Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Targeting Anchorman & Step Brothers Director?

Marvel may have their sights set on Adam McKay to directGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. McKay got his start in the world of comedy, having helmed such classics asAnchorman: The Legend of Ron BurgundyandStep Brothers. But in recent years, he’s turned his attention to more serious efforts such asThe Big Shortand this year’s Dick Cheney biopicVice. Could a major comic book movie be next? That certainly seems possible, based on what McKay is saying.

The filmmaker has been making the press rounds to promoteViceas of late, which is positioned as a serious Oscar contender. During a recent podcast appearance,Adam McKaywas asked if he had been approached forGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. He not only reveals that he’s had conversations with Marvel Studios about that project, but confirms that he was discussing theInhumansmovie that never came to be with them as well. Here’s what he had to say about it.

“We’ve talked a little bit. Yeah. We were kicking around the idea of theInhumansat one point. We’re always kind of talking. I think [Kevin] Feige is just the greatest and what they’re doing is amazing.”

Originally, theInhumansmovie would have been released this year. However, that ultimately fell apart and ABC wound up developing the title as a short-lived and ill-advised TV series. ButGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, on the other hand, is still something that is definitely going to happen. It’s just a matter of who is going to make it when. Adam McKay,given his resume, seems like a solid choice for the gig.

Not only does Adam McKay have varied talents as both a writer and director, but he worked with Marvel Studios before. After Edgar Wright departedAnt-Man, McKay came in tohelp polish up the screenplayand, at the time, there were even rumors that he may step in to direct it. But that didn’t end up happening. Still, he’s got a good relationship with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and, as he’s revealed, conversations with them have persisted over the years. McKay seems like the kind of guy who is destined to take on a big franchise movie at some point, be with Marvel or elsewhere.

James Gunn helmed the first two Guardians movies to great success. He was originally going to shoot the third installment in January, but he wasfired by Disneyonce some old, offensive tweets resurfaced online. But the plan is to still use his script for the movie, which has been described as a tearjerker recently. The movie has been delayed for the time being, but the studio is trying to find the right filmmaker to step in and fill those shoes. While nothing is confirmed yet, it seems like they may have a good potential candidate on their hands. We’ll be sure to keep you posted as any additional details on the project are made available. For more with Adam McKay, feel free to check out the latest episode of theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast.