James Gunn (II)

Before entering the Hollywood big leagues, filmmaker James Gunn cut his teeth working with cult-favorite Troma Entertainment, writing 1996's Tromeo and Juliet and even co-authoring a book with Troma president Lloyd Kaufman. Beginning with 2002's Scooby Doo, Gunn became a sought-after screenwriter, penning scripts for such hits as 2004's remake of Dawn of the Dead and the 2006 horror sleeper Slither (which he also directed). In 2000, Gunn married actress Jenna Fischer, who would later go on to find fame on NBC's The Office; the couple subsequently divorced.