James Gunn has confirmed that Disney has reinstated him as the director of Guardians of the Galaxy 3. This decision comes eight months after Gunn was removed from the project after a handful of old tweets reemerged that Disney felt contained “offensive attitudes and statements.”
After Gunn was fired there was widespread support from the film’s fans and cast to reverse the decision. The movie’s cast released an open letter stating their desire to see the director return to the film and a crowdfunded billboard supporting the director appeared near Disneyland.
Deadline is reporting that it was Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn that decided to bring back the director. Horn made this decision after meeting with Gunn multiple times to discuss the tweets. Additionally, the studio chairman said both Gunn’s apology and overall handling of the situation played a role as well.
In the statement confirming his return to Guardians of the Galaxy 3 the director said:
“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 to you all.”
While it will be exciting for many to see James Gunn reinstated as the director, it is likely that very little progress has been made on the film since his departure. This will undoubtedly delay the movie, but at this point, fans would probably rather see the series continue to be helmed by Gunn.
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