Filmmaker James Gunn recently opened up about his past struggles with drug addiction, revealing a surprising journey that shaped his path to Hollywood.
A Candid Revelation Ahead of “Superman” Release
As the highly anticipated “Superman” film, directed by James Gunn, prepares for its debut, the director is busy on the promotional circuit. During a recent interview with Dax Shepherd and Monica, Gunn took an unexpected turn, sharing intimate details about his early life and battle with addiction.
This candid discussion sheds light on the personal challenges he faced long before becoming a prominent figure in the film industry, now co-heading DC Studios.
Battling Early Addiction
Gunn revealed that he began experimenting with drugs from a very young age. By the time he was 19, he had tried various substances, including speed and cocaine, starting in college. However, he noted that marijuana was the drug that truly held a grip on him.
He described a period where he would wake up and eagerly await 10 AM just to light a joint, smoking weed all day long. Gunn admitted he was “blind to the consequences” and initially refused to acknowledge that he had a problem.
A Pivotal Shift: From Music to Writing
After getting sober, Gunn initially dropped out of college to pursue a career in music. However, this path didn’t last, leading him back to academics a few years later. He decided to study creative writing, a decision that would ultimately change his life’s direction.
It was in a writing class that he penned a play. The positive reactions from his classmates made him feel “seen and appreciated,” sparking a profound sense of validation and purpose.
The Road to Columbia and Beyond
Gunn initially aimed to become a novelist, not a screenwriter. He applied to several universities, including safety schools like Georgetown and Iowa University, but was rejected by all of them. Surprisingly, he secured a spot at Columbia University, his top choice, where he continued to hone his writing skills.
This unconventional educational path laid the groundwork for his eventual transition into filmmaking, where he would combine his storytelling abilities with visual artistry.
Spearheading DC’s New Era
Today, James Gunn stands at the helm of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran. They are tasked with reinventing the DC cinematic universe, with “Superman” being the first major step in their ambitious vision. The film features a stellar cast including David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, and more.
The world awaits the film’s release on July 11 to see if Gunn’s creative direction will successfully usher in a new era for DC.
- James Gunn began using drugs at a very young age, including speed, cocaine, and marijuana.
- Marijuana was the most persistent addiction, leading to daily use and denial of the problem.
- After getting sober, Gunn initially pursued music before returning to college for creative writing.
- Writing a play in college gave him a sense of purpose and validation.
- He aimed to be a novelist and, despite rejections from other schools, got into Columbia University.
- Gunn now co-leads DC Studios, with “Superman” being his first major film in this new role.
Gunn’s journey is a powerful testament to personal transformation and the unexpected routes one’s career can take, proving that even a challenging past can pave the way for extraordinary achievements.
