In a new interview with Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, which included Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista, he talked about working with Avengers: Age of Ultron director Joss Whedon when making casting choices.

We’ve known for a while that Avengers: Age of Ultron director Joss Whedon has been monitoring all of Marvel’s latest films since The Avengers smashed box office records in 2012, but now it looks like he’s been working with James Gunn for the casting of the villain Thanos.

In an interview with Gunn, Saldana and Bautista in Singapore, the Guardians of the Galaxy director reveals quite a few interesting things concerning how Marvel produces its films. Watch Gunn discuss working with Whedon to cast Thanos:

Josh Brolin was recently cast to voice the villain Thanos in Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron as well as the highly anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy, and it looks like it wasn’t just one director’s choice. Although, we imagine Whedon can pull rank when he wants to since he hovers over all of Marvel’s films.

In the interview it doesn’t appear as though Whedon is too heavy handed, though, as Gunn says he told him to be “more James Gunn” with his script suggestions. Clearly Whedon wants each film to have the look and style of the directors in charge.

Zoe Saldana, who plays Gamora, then explained why she took the interesting role and how she felt about working with Gunn on Guardians:

Dave Bautista, who plays Drax the Destroyer, explained how he felt when his agent told him that he had gotten the “life-changing” role of Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy:

Bautista was previously a professional wrestler and it’s interesting to hear him discuss the fact that he took a huge chance by taking the role and leaving wrestling behind. Although, we’ve seen a few wrestlers go back to the ring after doing films. The Rock did this for quite a few years before cementing his role in Hollywood.

Guardians of the Galaxy is headed to theaters in just a few weeks now, so we’re getting very excited about the film. The latest trailer gave fans an extended look at the film and it premiered on the same day Marvel gave some lucky fans a chance to watch a 17-minute sneak preview of the film in select theaters.

Hypable was at one of the sneak previews, so be sure to check out our description of the footage, as well as the new trailer that was released.

Guardians of the Galaxy’s release date is set for August 1, 2014. Featuring an intergalactic group of Guardians, led by Star-Lord, they make a desperate stand to save the galaxy.

Two-time Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper voices the machine-gun-wielding Rocket Raccoon and is joined by Vin Diesel as the tree-like Groot, with Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan and Dave Bautista filling out the leading roles.