[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2625:]]We now have official word from James Gunn himself that he will be directing the Guardians of the Galaxy movie that will be released on August 1, 2014.

Gunn's involvement with the Guardians of the Galaxy movie first came about last month with word that he was in talks to direct.

Since then, The Avengers director Joss Whedon confirmed James Gunn on the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, describing Gunn's vision as a "twisted take" and further supporting James Gunn on the movie as well including mention of how much Gunn favored the source material.

Speaking of the source material, James Gunn posted the following message on his Facebook announcing his involvement while mentioning his love of raccoons, comics and space epics.

For a month or so there’s been a lot of Internet speculation about my involvement with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Until now I haven’t said anything, because I’m trying to be less expulsive about this project than I am about the rest of my life. But last night I got the go-ahead from Kevin Feige to let you all know that, yes, indeed, I am rewriting and directing Guardians of the Galaxy. As a lifelong lover of Marvel comics, space epics, AND raccoons, this is the movie I’ve been waiting to make since I was nine years old. Kevin, Joss, and all the folks at Marvel have been amazing collaborators so far, and we’re committed to bringing you something majestic, beautiful, and unique. I am incredibly excited. I am also incredibly grateful to the fans and the press for all their words of encouragement and support regarding my involvement with this project since the news first leaked. Thanks – you have, honestly, touched and overwhelmed me. And that’s it for now. Other than the occasional photos of my dog and cat here on Facebook, I’ll talk to you again in August 2014 when Guardians is released!

The Guardians of the Galaxy movie looks to be based on the 2008 Guardians of the Galaxy comic book by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, which includes the characters and look of the concept art that was revealed at the recent San Diego Comic Con: Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax The Destroyer, Rocket Raccoon and Groot. The movie is also rumored to feature Adam Warlock and The Magus.

Screenwriter Chris McCoy is on the Guardians of the Galaxy movie doing rewrites, and a brief synopsis previously was made available describing the movie "About a U.S. pilot who ends up in space in the middle of a universal conflict and goes on the run with futuristic ex-cons who have something everyone wants."

James Gunn has previously worked on Scooby Doo, Dawn of the Dead, Super, Slither and Lollipop Chainsaw.

The Avengers 2 assembles May 1, 2015 with Iron Man 3 on May 3, 2013, Thor: The Dark World on November 8, 2013, Captain America: Winter Soldier on April 4, 2014, and the Guardians of the Galaxy movie on August 1, 2014.

Head on over to the Cosmic Book News The Avengers Movie Hub for more news, images and trailers.