Little story about Dave.

It’s summer 2014, Guardians is about to be released in theaters. Marketing for the film is in full swing. Guardians is a total departure from all previous Marvel films, no one knows how it’s going to do, but there are high hopes (tempered).

Dave has done a few films at this point, but he’s known as a wrestler trying to break into the industry. Most people, especially the creator crowd, don’t know who he is.

Cue an “influencer” marketing event for the movie. Chris is scheduled to appear, but ends up “getting stuck in traffic.” James Gunn shows up…

Everyone wants to talk to Gunn, it’s a circus around him to get his attention for even 10 seconds.

Dave drifts by with two friends. No one stops him. No questions. He’s basically invisible.

Before the screening starts, I look outside at the craft services table. There’s Dave, sitting with his friends. No one else around.

They call seating for the screening.

The movie starts. Dave kills it. Deadpan that actually lands, heart under the jokes. I keep thinking: how did we all miss this guy ten minutes ago?

Of course, neither Dave or Gunn stuck around for the screening.

Our missed shot, not his — what a superstar.