Editorial Staff
Tried as they did to clear the air, and come up with some sort of reasonable compromise, talks between Disney and Marvel about possibly reinstating James Gunn as director of the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3” have resulted in some sad news for Gunn, not to mention fans of the filmmaker and franchise.
Gunn is off the project for good.
Variety were the first to report that the filmmaker won’t be returning to the film, following a meeting between Gunn and studio chairman Alan Horn.
Gunn was let go from the project nearly a month ago when dozens of Gunn’s unsavory, old tweets from nearly a decade ago came to light. Disney were quick to dump Gunn, director of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” film franchise, from the series.
Despite widespread support, especially from the “Guardians” cast, Disney brass have decided they’re not going back on their word. A replacement director will be sought.
Marvel president Kevin Feige was out of town while the meeting was taking place, so couildn’t be present at the meeting to champion Gunn (who he is rumored to be pushing to get back on the project), but he’ll be involved in picking a new helmer for the threequel.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3” was expected to start filming at the start of 2019 but it might need to be pushed back.
No word yet on whether Gunn’s script for the film will be used or whether Mark Hamill, who Gunn coaxed into playing a part in the film, will remain onboard now that the filmmaker has left.
