’m trying to be less expulsive about this project than I am about the rest of my life. But last night I got the go-ahead from Kevin Feige to let you all know that, yes, indeed, I am rewriting and directing Guardians of the Galaxy. As a lifelong lover of Marvel comics, space epics, AND raccoons, this is the movie I’ve been waiting to make since I was nine years old. Kevin, Joss, and all the folks at Marvel have been amazing collaborators so far, and we’re committed to bringing you something majestic, beautiful, and unique. I am incredibly excited. I am also incredibly grateful to the fans and the press for all their words of encouragement and support regarding my involvement with this project since the news first leaked. Thanks – you have, honestly, touched and overwhelmed me. And that’s it for now. Other than the occasional photos of my dog and cat here on Facebook, I’ll talk to you again in August 2014 when Guardians is released!”

Now, given the fact that Mr. Gunn likes to re-use actors from previous projects, might we finally see Nathan Fillion (who starred in SLITHER and appeared in SUPER) back in a leading role again perhaps? Star-Lord anyone?…

We’ll have more on this project as it develops. Meanwhile… here’s your handy guide to what Marvel Studios have in store for us over the next few years…

MARVEL STUDIOS PHASE TWO Release schedule:

2013

IRON MAN 3 – April 26th

THOR: THE DARK WORLD – November 8th

S.H.I.E.L.D. – TBC

2014

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER – April 4th

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – August 1st

2015

UNTITLED MARVEL’S AVENGERS SEQUEL – May 1st

TBC

ANT-MAN

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