James Gunn Pushes for More Gamora Merchandise, Talks "Guardians Vol. 2"

CBR

By Meagan Damore

Published Dec 4, 2015

The "Guardians of the Galaxy" director spoke about Gamora merchandising, offered a casting update, picked a side in "Civil War" and more.

"Guardians of the Galaxy" director James Gunn spoke about Gamora merchandising, offered a casting update for the sequel, picked a side in Civil War and more during a fan Q&A on his Facebook page.

"I had a big conversation about [Gamora merchandising] yesterday with one of my producers at Marvel about trying to make sure, especially that Gamora is represented more in stuff and all the 'Guardians' toys, but especially all the clothing and bed sheets and all that stuff," he explained. "I think it's really important -- that often times it's something Marvel is concerned with, as I am. It's frustrating and stuff and so it bums me out."

When a fan suggested that anyone could do the voice of Groot, Gunn had a strong response. "That is bullshit! And I know because I did the voice of Groot, I had other people doing the voice for Groot, we had all sorts of people doing the voice for Groot and Groot did not come alive until Vin Diesel did his voice. Vin is amazing as Groot. I'll argue to the death with anyone who says he doesn't make a difference or that it's a small role. It's huge what he does for us."

Another fan brought up a mutual friend, and Gunn revealed some quiet casting news. "I know Sarah Finn. Of course I do! She's my casting director. I know Sarah very well. Just had a phone call with her today about a very important casting."

"I try to have a good balance of different ethnicities in my movies, as much as possible," he added.

Additionally, he hinted we may see another familiar face. "I'm not going to comment yet on John C. Reilly, but I will say we just exchanged e-mails mere seconds ago. I like John C. Reilly."

"I would probably pick Rom," he said when asked who he'd like to include in the "Guardians" films but couldn't. "I also was unhappy to not have Annihilus in the 'Guardians' Marvel MCU."

He also spoke a little about his contract to make "Guardians" films for Marvel, explaining, "I have to do one more. After that, who knows?"

Another participant wanted to know who he sided with in "Captain America: Civil War," and Gunn referenced the recent trailer in his response. "I guess Iron Man. I like Iron Man. I felt sorry for him in the trailer; didn't you? When he said, 'I thought we were friends.' That made me sad."

"Do I have a favorite comic arc? Frank Miller's 'Daredevil' was instrumental in my love of comics," he shared.