Disney recently announced they parted ways with James Gunn and fired him from Guardians of the Galaxy 3 over tweets that resurfaced from ten years ago “joking” about pedophilia and rape.
Following the news, there has been a public outcry (on both sides actually), and yesterday saw the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy ask for James Gunn to be reinstated.
“We fully support James Gunn,” the statement offered, which was posted to social media and signed by Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Sean Gunn, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Pom Klementieff and Michael Rooker. “We were all shocked by his abrupt firing last week and have intentionally waited these ten days to respond in order to think, pray, listen, and discuss. In that time, we’ve been encouraged by the outpouring of support from fans and members of the media who wish to see James reinstated as director of Volume 3 as well as discouraged by those so easily duped into believing the many outlandish conspiracy theories surrounding him.”
“His story isn’t over — not by a long shot,” the statement continues. “There is little due process in the court of public opinion. James is likely not the last good person to be put on trial. Given the growing political divide in this country, it’s safe to say instances like this will continue, although we hope Americans from across the political spectrum can ease up on the character assassinations and stop weaponizing mob mentality.”
If you please, read the statement written and signed by The Guardians of the Galaxy cast in support of James Gunn’s reinstatement as director of GOTG Volume 3. pic.twitter.com/TjNA9RF6M8
— Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) July 30, 2018
Now according to Variety, they have it that sources are stating there is a “growing feeling” that James Gunn could be reinstated as director of Guardians of the Galaxy 3. It’s pointed out both Marvel Studios and Disney have been “radio-silent” about who should replace him. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is supposed to start filming the start of 2019 for its 2020 release, and it’s noted that it was thought Marvel and Disney would need to move quickly to replace Gunn, since the new director would probably need to tweak the script.
It’s further said that Disney CEO Bob Iger is currently on vacation, and that insiders believe a decision on James Gunn will not be made until he returns to work.
Following James Gunn getting fired, Star Wars director Rian Johnson proceeded to delete 20k tweets as well.
Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn, Kevin Feige’s boss, previously released the following statement about Gunn’s dismissal: “The offensive attitudes and statements discovered on James’ Twitter feed are indefensible and inconsistent with our studio’s values, and we have severed our business relationship with him.”
James Gunn did apologize once again:
“My words of nearly a decade ago were, at the time, totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative. I have regretted them for many years since — not just because they were stupid, not at all funny, wildly insensitive, and certainly not provocative like I had hoped, but also because they don’t reflect the person I am today or have been for some time.”
“Regardless of how much time has passed, I understand and accept the business decisions taken today. Even these many years later, I take full responsibility for the way I conducted myself then. All I can do now, beyond offering my sincere and heartfelt regret, is to be the best human being I can be: accepting, understanding, committed to equality, and far more thoughtful about my public statements and my obligations to our public discourse. To everyone inside my industry and beyond, I again offer my deepest apologies. Love to all.”
