Gunn Official as GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Director, More

CREDIT: View full size image

 

Following an unconfirmed initial report one month ago, James Gunn is now officially on board to direct Guardians of the Galaxy for Marvel Studios — according to no less of a source than Gunn himself.

"Yes, indeed, I am rewriting and directing Guardians of the Galaxy," Gunn said in a message on his Facebook page. "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."

Continuing, Gunn wrote that he, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and Avengers writer/director Joss Whedon are "committed to bringing you something majestic, beautiful, and unique.'

Gunn's directorial credits include 2010 superhero satire Super, and 2006 horror-comedy Slither. He also wrote both of those films, and 2004's Zack Snyder-directed Dawn of the Dead remake.

The live-action Guardians of the Galaxy film is scheduled for release on Aug. 1, 2014.

FROM 'BATTLESTAR' TO 'ARROW'

Actor Tahmoh Penikett, well known in genre circles given his roles on Battlestar Galactica and Dollhouse, is joining the cast of the CW’s Arrow.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Penikett will play Tom Salvati, right-hand man to mob boss Frank Bertinelli (the previously announced Jeffrey Nordling). Needless to say Newsarama readers recognize that character as father to Helena Bertinelli, aka the post-Crisis/pre-New 52 version of The Huntress. Actress Jessica De Gouw will star as the Huntress beginning with the freshman series' sixth episode, and then will reportedly appear again in episode 7, wrtten by Geoff Johns.

The network is keeping a lid on whether Penikett's role will be a one-off guest turn or recurring as well as when he'd first surface, reports the Hollywood trade.

Got a comment? There's lots of conversation on Newsarama's FACEBOOK and TWITTER!