Director James Gunn Rehired to Direct Guardians of the Galaxy 3 for Marvel Studios [Updated]

James Gunn has been rehired by The Walt Disney Company to direct Guardians of the Galaxy 3. The news came today from Deadline and Hollywood Reporter. James Gunn was fired from the role last year after offensive tweets surfaced from earlier in his career. Gunn apologized and took responsibility for his actions. Since then, he has been hired to direct Suicide Squad 2 for Warner Bros and DC. Gunn confirmed the news on Twitter.

The decision to rehire James Gunn was made months ago but is coming to light now. It comes after multiple conversations between Disney and Marvel leadership. It also came from multiple meetings that Gunn had with Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn. Apparently, between the meetings and Gunn’s public apology, Horn was persuaded to rehire the Guardians director.

James Gunn’s Apology Statement:

Many people who have followed my career know when I started, I viewed myself as a provocateur, making movies and telling jokes that were outrageous and taboo. As I have discussed publicly many times, as I’ve developed as a person, so has my work and my humor.

It’s not to say I’m better, but I am very, very different than I was a few years ago; today I try to root my work in love and connection and less in anger. My days saying something just because it’s shocking and trying to get a reaction are over.

In the past, I have apologized for humor of mine that hurt people. I truly felt sorry and meant every word of my apologies.

For the record, when I made these shocking jokes, I wasn’t living them out. I know this is a weird statement to make, and seems obvious, but, still, here I am, saying it.

Anyway, that’s the completely honest truth: I used to make a lot of offensive jokes. I don’t anymore. I don’t blame my past self for this, but I like myself more and feel like a more full human being and creator today. Love you to you all.

James Gunn will still direct the Suicide Squad sequel before returning to Marvel Studios to direct the third Guardians movie. Throughout this whole process, Marvel Studios did not meet with any other directors for Guardians 3, which made the return of Gunn simpler. In the fan community, there was much speculation about the potential for Taika Waititi or Adam McKay to take the role. However, this was all just speculation. James Gunn wrote the script for Guardians of the Galaxy 3 and will now direct it as well. There is no known release date at this time.

What do you think of the James Gunn being rehired to direct Guardians of the Galaxy 3? Is this a good move by Disney? Share your thoughts in the comments below!


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