Every Movie In The Guardians Of The Galaxy Writer’s Filmography Ranked

Nicole Perlman has emerged as a distinctive voice in the realm of screenwriting, particularly in the sphere of big franchise movies, and her best films prove that she’s one of the MCU’s best writers when it comes to character development. Her style, characterized by a blend of wit, heart, and an understanding of what makes characters resonate with audiences, has contributed significantly to the success of several established franchises. Perlman’s approach to storytelling, which often involves injecting much-needed variety into familiar and sometimes stale narratives, has garnered both critical and commercial success, making her a sought-after writer in Hollywood.

Despite not being the most recognizable name in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s roster of screenwriters, Nicole Perlman has carved out a unique niche for herself as one of the most interesting Marvel writers. Her ability to shape iconic and beloved superheroes has been pivotal in the MCU’s storytelling evolution. Perlman has proved with her work in the MCU that she can write strong, multi-dimensional characters while not forgetting about the larger MCU mythology. The writer’s achievements in bringing complex, multidimensional characters to life, coupled with her knack for balancing action with emotional depth, have made her contributions to the superhero genre particularly noteworthy.

RELATED: Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie Ranked Worst To Best

6 Raising A Rukus (2017)

Nicole Perlman wrote

Raising a Rukus is a virtual reality animated film that follows the adventures of two siblings and their mischievous pet dog, Rukus, taking viewers on a magical journey through a prehistoric world. The movie represents an early yet significant step in Perlman’s burgeoning career, and though the short animated film doesn’t boast the legacy of her later works, it remains a noteworthy piece. The film’s animation and story structure reveal Perlman’s willingness to experiment and her ability to engage audiences. Despite its relatively low profile compared to her blockbuster hits, Raising a Rukus serves as a fun and solid foundation on which she built her most acclaimed works.

5 The Slows (2018)

Nicole Perlman wrote and directed

The Slows is a short film that stands out in Nicole Perlman’s filmography because she not only wrote the movie but also directed it. The film has a provocative narrative and unique storytelling approach, as it delves into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has divided into two distinct groups: those who have embraced a fast-paced, technologically advanced lifestyle, and those who live a more natural, slow-paced life. The story explores themes of environmentalism, technology, and the human condition.

With The Slows, Nicole Perlman presents a world where the “Slows” (those who choose to live naturally and age normally) are seen as antiquated and are gradually diminishing. The film is well-regarded for its poignant and subtle exploration of these themes, as the story is not just a commentary on technology but also a reflection on the choices people make as a society and the potential consequences of those choices. The Slows features some of Nicole Perlman’s more muted and thought-provoking writing within a unique sci-fi concept, and it deserves way more attention.

4 Thor (2011)

Nicole Perlman was an uncredited script consultant

Perlman’s uncredited writing role in Thor marked a pivotal point in her career, particularly in the superhero genre. The film introduces Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Norse God of Thunder, to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a manner that’s both engaging and relatable. The approach to the character was a blend of grandiose mythology and down-to-earth humor, creating a unique fish-out-of-water story that resonated with audiences worldwide. The balance of mythic elements with everyday scenarios showcased Perlman’s skill in making larger-than-life characters accessible and endearing. With Thor, Perlman’s contribution to the story also laid the groundwork for the character’s future evolution within the MCU.

RELATED: Thor Cast And Character Guide

The script provided a foundation that balanced the character’s godly attributes with his human-like flaws, making Thor a complex and multifaceted character. This depth of character was crucial in establishing Thor as not just a powerful hero, but also as a character with whom audiences could empathize. Thor’s only setbacks are technical, as many of the digital effects don’t quite hold up, and outside of brilliantly characterizing Asgard, the color palette is a little drab. Nevertheless, Perlman’s contribution in bringing a mythical character to a contemporary setting was one of the most important early building blocks in the MCU, and it’s still extremely satisfying.

Where to Watch Thor

3 Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)

Nicole Perlman co-wrote the story with Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit

Pokémon Detective Pikachu represents a groundbreaking departure from the traditional Pokémon narrative, offering a unique blend of live-action and CGI in a noir-inspired mystery setting. The plot revolves around Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), who teams up with a wise-cracking, amnesiac Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) to solve the mystery of Tim’s father’s disappearance. Set in Ryme City, a metropolis where Pokémon and humans coexist, the film diverges from the usual Pokémon battles and Gym challenges, instead weaving a detective story filled with intrigue, humor, and heart. This approach was revolutionary for the Pokémon franchise, which had predominantly focused on animated features based around the battles.

RELATED: Detective Pikachu 2 Confirmation, Release Date Prediction & Everything We KnowPerlman’s involvement in the story was more pronounced than her work on Thor, as she co-wrote it with Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez. In Pokémon Detective Pikachu, Perlman took on the challenge of revitalizing a beloved franchise with a fresh narrative approach. The film, diverging from the traditional Pokémon storyline, presented a unique blend of mystery and adventure in a world where humans and Pokémon coexist. It stands out for its imaginative take on the Pokémon universe, offering a narrative that was both familiar to longtime fans and welcoming to new audiences, balancing nostalgia with innovation — a key element in the film’s success.

Where To Watch Pokémon Detective Pikachu

2 Captain Marvel (2019)

Nicole Perlman co-wrote the story with Meg Fauve, Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, and Geneva Robertson-Dworet

Captain Marvel, with a story co-written by Nicole Perlman and four other writers, could have easily suffered from a two-many-chefs-in-the-kitchen situation. However, it was a significant milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, effectively balancing the origin story of Captain Marvel’s Carol Danvers, a powerful hero, with the high stakes of intergalactic conflict. Perlman’s writing played a crucial role in the film’s success, bringing depth and nuance to a character that could easily have been one-dimensional given her immense powers. The story skillfully navigated the challenges of presenting a prequel in an already established universe, offering a fresh perspective while maintaining continuity with the broader MCU narrative.

RELATED: Captain Marvel Cast & Character GuideNicole Perlman’s work on the 2019 movie showcased her ability to create a compelling and relatable hero, interweaving themes of empowerment, identity, and resilience. The narrative is particularly noteworthy for its approach to Carol Danvers’ character development; Perlman and her co-writers crafted a journey that was as much about self-discovery as it was about saving the world. This focus on character helped to ground the story and made Danvers a figure that audiences could root for and identify with. As a result, Captain Marvel was one of the most successful introductory movies in the MCU, making $1.1 billion worldwide (via Box Office Mojo).

Where to Watch Captain Marvel

1 Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

Nicole Perlman co-wrote with James Gunn

Guardians of the Galaxy stands as a testament to Nicole Perlman’s exceptional talent in screenwriting, especially within the superhero genre. This film, a significant departure from the MCU’s usual Earth-centric narratives, introduced audiences to the Guardians of the Galaxy characters — Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot — who were a ragtag group of intergalactic misfits initially at odds but eventually formed a cohesive and endearing team. The dynamic between these characters was one of the film’s most compelling aspects, highlighted by scenes like the prison breakout, where their individual skills and quirks come together in perfectly orchestrated chaos.

RELATED: What’s Next After Vol 3? Everything We Know About Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 4Guardians of the Galaxy was perceived as a risk at the time due to its focus on lesser-known comic book characters and its not being set on Earth. However, Perlman infused these characters with personality and emotional complexity, making them more than just comic relief or CGI spectacles. Perlman gave depth and dimension to even the most unconventional characters like Rocket, a genetically modified raccoon, and Groot, a sentient tree-like creature. Her writing livened up the superhero genre on a cosmic scale, proving that even the most unlikely heroes could carry a blockbuster film.

Where to Watch Guardians of the Galaxy