James Gunn Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids James Gunn
Gunn on the set of Superman in 2024
Born	James Francis Gunn Jr. (1966-08-05) August 5, 1966 (age 58) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Education	Loyola Marymount University Saint Louis University (BA) Columbia University (MFA)
Occupation	Screenwriter director producer studio executive
Years active	1989–present
Employer	Warner Bros. Discovery
Title	Co-chairman and Co-CEO of DC Studios
Spouse(s)	Jenna Fischer (m. 2000; div. 2008) Jennifer Holland (m. 2022)
Relatives	Sean Gunn (brother) Matt Gunn (brother) Brian Gunn (brother) Mark Gunn (cousin)

James Francis Gunn Jr. (born August 5, 1966) is an American filmmaker. He is known for writing and directing popular superhero movies. Some of his famous films include Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). He also directed The Suicide Squad (2021).

In 2022, James Gunn became a co-leader of DC Studios. This is a big job where he helps create all the movies and TV shows based on DC Comics characters. He is currently writing and directing the new Superman movie, set to be released in 2025. He also created the animated series Creature Commandos (2024).

Before his superhero work, Gunn wrote the horror-comedy film Slither (2006). He also wrote the live-action Scooby Doo (2002) and its sequel Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004).

Early Life and Creative Beginnings
Journey in Film and Television
- Directing Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
- Work with DC Comics Characters
Personal Life
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and Creative Beginnings

James Francis Gunn Jr. was born on August 5, 1966, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in a town called Manchester, Missouri. He has five siblings, including his brothers Sean, Matt, and Brian, who are also involved in acting and writing.

As a child, James loved low-budget horror films. He started making his own 8mm zombie movies at age 12. He filmed these movies with his brothers in the woods near their home. This early experience helped him learn about filmmaking.

Gunn attended Saint Louis University and later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Columbia University in 1995.

Journey in Film and Television

Gunn in 2013

James Gunn started his film career in 1996 with a company called Troma Entertainment. He co-wrote an independent film called Tromeo and Juliet. Working there, he learned many skills, like writing screenplays and directing actors.

His first big Hollywood screenplay was for the movie Scooby-Doo in 2002. He also wrote the remake of Dawn of the Dead in 2004. That same year, he wrote Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.

Gunn's first time directing a feature film was with the horror-comedy Slither in 2006. This movie was well-received by horror fans. In 2010, he directed Super, a dark comedy about a regular person trying to be a superhero.

Directing Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Gunn in 2014

James Gunn became very famous for directing Guardians of the Galaxy for Marvel Studios. This movie, released in 2014, was a huge success. It was loved for its humor, characters, and soundtrack. His brother, Sean Gunn, also had a role in the film.

Gunn then wrote and directed the sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which came out in 2017. He also directed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2023, completing the trilogy.

Work with DC Comics Characters

In 2018, James Gunn was hired to write and direct The Suicide Squad, a film based on DC Comics characters. This movie was released in 2021. He also created and directed a TV series spin-off called Peacemaker for Max, which started in 2022.

In November 2022, James Gunn and his producing partner Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios. This means they are in charge of all new movies, TV shows, and animated projects based on DC characters. Gunn focuses on the creative side of these projects.

As part of his role at DC Studios, Gunn is writing and directing a new Superman movie, which will introduce a new era for DC films. He also wrote the animated series Creature Commandos, which premiered in 2024.

Personal Life

Gunn at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con

James Gunn was married to actress Jenna Fischer from 2000 to 2008. They remained friends after their divorce.

Since 2015, Gunn has been in a relationship with actress Jennifer Holland. They got engaged in February 2022 and were married in September 2022.

Gunn adopted a dog named Ozu in 2022 and often shares photos of him. He supports animal adoption. Because of his work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which featured many animal characters, and his support for animal welfare, PETA named him their Person of the Year in 2023. Ozu even inspired the look of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn's 2025 Superman movie.