James Gunn, the creative force behind hits like Guardians of the Galaxy and the recent Superman movie, has shaped modern superhero cinema. But several exciting projects slipped through his fingers over the years, offering a glimpse into what might have been in his storied career.
These near-misses span from early pitches in the late 1990s to more recent discussions, often halted by studio decisions or timing issues. With Gunn now leading DC Studios, fans wonder how these films could have changed the superhero landscape.
Gunn’s Rise in Superhero Storytelling
James Gunn started his journey in film with quirky scripts and low-budget horrors, but superheroes quickly became his calling. By the early 2000s, he was already eyeing major comic book adaptations.
His breakthrough came with Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, turning unknown characters into box office gold. This success opened doors, but not every opportunity stuck.
Gunn’s style blends humor, heart, and action, making him a top choice for studios. Yet, creative differences and shifting priorities often derailed potential directs.
Today, in 2025, Gunn oversees DC’s universe, including upcoming films like Supergirl set for June 2026. His past almost-projects highlight the unpredictable nature of Hollywood.
The Silver Surfer Solo Adventure
Back in 1999, when Gunn first arrived in Los Angeles, a Fox executive approached him after reading his spec script for The Specials. The offer was to direct a standalone Silver Surfer movie, focusing on the cosmic herald betraying Galactus without involving the Fantastic Four.
This would have been a bold move, as no major Fantastic Four film existed yet. Gunn considered it but passed, betting on another project, Spy Vs. Spy, which also never materialized.
The script’s cosmic tone could have echoed Gunn’s later Guardians work, introducing audiences to space-faring heroes early. Instead, Silver Surfer appeared in the 2007 Fantastic Four sequel, but a solo film remains a fan dream.
In recent years, with Marvel’s multiverse expanding, talks of Silver Surfer have resurfaced, but Gunn’s DC commitments make his involvement unlikely now.
Gunn shared this story on social media in 2015, tying it to a comic release, showing his long-standing passion for the character.
Pitching Plastic Man to Warner Bros.
During the filming of Scooby-Doo in the early 2000s, Gunn and actor Matthew Lillard met with Warner Bros. executives to pitch a Plastic Man movie. Lillard, known for Shaggy, expressed interest in teaming up again, prompting Gunn to reveal this forgotten discussion.
Plastic Man, a stretchy, humorous hero from DC Comics, fits Gunn’s comedic style perfectly. Created by Jack Cole, the character inspired Marvel’s Mister Fantastic, as admitted by Stan Lee.
The project never advanced, likely because studios hesitated on lesser-known heroes at the time. Plastic Man has since appeared in animations like Teen Titans Go!, keeping the character alive.
Fans speculate Gunn might revive this in the DC Universe, given his track record with obscure figures like Peacemaker.
This pitch shows Gunn’s early knack for blending laughs with superhero action, a trait seen in his Suicide Squad reboot.
Gunn confirmed the story online when Lillard mentioned wanting to work together, adding a fun layer to their shared history.
Four More Superhero Projects That Almost Happened
Beyond Silver Surfer and Plastic Man, Gunn came close to several other superhero films. These range from Marvel oddities to DC potentials, each stopped by various roadblocks.
One notable miss was a potential Stars and Stripes movie, based on a lesser-known hero, discussed in the mid-2000s but shelved amid studio shifts.
Another was an early concept for a Hit-Monkey adaptation, the monkey assassin from Marvel, which Gunn eyed before focusing on Guardians.
Gunn also flirted with directing a Thunderbolts film for Marvel, but his firing and rehiring saga changed plans.
Lastly, there were whispers of a Namor project in the 2010s, but rights issues and Gunn’s schedule prevented it.
Here is a quick overview of these near-misses:
| Project Name | Year Discussed | Reason It Fell Through | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stars and Stripes | Mid-2000s | Studio priority changes | Could have boosted patriotic hero tales |
| Hit-Monkey | Early 2010s | Gunn’s shift to Guardians | Might have added animal-led action to MCU |
| Thunderbolts | Late 2010s | Gunn’s Marvel-DC transition | Would have explored anti-hero teams earlier |
| Namor | 2010s | Rights and scheduling conflicts | Could have introduced aquatic adventures sooner |
These projects highlight how timing and studio politics shape careers.
Why These Films Never Took Off
Many factors contribute to why these movies stalled. Studios often prioritize sure bets over risky ventures with niche characters.
Creative visions clash too. Gunn’s unique humor might not always align with executive expectations, leading to passes.
Market trends play a role. In the early 2000s, superhero films were just gaining steam post-X-Men, making bold solos like Silver Surfer a gamble.
Gunn himself chose paths that led to bigger successes, like directing Guardians instead of sticking with unproven ideas.
Looking back, these misses paved the way for his current role at DC, where he greenlights projects freely.
Impact on Gunn’s Career and Superhero Cinema
These almost-directs shaped Gunn’s path, pushing him toward ensemble stories like Guardians and The Suicide Squad. Without them, he might not have honed his skill for underdog heroes.
The superhero genre benefited too. Gunn’s successes inspired more quirky adaptations, diversifying blockbusters beyond serious tones.
In 2025, with Superman earning praise and sequels like Man of Tomorrow slated for 2027, Gunn’s influence grows. Recent updates include Lanterns filming early next year and Clayface in September 2026.
Fans can see echoes of these misses in his work, like cosmic elements in Guardians mirroring Silver Surfer vibes.
Overall, these stories remind us of Hollywood’s what-ifs, fueling excitement for what’s next.
What Fans Can Expect Next from Gunn
Gunn’s future looks bright with DC’s slate. Upcoming projects include:
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, releasing June 26, 2026, starring Milly Alcock.
- Clayface, a horror-tinged take on the shapeshifting villain, out September 11, 2026.
- Man of Tomorrow, the Superman follow-up, hitting theaters July 9, 2027.
- Lanterns series, focusing on Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart, starting early 2026.
These build on Gunn’s vision for a connected DC Universe, blending humor and heart.
As superhero fatigue fades, Gunn’s fresh approach keeps the genre alive.
What do you think about these near-miss films? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow fans for more discussion.
