James Gunn’s “No‑Bye” List: Why Some Stars Get the Walk‑Off
When director James Gunn pops up on Twitter for a Q&A, he drops a bombshell: he actually keeps a long list of actors he’ll never cast again. No drama, just a straight‑up catalog of people who, for whatever reason, can’t play nicely on set.
The Conditions that Make Him Toss
- Temperament Trouble: “If it’s their temperament and it’s serious, I’ll recast immediately.”
- Late to the Party: “Repetitively very late? I hate that.”
- Unpreparedness: “If they’re not ready, that’s a red flag.”
- Flash of Self‑Interest: “If it’s an ego‑driven attitude that could harm the film’s quality, I’ll hop away.”
But It’s Not All About the Bad Guys
Gunn let us know he’s all about the good vibes: “If the actor gives their all, I’ll pull out all the stops to make it work—unless it’s obvious the project’s quality would suffer if I hold on.”
He admits that talent alone isn’t enough: “Even the most gifted performers have to fit the role. If they won’t, it’s a no‑go.”
Due Diligence Is the New Black
The Hollywood veteran—56, for the record—spends a lot of time vetting crew. “I never hire jerks—those who are outright irresponsible or just plain bad people.” He emphasizes that his “due diligence” stops at a high bar, ensuring every collaborator meets a certain temperament threshold.
Beyond the Plot—The Guardians Curse
Gunn loves his Guardians of the Galaxy crew. “Some of them are among my best friends in the world.” The director confides that it’s not just the actors he’s attached to, but the characters themselves that tug at his heartstrings. That personal bond is what fuels his commitment to delivering authentic, fun stories.
Bottom Line
James Gunn’s no‑list is a testament to his desire for harmony on set: bad temper, tardiness, or sheer lack of preparation and he’s ready to skip that talent. For everything else—genuine passion and energetic collaboration—he’s all ears and all action.
