Who is James Gunn? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: James Francis Gunn Jr.

Age: 57 Years, 57 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Jenna Fischer (m. 2000–2008)

father: James F. Gunn

mother: Leota

siblings: Brian, Matt, Patrick and Beth, Sean

Quotes By James Gunn Actors

Height: 6'0" (183 cm), 6'0" Males

Ancestry: Irish American

Notable Alumni: Jesuit St. Louis University High School, Saint Louis University

U.S. State: Missouri

City: St. Louis, Missouri

More Facts

education: Columbia University, Saint Louis University, Jesuit St. Louis University High School

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Childhood & Early Life

James Francis Gunn Jr. was born on August 5, 1966, in St. Louis, Missouri, to James F. Gunn, an attorney by profession, and Leota Gunn. James has four brothers, Sean Gunn, Matt Gunn, Brian Gunn, and Patrick Gunn. All of his brothers are in the show business. He also has a sister named Beth.

Gunn attended the St. Louis University High School and graduated in 1984. He later received his bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University. In 1995, he received his Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University.

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Career

James Gunn was inspired by many low-budget films where filmmakers showed creativity even with limited resources. The idea of getting the best out of the actors and a good script seemed more important to him than an extravagant approach. This inspired Gunn to become a scriptwriter and one day start making his own films.

In the mid 1990s, Gunn joined Troma Entertainment, an American independent film production and distribution company, where he learned the various aspects of the show business.

Gunn learned about direction, scouting, scriptwriting, and distribution of films with the association and wrote the script of an independent film titled ‘Tromeo and Juliet’ as well.

In 2000, Gunn wrote the script of the comedy superhero film ‘The Specials’ which he also produced. The same year, he appeared in a cameo role in another comedy superhero film ‘Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV’.

His first big work came in 2002, when he wrote the script of the American live-action/computer-animated family adventure film ‘Scooby-Doo,’ which was based on the animated series of the same title.

In 2004, he wrote the script of and produced the film, ‘Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.’ He was also the screenwriter of the 2004 action horror film ‘Dawn of the Dead’, directed by Zack Snyder.

Gunn waited a long time to make his debut as a feature film director, but after the release of his directorial debut ‘Slither’ in 2006, there was no looking back. His unique take on the fiction horror genre set him apart from the rest. Gunn was praised for his fresh approach to the genre and for delivering a well-made horror fantasy film.

He wrote, directed, and acted in the 2010 superhero dark comedy film ‘Super’. Later, he directed the infamous anthology comedy film ‘Movie 43’ which was mocked by the audience as well as the critics.

In 2014, the Marvel Cinematic Universe chose Gunn for their superhero film ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. He wrote the script of the movie and also directed it. The film won him multiple awards. He reprised his roles as the screenwriter and director in the sequel of the film three years later.

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Major Works

James Gunn’s directorial debut, the 2006 horror film ‘Slither,’ was a fairly successful one which also established his credentials as a director with a fresh approach in the fiction/fantasy/horror genre. The movie featured Elizabeth Banks, Nathan Fillion, and Michael Rooker. Gunn won the Saturn Award for the Filmmakers Showcase Award for this movie.

James Gunn was picked as the director and screenwriter for Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 2014 superhero film ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. The film became much popular among the audience and is still regarded as one of the best films in its genre. Gunn won multiple awards for his direction and screenwriting, most notably a Saturn Award and a Critics' Choice Award.

Family & Personal Life

James Gunn and actress Jenna Fischer got married on October 7, 2000, in a private ceremony. The couple ended their marriage after seven years in 2007 and divorced in 2008.

He began dating actress Jennifer Holland in 2015.

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James Gunn Biography