James Gunnis without a doubtone of the most famous current film directors in Hollywood, especially in the blockbuster realm. In the last few years, his superb and ingenious work withGuardians of the Galaxyconfirmed his talent as a filmmaker as well as his flair for the superhero genre. Many of his fans are inevitably looking forward to July, when they willfinally be able to see Gunn’s latest movie,Superman.
Nevertheless, before dedicating himself to a career as a film director,Gunn started in the mid-1990s as a no less savvy screenwriter.The nowadays recognized artist of the superhero genre wrotecults likeScooby-Dooand theDawn of The Dead,as well as some innovative TV shows. As a consequence, it is fair to remind fans that there are many unexplored gems that they might not know were written by James Gunn.
10Tromeo And Juliet (1996)
Directed By Lloyd Kaufman
James Gunn’s screenwriting debut,Tromeo and Juliet,premiered in 1996 as an independent black comedy, directed by Lloyd Kaufman, who also co-wrote the play. The first draft of the film was completed in 1992, but Gunn was later brought on board and helped rewrite the script (viaFar Out).
Regardless of the movie’s success and mixed critical reception,Tromeo and Julietis what introduced the future Marvel director to the cinema and, for this reason only, deserves credit.
The final movie is a loose and shockingly more controversial adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragedyRomeo and Juliet, with an unexpected ending. Gunn also served as associate director for the film.The New York Timesstated the film was “to Hollywood B-movies what Mad Magazine is to comic books.”
Tromeo & Juliet
Cast
Tromeo & Juliet is a modern punk adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, blending irreverent humor and romance with elements of bawdy violence. Released in 1996, the film seeks to evoke the same impact on contemporary audiences as the original did in its era.
Tromeo and Julietobtained a middling score of 6.0 on IMDb, hinting atGunn’s early potential as a writer. Regardless of the movie’s success and mixed critical reception,Tromeo and Julietis what introduced the future Marvel director to the cinema and, for this reason only, deserves credit.
9The Tromaville Café (1997-2000)
Created By James Gunn & Lloyd Kaufman
Broadcasted by the BBC from 1997 to 2000,The Tromaville Caféwas a TV program that also featured Lloyd Kaufman as well as other actors like Debbie Rochon and Joe Fleishacker portraying the most iconic fictional and not figures of the Troma Entertainment films and TV shows, from The Toxic Avenger to the Sgt. Kabukiman.The show’s trademarks were its cheap quality and vulgar humor, laying the groundwork for Gunn’s later comedy expertise.
The Tromaville Café
An hour-long wraparound show aired on the BBC in the UK, featuring Lloyd Kaufman and a cast of eccentric characters, including Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. and scantily clad Tromettes. The program showcased classic Troma films, blending low-budget aesthetics with off-color humor.
Perhaps because he did not make any appearance as an actor and at the time was at the beginning of his career, most people might not know that James Gunn was one of the brilliant minds behind the TV show. Gunn was involved with the project as a director as well as a screenwriter. Once again, we have to be grateful to the Troma company for professionally raising the beloved film director.
8The Specials (2000)
Directed By Craig Mazin
Gunn’s affinities with the funny superhero genre were evident already at the start of his professional path. In 2000, he wroteThe Specials,a superhero comedy film that is a unique addition to the category. The movie, in fact, is uncharacteristically almost devoid of action scenes, which is rather unusual for the genre. However, the point ofThe Specialsis to show a group of superheroes on their day off.
The Specials
The Specials is a comedic portrayal of an unconventional superhero team navigating personal challenges. Released in 2000, the film focuses on the eccentric members of America’s seventh best superhero team and their internal struggles, coinciding with the launch of their action figures.
The brilliance of the movie lies also in the originality of the idea. The bizarre, unexplored plot and funny one-liners deserve praise, showing Gunn’s incredible ability to not only effortlessly delve into the superhero genre but also do it withthe creativity and satirical eye that the public would later enjoy inGuardians of the Galaxy. Despite some mixed to unfavorable reviews, the film’s genius is undeniable.
