Marvel Execs Doubted Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack, But Fans Proved Them Wrong

As of August 26th, 2025, it has been revealed that some of the powers-that-be at Marvel Studios were not initially convinced by director James Gunn's music choices for the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. In fact, they had called the soundtrack for the first Guardians film "ridiculous."

However, Gunn's unique approach to incorporating songs from the '60s and '70s on the mixtapes that were central to the films' storylines ended up resonating strongly with audiences, particularly younger viewers. Gunn confirmed that it was these young people who were most taken with the classic tunes, which included hits like "Hooked on a Feeling" and "I Want You Back."

The success of the Guardians soundtracks has also extended to Gunn's work on DC projects like Peacemaker, which he says has his "favorite soundtrack yet" from one of his films. As a bonus, using these beloved songs has allowed Gunn to connect with the artists behind them.

Gunn's ability to curate memorable soundtracks that appeal to multiple generations is a testament to his creative vision and understanding of what resonates with audiences. The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, as well as Gunn's other superhero projects, have proven that exceptional art can find success regardless of when it was originally created.