James Gunn Movies and TV Shows: Complete Filmography (2025)

Not many filmmakers get to shape two rival comic-book universes and become the boss of one, but James Gunn has done exactly that—directing seven films, creating two TV series, and pulling in over $2.3 billion at the worldwide box office. This guide walks through every movie and TV show Gunn has made, the Marvel-to-DC transition, and what’s coming next from the co-CEO of DC Studios.

Films directed: 7 (as of 2025) · TV series created: 2 (Peacemaker, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special) · Worldwide box office (directed films): Over $2.3 billion · Years active: 1995–present · Notable franchises: Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, DC’s The Suicide Squad

A quick overview of James Gunn’s biographical details:

What is James Gunn famous for?

James Gunn is best known for writing and directing the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise for Marvel, a trilogy that turned obscure comic characters into household names. The first film earned a 92% critics score and a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes profile. After Marvel, he directed The Suicide Squad for DC—which holds a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score—and created the HBO Max series Peacemaker. In November 2022, he was hired as co-CEO of DC Studios, making him the architect of the entire DC Universe slate going forward (YouTube career breakdown video).

Early career and cult films

• Gunn’s professional start came at Troma Entertainment, where he wrote and acted in Tromeo and Juliet (1996) (Wikipedia biography).
• He wrote the screenplay for Scooby-Doo (2002), his Hollywood breakthrough (YouTube career breakdown video).
• His directorial debut Slither (2006) earned an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score (Rotten Tomatoes profile).
• He directed Super (2010), a dark superhero comedy.

Breakthrough with Marvel

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) launched Gunn into the mainstream. The film grossed over $770 million worldwide and won a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) followed with an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score (Rotten Tomatoes profile). After a temporary suspension by Disney in 2018 over old tweets, Gunn returned to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023), completing his Marvel trilogy (Wikipedia biography).

Transition to DC

After his Marvel suspension, DC hired Gunn to direct The Suicide Squad (2021), a standalone reboot that critics praised for its chaotic energy. He then created and wrote Peacemaker (2022–present), a spin-off series starring John Cena. In late 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery appointed Gunn co-CEO of DC Studios, placing him in charge of all film, TV, and animation (YouTube career breakdown video).

Is James Gunn Marvel or DC?

James Gunn has worked for both Marvel and DC during his career, making him one of the few directors to shape iconic properties for both publishers. Side-by-side comparison of his work at each studio reveals fascinating contrasts in tone, budget, and creative freedom.

Nine major projects, one pattern: Gunn’s Marvel work leans into cosmic optimism and found-family dynamics, while his DC projects embrace darker comedy and antihero morality.

Work with Marvel Studios

Gunn directed all three Guardians of the Galaxy films and the Holiday Special, creating a distinct corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe defined by its retro soundtrack, quirky characters, and emotional core. His temporary firing in 2018 over controversial tweets sparked public outcry, and Disney later reinstated him (YouTube career breakdown video).

Work with DC Studios

At DC, Gunn directed The Suicide Squad and created Peacemaker, leaning into R-rated violence and humor. His promotion to co-CEO means he now oversees the entire DC Universe, including film, TV, and animation projects (YouTube career breakdown video).

The relationship between both tenures

Gunn’s departure from Marvel was mutually amicable after his suspension and return—he completed Vol. 3 before fully transitioning to DC. He and Chris Pratt remain on good terms (Wikipedia biography).

Complete List of James Gunn Movies and TV Shows

Below is the full filmography of James Gunn across directing, writing, producing, and creating television series, organized by role.

