James Gunn

James Gunn (born August 5, 1966, in St. Louis, Missouri) is an American screen artist best known for writing sharp, character-driven genre stories that blend irreverent humor with heartfelt stakes. He first broke in during the mid-1990s, cutting his teeth at Troma Entertainment with the cult favorite Tromeo & Juliet, and later expanded into directing with the horror-comedy Slither.

Gunn’s mainstream breakthrough came as he moved into superhero storytelling, shaping a distinct voice across Guardians of the Galaxy (and its sequels, including Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) and The Suicide Squad. Alongside big-screen work, he has built a strong TV and streaming presence, writing and directing projects such as Peacemaker and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, while also developing offbeat web content like James Gunn’s PG Porn.

In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery tapped Gunn and producer Peter Safran to lead DC Studios as co-chairmen and co-CEOs. Under their stewardship, Gunn has helped launch the DCU’s new direction, including creating Creature Commandos and writing and directing Superman.

Beyond writing, Gunn has appeared on camera in projects like VHS Massacre Too and Tales from the Crapper, and even lent his voice to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.