James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios and director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3, has been named PETA’s Person of the Year for 2023. PETA acknowledged Gunn’s work on the movie, highlighting it as a thought-provoking narrative addressing the horrors of experiments on animals. The film’s storyline, particularly focused on Rocket Racoon’s backstory, depicts an extreme version of animal testing. 

ComicBook Movies writes, “The animal-rights charity is honoring Gunn not just for the film — which depicts a science-fiction version of animal testing that takes the concept and its moral cost to an extreme — but for ‘speaking up for animals in all facets of his life.’ Even beyond making Guardians Vol. 3 into “Rocket’s story,” Gunn has long been very public with his affection for animals.”

James Gunn is recognized not only for his work on the film but also for his consistent public advocacy for animals in various aspects of his life. PETA has a history of working with Hollywood stars for public service announcements, including the “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” series, which features nude portraits of celebrities. 

Gunn’s use of the “Adopt, don’t shop” slogan aligns with PETA’s advocacy for adopting pets rather than supporting commercial breeding. 

Guardians of the Galaxy is out now in theaters.