7Thirteen Ghosts (2001)
Directed By Steve Beck
A supernatural horror from Steve Beck,Thirteen Ghostsis the remake of the 1960 film of the same name. The story follows a man, Arthur, as he moves with his children, Kathy and Bobby, into the haunted mansion he inherited from his uncle, a rich and eccentric collector. Many people might not know that Gunn was involved in the film’s screenwriting process, but was in fact tasked with performing some rewrites on the script. However,he was never credited for it.
Thirteen Ghosts
Thirteen Ghosts is a horror film directed by Steve Beck. The story revolves around a family that inherits a mysterious mansion from a deceased relative. Inside the house, they discover a complex machine designed to open the eye of hell, while being haunted by twelve volatile spirits. The cast includes Tony Shalhoub, Embeth Davidtz, and Matthew Lillard, who must navigate the perilous environment to save themselves.
Unfortunately,the movie did not receive positive reviews from critics, who lamented the lack of scares as well as the film’s poor editing, despite praising the excellent product design. Nevertheless, regardless of the mainly negative reception and poor box office success at the time of its release, the movie has gained a cult following over the years. This secret James Gunn2000s horror flop is worth revisiting.
6Scooby-Doo (2002)
Directed By Raja Gosnell
The first widely popular, mainstream, Hollywood success Gunn worked on wasScooby-Doo, the live-action adaptation of the iconic cartoon thriller of the same name. The plot follows the famous and beloved characters of Shaggy, Daphne, Fred, Velma, and the titular dog, as they attempt to unveil the mystery of a horror-themed island resort.Gunn co-wrote the screenplayfor the movie.
Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo is a 2002 film that reimagines the beloved Hanna-Barbera cartoon. Starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and Linda Cardellini, the movie follows Mystery Inc. as they reunite to solve a puzzling supernatural mystery at Spooky Island. Directed by Raja Gosnell, the film combines live-action and CGI to bring the iconic characters and their comedic escapades to life.
This adaptation of the animated series presents some of the classic humor and jokes later found in Gunn’s movies. Although the film did not receive positive reviews when it came out, the lack of critical acclaim did not prevent it from becoming a cult over the years, and even having its own sequel. Regardless of the critics,Scooby-Doowas an exciting and fun addition to its extensive franchisethat did not lack the ingenuity we’d later find in future projects by Gunn.
Directed By Zack Snyder
Zack Snyder’sDawn of the Deadis one of the most famous action zombie movies in the history of cinema, a classic of the early 2000s. The movie is a remake of the critically acclaimed cult of the same name written and directed by the legendary George A. Romero. The story exploresa group of survivors who, during a zombie apocalypse, hide in a suburban shopping mall. However, even longtime fans might not know that Gunn was the one who crafted the screenplay.
Dawn of the Dead
A remake of George A. Romero’s classic of the same name, the movie follows a nurse, a policeman, a young married couple, a salesman and other survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing aggressive, flesh-eating zombies, who take refuge in a mega Midwestern shopping mall.
Romero had some comments about the newDawn of the Dead, mainly seeing it as an okay action fest. Despite the director of the original film’s lukewarm response to the remake,Dawn of the Deadwas still relativelywell-received by the critics, who commended the acting and production values. Gunn was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award for this project.
4Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)
Gunn came back to write for one of the most beloved 2000s franchises once again when he crafted the screenplay forthe live-actionScooby-Doo’s awaited sequel. The movie sees the return of the popular group of investigators from the cartoons and the continuation of their first live-action adaptation as they once again embark on a mysterious journey.
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed reunites the Mystery Inc. gang in Coolsville, where they must solve a new mystery involving a masked villain who animates classic monster costumes from a criminology museum exhibit.
Unfortunately, the film did not receive positive reviews and, although it did well at the box office, it was still less profitable than its predecessor, which prevented Gunn from writing and directing a third installment as he had planned.
Despite the canceled sequel, Scooby-Doo 2 is still remembered to this day as a cult, and in 2024 Gunn celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the movie.
