Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn names the original cast member he struggled to cast
He faced opposition from Marvel
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
James Gunn has revealed which actor he struggled to cast in Guardians of the Galaxy because of opposition from Marvel.
The director, who will return to direct the third film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise, reflected on the preparations for the original 2014 release in response to a tweet from a fan.
“What’s a decision you had to fight tooth and nail for on a movie?” Twitter user @comedianpreach asked him, adding: “Like looking back you still wonder why did the studio fight so hard against it?”
Instead of dodging the question, Gunn admitted he locked heads over the casting of Dave Bautista, who plays Drax the Destroyer.
“I’d say hiring @DaveBautista on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1,” he wrote.
Gunn also revealed that Marvel boss Kevin Feige admitted he was wrong to doubt the casting after watching the film.
“The first thing Kevin Feige told me after seeing the first cut is how right I was about him,” he added.
Bautista, a former professional wrestler who first began acting in Hollywood in 2004, has become one of the best-loved characters in the MCU thanks to his intentionally deadpan line delivery.
READ MORE: Latest WandaVision revelation hints at very dark Marvel future for Scarlet Witch
He will next be seen in Taika Waititi’s Thor sequel Love and Thunder, in which he’ll be reunited with his fellow Guardians co-stars.
Gunn’s next film, The Suicide Squad, will be released in cinemas on 6 August.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments