“I never felt like I belonged”: Marvel Director James Gunn Had Suicidal Thoughts After an Unpleasant Phase of His Life
Throughout his career, James Gunn has been known for his candidness on social media, sharing his challenges and triumphs with honesty. He has been unafraid to address the obstacles he has faced throughout his life, including addiction and mental health struggles.
In a recent interview, acclaimed director James Gunn, known for his work on Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy films, opened up about his personal battles with addiction and mental health. Despite his recent successes, such as the highly praised final installment of Guardians of the Galaxy and his upcoming role as director for DC Studios’ Superman: Legacy, Gunn’s journey has been far from smooth.
Read More: “It reinvented action”: James Gunn’s Top 2 Favorite Comic Book Movies Aren’t Even From MCU or DCU
James Gunn And His Inner Demons
During an interview with EL PAÍS, James Gunn opened up about his experiences as a young person struggling with alcoholism and how the process of filmmaking has been instrumental in overcoming adversity. Gunn shared that while the nature of his personal battles may have changed over the years, his transition from substance addiction to directing high-profile films has allowed him to redirect his focus toward the creative process.
“My demons change over the years. I was an alcoholic as a young person, and a drug addict. I went through a number of crazy years. I think that for me, it’s really about focusing on the creative process and not being distracted by money, power, attention, negativity, and just focusing on the creative process.”
Read More: DC: James Gunn From ‘The Guardians Of The Galaxy’ To Direct Another Superhero Movie?
Gunn’s openness regarding his personal struggles is well-known, as he has previously shared on Twitter that he was once a “violent teenager addicted to drugs.” He attributes his journey to recovery and healing to the support and love he received from his family.
Hey Scott Adams: As someone who was himself a violent teenager addicted to drugs & entered recovery with the help & love of his family, as well as someone who has seen dozens of other young men stay sober & become fruitful members of society, these are not the only two options. pic.twitter.com/AuR5zBXuIg
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 6, 2022
What Cause James Gunn To Have Suicidal Thoughts?
James Gunn has consistently expressed how creativity and the world of entertainment have played a significant role in his life. Back in 2017, he took to Facebook to share a heartfelt post, revealing that during his youth, he grappled with “suicidal thoughts.” However, he discovered solace and a sense of refuge in the realm of popular entertainment, particularly his passion for Marvel comics.
“When I was young I felt utterly alone, at times to the point of suicidal thoughts. I never felt like I belonged, had an incredibly difficult time connecting to other people and, despite having love around me, I had an impossible time experiencing it, or taking it in. But I found my respite in popular entertainment – Marvel comics, science fiction and horror films, the music of The Sex Pistols, The Replacements, and Queen.”
Read More: James Gunn Was Offered A Superman Solo Movie
Gunn’s openness about his struggles and the healing power of creativity has resonated with many fans. By sharing his personal experiences, he not only sheds light on the challenges he faced but also emphasizes the importance of finding outlets for self-expression and inspiration, even in the darkest of times.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is currently playing in theaters.
Source: The Direct