In 2020, the director revealed on Twitter the original and exciting plot for the third movie, with intriguing plot twists and a lesson on prejudices (viaMovieWeb). Despite the canceled sequel,Scooby-Doo 2is still remembered to this day as a cult, and in 2024Gunn celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the movie.
3PG Porn (2008-2009)
Created By James Gunn, Brian Gunn, & Sean Gunn
Perhaps the most shocking addition to the varied filmography of the director ofGuardians of the Galaxyis the eight-episode showPG Porn,a web series developed by James Gunn and his brothersBrian and Sean. The show is a sequence of pornographic spoofs where a funny occurrence happens before the pornographic acts start.
PG Porn
PG Porn is a web series created by James Gunn, Brian Gunn, and Sean Gunn, comprising comedy sketches that parody pornography. Each episode pairs a mainstream actor with a pornographic actress, humorously interrupting expected adult content. Initially released on Spike.com, the series quickly gained popularity, prompting additional episodes.
An interesting feature of the show is that each episode pairs a mainstream actor or actress with a partner from the porn industry. The series shows the influence that James Gunn’s earlier career with Troma had on his professional and artistic choices. Theabsurd, deeply satirical veinwas exploited for this unusual project, proving his off-color yet absolutely exhilarating brilliance and his bold creative approach. While it is not the most famous of his creations, it is a testament to his crude and outrageous artistic style.
2Movie 43 (2013)
Directed By Various, Including James Gunn, Bob Odenkirk, & Elizabeth Banks
Movie 43isan anthological movie that covers 14 different storylinesand sketches interconnected with each other, as a washed-up Hollywood producer proposes the most absurd ideas to the studios. James Gunn is only one of the many directors of the film, including Bob Odenkirk and Steven Brill.
Superman: 15 Biggest Things We Learned From James Gunn On The Set Of The 2025 DC Movie
During a set visit to the production of Superman, director James Gunn shared a shocking number of details about the anticipated film with the press.
Among the long list of names behind and before the camera, it is understandable not to know that it was also written by Gunn. Gunn directed the chapter titled “Beezel,” a mid-credit sketch that features Amy (Elizabeth Banks) growing increasingly jealous of her boyfriend’s relationship with his animated cat, Beezel.
Movie 43
The 2013 anthology comedy Movie 43 collects 14 comedy shorts starring A-list actors such as Hugh Jackman, Emma Stone, Kristen Bell, Uma Thurman, Halle Berry, Naomi Watts, and Richard Gere. All segments, connected by an overarching plot revolving around a frustrated screenwriter coming up with ideas for a film, are also directed by various directors, including Bob Odenkirk, Elizabeth Banks, and James Gunn.
The story has the gory and vulgar elements typical of Gunn’s projects.Movie 43mainly received negative reviews despite its stellar cast when it premiered in 2013, butthe success at the box office was modest. Regardless (and somewhat characteristic) of its critical reception,The Washington Postdefined it as “a near masterpiece of tastelessness” (viaMetacritic).
1The Belko Experiment (2016)
Directed ByGreg McLean
The Belko Experimentis an action-psychological horror directed by Greg McLean and written by Gunn. The story follows eight foreigners working for a big company in Bogotà, Colombia, who, after arriving to work one day, are locked in the building as an unknown presence encourages the employees to kill each other or else they will be killed.
The Belko Experiment
Written by James Gunn, produced by Peter Safran, and directed by Greg McLean, The Belko Experiment follows a group of eighty American workers who get trapped inside their office in Bogota, Colombia, and in an cruel social experiment, they are forced to kill each other. Despite not being directed by James Gunn, his frequent collaborators Sean Gunn and Michael Rooker appear in the film.
The film received primarily mixed reviews from critics but is consideredone of the best movies written by James Gunn. However,the creative genius of its premises is hard to ignore. In pure Gunn fashion, the movie is not short of fun, absurdity, or gore, but also has a psychological twist to it. Interestingly enough,James Gunnstated that the idea for the movie came to him through a dream around 2007, but waited for years before realizing the project due to scheduling conflicts (viaCollider).
