Disney Pictures and Marvel Studios shocked the world this weekend, with the announcement that James Gunn is back in the directors’ seat for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
The news broke via Deadline, who confirmed the news with both Marvel and James Gunn’s people. Gunn’s firing came due to offensive decades-old tweets about rape and pedophilia last July.
The tweets turned into a media firestorm, as other celebrities came under close scrutiny for social media missed-steps in their past. Gunn admitted numerous times the poor judgment he displayed when the tweets posted.
The director’s only excuse was that he strove to be a provocateur when he worked for Troma. Gunn never lashed out at the media and never spoke harshly of Disney in their decision to fire him.
In the months following his firing, Gunn met with Disney Studios president Alan Horn numerous times to discuss his situation. Gunn convinced Horn through his actions that he was truly remorseful for his actions.
Horn decided to reverse the studio’s stance and reinstating Gunn for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Gunn will still direct The Suicide Squad which begins shooting this Fall.
Marvel agreed to let Gunn finish the DCEU film before getting back to his post with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Although rumors swirled that Marvel approached Taika Waititi and Adam McKay to direct Guardians 3, according to the report, Marvel never considered anyone except for Gunn to direct.
Gunn had continued support from fans, friends, and the entire Guardians cast. Gunn recently took to Twitter to thank the fans for
“I am tremendously grateful to every person out there who has supported me over the past few months. I am always learning and will continue to work at being the best human being I can be.
I deeply appreciate Disney’s decision and I am excited to continue making films that investigate the ties of love that bind us all. I have been, and continue to be incredibly humbled by your love and support.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Love you all.”
It’s unclear how soon work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will begin, but he had already started pre-production on the film before his termination, so it shouldn’t take long after The Suicide Squad wraps.