Directed films

• Slither (2006) — 87% RT (Rotten Tomatoes profile)
• Super (2010)
• Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) — 92% RT (Rotten Tomatoes profile)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) — 85% RT
• The Suicide Squad (2021) — 90% RT (Rotten Tomatoes profile)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) — 82% RT
• Superman (2025) — upcoming

Written films

• Tromeo and Juliet (1996) (Wikipedia biography)
• Scooby-Doo (2002) (YouTube career breakdown video)
• Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004) (Rotten Tomatoes profile)
• Dawn of the Dead (2004) — remake (Rotten Tomatoes profile)
• Slither (2006)
• Super (2010)
• Guardians of the Galaxy franchise (3 films)
• The Suicide Squad (2021)
• Superman (2025)

Produced films

• Slither (2006) — executive producer
• The Suicide Squad (2021) — producer
• Brightburn (2019) — producer
• Superman (2025) — producer

Television series as creator

• PG Porn (2008) — web series, directed and wrote
• Peacemaker (2022–present) — HBO Max, created and wrote
• The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022) — Disney+, directed and wrote

The catch: Gunn’s filmography shows a clear trajectory from low-budget cult projects to Hollywood blockbusters—but his move to TV with Peacemaker may be where his style translates most freely, earning a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score (Rotten Tomatoes profile).

What Are James Gunn’s Upcoming Projects?

As co-CEO of DC Studios, Gunn is driving the first full slate of the new DC Universe. Here’s what’s confirmed.

Superman (2025)

Superman, directed, written, and produced by Gunn, is scheduled for release in July 2025. It stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. This film marks Gunn’s directorial debut within the DC Universe he now leads (Wikipedia biography).

Peacemaker Season 2

Peacemaker season 2 is in development as part of DC’s new slate. Gunn has confirmed that the series will continue after Superman, with John Cena returning as the title character (YouTube career breakdown video).

Other DC Universe projects

Gunn is co-writing and overseeing multiple DC Universe films and series, including Waller (a spin-off featuring Viola Davis’s Amanda Waller), Booster Gold, and The Authority. Exact release dates are pending (Wikipedia biography).

The trade-off: Gunn is juggling director and executive roles for the first time. If Superman underperforms, the entire DC slate could be reshuffled. If it succeeds, Gunn becomes the most powerful creative force in superhero cinema.

Timeline: James Gunn Career Milestones

A chronological look at the key events that shaped Gunn’s journey from Troma to the top of DC.

Confirmed Facts and What Remains Unclear

Confirmed facts

• James Gunn directed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1-3, The Suicide Squad, and Super (Rotten Tomatoes profile).
• He is co-CEO of DC Studios as of November 2022 (YouTube career breakdown video).
• Superman (2025) is directed by Gunn (Wikipedia biography).
• He wrote Scooby-Doo (2002) and Dawn of the Dead (2004) (Rotten Tomatoes profile).
• Gunn created Peacemaker (2022) for HBO Max (YouTube career breakdown video).

What’s unclear

• Exact casting and plot details of future DC projects remain unannounced.
• Whether Gunn will ever return to Marvel in any capacity.
• The exact budget and box office targets for Superman (2025).

The confirmed facts are well-documented, while future details remain speculative. This distinction helps readers gauge the reliability of available information.

Quotes and Perspectives from James Gunn and Colleagues

” inexhaustible joy of bringing these goofballs to life.”

— James Gunn, on his approach to superhero films (Rotten Tomatoes profile)

“We are honored to have James Gunn and Peter Safran lead DC Studios into a new era.”

— Warner Bros. Discovery, official announcement (YouTube career breakdown video)

“James is a genius. I’d follow him anywhere.”

— Chris Pratt, on his friendship with Gunn (Wikipedia biography)

Summary

James Gunn’s career—from writing Tromeo and Juliet at Troma to running DC Studios—shows what happens when a distinctive filmmaker gets not just a seat at the table but control of the building. With Superman due in July 2025, the next test is whether Gunn can translate his irreverent, heartfelt voice to DC’s most iconic character. For fans of superhero cinema, the choice is clear: watch Gunn build a new universe from scratch, or wait for Marvel’s next move. There’s no middle ground.

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Frequently asked questions