Last July, a controversy emerged around Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn. Right-wing agitators, offended by Gunn's criticism of President Donald Trump, dredged up hundreds of the filmmaker's old joke tweets in an attempt to get him in hot water with the Mouse House. Many of the tweets were undeniably gross remarks about an array of disturbing topics, made when Gunn was an edgy comic director for Troma.
Still, if I'm being completely honest, I didn't really think much of it. Gunn profusely apologized and accepted responsibility for his old tweets, and everybody pretty much assumed that would be it. But fans of the Guardians and most online commentators seemingly underestimated the influence of Mike Cernovich and Jack Posobiec, as Disney caved to the mild heat and abruptly fired the popular filmmaker from his directorial duties on Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3, which was widely believed to be set for a 2020 release. Shock, confusion, and anger ensued, but Disney and Marvel held firm in their decision.
Well, at least for a while.
On Friday, Deadline reported a stunning development in the James Gunn saga: after intense consideration, Disney has officially re-hired the director for Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3.
That's right- Gunn is back for good this time.
According to the Deadline report, Gunn met with Disney chief Alan Horn a number of times, eventually convincing him to reconsider based on his humble and genuine sense of contrition. In a somewhat more surprising bit of information, the report indicates that Disney made this decision several months ago.
Of course, this is a complicated situation on a number of levels. Though five of the six principal Guardians are currently existing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as piles of dust, it's now likely that everyone will return for the third chapter- even Dave Bautista, who fiercely criticized Disney's actions in the aftermath of the firing (the entire cast penned an open letter). Gunn is also officially set to write and direct Warner Bros.' The Suicide Squad, a reboot of the popular property that will likely star Idris Elba in the role originated by Will Smith in 2016. The film is set for release in 2021, which means Gunn will direct the anti-hero saga before he returns to Guardians 3. The return of Marvel's most popular cosmic team will likely have to wait until 2022, but it's not like Kevin Feige won't be able to find a way to fill some holes on the calendar.
In response to his reinstatement as director, Gunn had this to say:
"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 humbled by your love and support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Love to you all."
As a believer in Gunn and a fan of this franchise, I couldn't be more excited by this decision. He made some obvious mistakes- but I was encouraged and even moved by his apology and the endorsements from friends and colleagues that followed. Gunn will get the chance to finish his trilogy, following up the events of Infinity War, Endgame, and Vol. 2 to give a proper conclusion to Peter Quill and the gang. I can't wait.
The Guardians of the Galaxy will be seen in next month's Avengers: Endgame.
Images: Marvel/IMDb
Still, if I'm being completely honest, I didn't really think much of it. Gunn profusely apologized and accepted responsibility for his old tweets, and everybody pretty much assumed that would be it. But fans of the Guardians and most online commentators seemingly underestimated the influence of Mike Cernovich and Jack Posobiec, as Disney caved to the mild heat and abruptly fired the popular filmmaker from his directorial duties on Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3, which was widely believed to be set for a 2020 release. Shock, confusion, and anger ensued, but Disney and Marvel held firm in their decision.
Well, at least for a while.
On Friday, Deadline reported a stunning development in the James Gunn saga: after intense consideration, Disney has officially re-hired the director for Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3.
That's right- Gunn is back for good this time.
According to the Deadline report, Gunn met with Disney chief Alan Horn a number of times, eventually convincing him to reconsider based on his humble and genuine sense of contrition. In a somewhat more surprising bit of information, the report indicates that Disney made this decision several months ago.
Of course, this is a complicated situation on a number of levels. Though five of the six principal Guardians are currently existing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as piles of dust, it's now likely that everyone will return for the third chapter- even Dave Bautista, who fiercely criticized Disney's actions in the aftermath of the firing (the entire cast penned an open letter). Gunn is also officially set to write and direct Warner Bros.' The Suicide Squad, a reboot of the popular property that will likely star Idris Elba in the role originated by Will Smith in 2016. The film is set for release in 2021, which means Gunn will direct the anti-hero saga before he returns to Guardians 3. The return of Marvel's most popular cosmic team will likely have to wait until 2022, but it's not like Kevin Feige won't be able to find a way to fill some holes on the calendar.
In response to his reinstatement as director, Gunn had this to say:
"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 humbled by your love and support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Love to you all."
As a believer in Gunn and a fan of this franchise, I couldn't be more excited by this decision. He made some obvious mistakes- but I was encouraged and even moved by his apology and the endorsements from friends and colleagues that followed. Gunn will get the chance to finish his trilogy, following up the events of Infinity War, Endgame, and Vol. 2 to give a proper conclusion to Peter Quill and the gang. I can't wait.
The Guardians of the Galaxy will be seen in next month's Avengers: Endgame.
Images: Marvel/IMDb
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