Marvel fans were undoubtedly shocked at news that hit the web yesterday regarding James Gunn, the director of both Guardians of the Galaxy films. Yesterday, it was announced that Gunn has been fired from Disney and taken off the upcoming third installment of Guardians. Several tweets of his going all the way back to 2010 have resurfaced, and people are not too happy.
The tweets are in bad taste, and make light of serious issues such as rape and pedophilia. However, despite the significantly less serious nature of the actions (as compared to rape or sexual harassment), Gunn has been let go. Now the director has made a statement via EW, where he apologizes for his words and explains that he is no longer the person who wrote those things:
“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.”
While some fans are urging that Disney reconsider their decision, others are hoping that Taika Waititi now takes the helm of Guardians 3, or even the latest Marvel director, Peyton Reed. Both directors have Marvel films with a lot of comedy, so they would fit in well with the intergalactic misfits. As for Gunn, hopefully we see him get new projects in the near future. Despite the nasty tweets from many years ago, he is clearly a good man, and a very talented director.
What do you think of this situation? Do you think Gunn should have been fired? Be sure to tell us all of your thoughts in the comments!