DC Studios co-CEO and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 (2 and 1) writer-director James Gunn responds to nepotism accusations. After showing through his TikTok account that he is aware of the issue, Gunn stands his ground against the accusation. Further, he reveals the reason why he chooses professionals he has worked with before again and again.
Fans have been keen on pointing out that Gunn has been casting ‘favorite’ actors in his projects. Accusing him of nepotism because he has his wife cast in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as
Administrator Kwol, cast as Emilia Harcourt in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker which she also appears as in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Black Adam.
Likewise, he also chooses to cast his brother Sean Gunn for Kraglin and Young Rocket in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1-3 and Weasel/Calendar Man in The Suicide Squad. Another actor who is under Gunn’s good graces is Nathan Fillion who even appeared as an assistant in his social media skit. Fillion also got cast for Gunn’s recent projects.
Finally, many actors who have worked with the writer-director under Marvel Studios are speculated to be heading into DC Studios for his future projects under the new slate. The new DCU begins with Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. It starts off with ten titles for series and movies which will be needing hundreds of actors to fill the roster of characters.
Many are expecting that Gunn will be casting a lot of his Guardians into the DCU. In fact, Pom Klementieff, who plays Mantis in Guardians, is already in conversations about a specific undisclosed character for DCU.
James Gunn Fires Back On Nepotism Accusations
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Preston Sturges, Clint Eastwood, Scorsese, Robert Altman, Tarantino, so, so many more – we work with the same actors because we know how they work, how they tick, we develop a shorthand. We know they're reliable, good people. Same way I work with the same production designer,…
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 8, 2023
In a recent tweet, the DC Studio co-CEO lists out other directors who work with the same actors to address the nepotism accusations from fans. He posted:
Preston Sturges, Clint Eastwood, Scorsese, Robert Altman, Tarantino, so, so many more – we work with the same actors because we know how they work, how they tick, we develop a shorthand. We know they’re reliable, good people. Same way I work with the same production designer, costume designer, DP, AD, etc.
Many users of the site commented in agreement especially those who were working with teams which are also in film production. One twitter account compared it to a team where the leader knows how his members work. The leader knows the strengths and weaknesses of each member and uses them to pursue a common goal.
Gunn cited writer-director Preston Sturges who worked with Joel McCrea for the 1941 movie Sullivan’s Travels, then again in 1942’s The Palm Beach Story and in 1944’s The Great Moment.
Multi-Academy Award winner actor producer and director, Clint Eastwood was also among the names Gunn cited. Director Eastwood got to work with fellow Oscar winner Morgan Freeman in 1992 Unforgiven and 2004 Million Dollar Baby. Both of which were critically acclaimed movies to boot.
These are just two of the directors that Gunn listed and fans and followers reply their agreement citing other directors they notice who do the same. @Amanda_Parsons replied:
Kenneth Branagh does the same. Derek Jacobi & Judi Dench were in a lot of his films & there’s other repeats too. Patrick Doyle does his music. I know lots who like that short hand & to be reunited with those you trust. 😍
Kenneth Branagh does the same. Derek Jacobi & Judi Dench were in a lot of his films & there's other repeats too. Patrick Doyle does his music. I know lots who like that short hand & to be reunited with those you trust. 😍
— Amanda Parsons (M.ED) (@Amanda_Parsons) May 8, 2023
Another adds Tim Burton to the list. @ChrisJagged posted:
I mean, Tim Burton rarely casts anyone but Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter
I mean, Tim Burton rarely casts anyone but Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter
— Chris Jags (@ChrisJagged) May 8, 2023
It is very much like when one has an ‘old reliable’ list of things to pick out a menu when dining out. If you don’t know what to eat, you lean on what you know you will like.
Directors will already have some actors in mind for a role and they will likely cast that actor because they already know the actor can do it. There won’t be any added task of character discussion or at the very least, communication on the characterization of the role will be easier because they will already be attuned to the way each other thinks and interprets a scene.
So much communication of ideas and expression of thoughts are processed from development to production that casting a familiar actor skips the tediousness of ‘finding a match’.
James Gunn Answers Nepotism Accusations
Credit: Marvel Studios
READ MORE: James Gunn Could Bring Guardians Of The Galaxy Actors To DC
While people have a point at opening casting to more actors will lead to variety and opportunity for more professionals, there is the point of relief that the production proceeds smoothly with casting familiar actors. Eventually directors, producers and writers, and in this case all three are that one person, have a point in their careers that they will be able to easily pick their team.
James Gunn not only talked about his preference towards casting actors he has worked with in the past but he also mentioned that he reels in people behind the camera to work with him again.
There is a positive indication with this as well. It shows that James Gunn as a writer and director treats everyone in the production with respect. This proves that people absolutely welcome the thought of working with him again, not just his wife or brother, but also other actors, assistant directors, production designers and many more.
Not a lot of people can have that kind reputation in the industry. And that is something people also think about.
What do you make of James Gunn’s response to nepotism accusations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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