When James Gunn was invited to meet with Marvel Studios, Guardians of the Galaxy was not on his mind. However, he did give a pitch centered around another Marvel Comics character.
The book The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe recounts how Gunn was brought in after seeing his work with films like 2010's Super. According to Marvel Studios executive Jeremy Latcham, "James clearly didn't mind taking risks," so he extended an invitation to Gunn. While Latcham and fellow executive Jonathan Schwartz were ready to talk Guardians of the Galaxy, Gunn walked in and pitched a very different movie: Hit-Monkey.
Gunn's idea was based on the character created by Daniel Way and Dalibor Talajić and first introduced into Marvel Comics just four years prior to Guardians of the Galaxy's release date in 2014. Simply going by the name Hit-Monkey and featured in a solo title by the same name, the character's story focuses around a monkey whose tribe would take in and nurture a wounded assassin, the act eventually leading to their demise by soldiers looking for the assassin. From that point onward, Hit-Monkey swears to seek vengeance on those who killed his tribe, with the spirit of the dead assassin guiding him on his mission.
Latcham and Schwartz tried to steer Gunn away from Hit-Monkey and onto Guardians, but Gunn was not interested originally, especially because of the character Rocket Raccoon being involved. "I was beyond hesitant," Gunn said. "I did not necessarily think it was a good idea," even comparing the inclusion of Rocket to having Bugs Bunny in the Avengers.
"I was not attracted to that. I was going to pass." After a long, traffic-ridden car ride on the 405 Freeway though, Gunn eventually changed his mind and began to think on how he might make Guardians of the Galaxy.
While a Hit-Monkey film was not made and helmed by Gunn, an animated series adapting the comics will be making its way onto Hulu in November. The series was originally announced in 2019, with the first teaser trailer releasing this past September. The series will feature the voice talents of actors like George Takei, Jason Sudeikis, Olivia Munn and more.
Following Gunn's work with The Suicide Squad and the upcoming Peacemaker spinoff series on HBO Max, Gunn is currently working on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as well as The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, which will film simultaneously. The internet is ablaze with anticipation over Will Poulter playing Adam Warlock, the film releasing on May 5, 2023. Hit-Monkey will arrive much sooner, streaming on Hulu Nov. 17.
Source: The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe