James Gunn’s Cinematic Roots: From The Aristocats to Space Epics

These days, James Gunn is known as the co-CEO steering DC Studios, but it’s a bit wild to remember his earlier days at Marvel, especially with the Guardians of the Galaxy films. While it’s easy to spot the Star Wars influence in his work, Gunn’s first real spark for film came from a very different place: the animated classic The Aristocats, featuring Phil Harris. In a chat with Variety, Gunn reflected on his earliest cinema memories:

I think the first movie I saw in a theater was “The Aristocats.” Then “The Strongest Man in the World” with Kurt Russell. But it was “Star Wars” that completely changed me. That feeling of entering another world. And then “Raiders of the Lost Ark” made me aware of filmmakers themselves — George Lucas, Steven Spielberg. That’s when it clicked.

Like plenty of future directors, Gunn found inspiration in Disney’s animated gems, with The Aristocats leaving a lasting impression. Still, it was Star Wars that truly captured his imagination and nudged him towards a life behind the camera.

Chasing That Star Wars Feeling with Guardians

While Gunn’s recent work on Superman and the ongoing DC Universe has been getting plenty of attention, his big break came with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The series gave him a chance to tip his hat to George Lucas’ legendary space saga, but Gunn’s aim wasn’t just to copy the look or style.

After wrapping up his time with Marvel, Gunn took to X to share what he’d really wanted to achieve with Guardians. He wasn’t out to make a film that looked like Star Wars, but rather to capture the same sense of wonder he’d felt as a kid watching it for the first time. As he put it:

11 years ago I had a meeting with Marvel Studios about the possibility of doing a Guardians of the Galaxy movie. I remember driving home & thinking I didn’t want to make a movie LIKE Star Wars, but a movie that made people FEEL like Star Wars made me feel as a kid. Outlandish characters, extraordinary locations, a space opera with a touch of magic filled with heart. Thank you, Star Wars, for inspiring me, & how appropriate that the third part of our trilogy is playing in theaters all across the world tonight on May the 4th.

So, while Star Wars came along a bit later in his childhood, it played a huge part in shaping Gunn’s approach to storytelling and filmmaking.

Why The Aristocats Still Stands Out

Disney’s reputation as a powerhouse in entertainment owes a lot to its early animated features, and The Aristocats is a prime example. The film’s animation has aged remarkably well, still looking sharp decades on. After Walt Disney’s passing, the studio leaned into a lighter, more humorous style, which turned out to be a hit with families everywhere.

The Aristocats focused on its characters rather than a sweeping plot, making the story feel more grounded and relatable. It proved that even a simple tale can be just as engaging as a grand adventure if the characters are memorable enough.

On top of that, the film’s themes encourage even young viewers to think a bit deeper, giving it a lasting appeal that’s stuck with audiences for generations.

The Aristocats: Key Details

Here’s a quick look at the essentials: The Aristocats was directed by Wolfgang Reitherman and starred Sterling Holloway, Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Liz English, and Monica Evans. It’s got a solid 7.1 out of 10 on IMDb and pulled in $191 million at the box office. Not bad for a film that’s been around for more than fifty years.

Which film first got you hooked on cinema? Let us know in the comments. Both The Aristocats and Guardians of the Galaxy are streaming on Disney+ for Aussie punters keen for a rewatch.