James Gun Returns To Direct Guardians Of The Galaxy 3

James Gunn has certainly been on a roller coaster of a ride with Disney and his role on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. First, he was fired after controversial tweets from his past surfaced. Then, Disney wouldn't hire him back despite an outcry, including from the stars of the films. Then, Gunn's script was going to be used despite his dismissal. And now, Gunn has been hired back to his former role on the movie.

Shockingly, Disney has changed its tune about Gunn, according to Deadline. He will both write and direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which currently does not have a release date. Gunn has subsequently confirmed the news himself.

On Twitter, Gunn announced his return to the movie by saying, "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."

Back in July 2018, Gunn was fired by Disney when controversial tweets, from many years prior, resurfaced where Gunn made joked about pedophilia and rape. Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn said, "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."

In the aftermath, many of the movie's stars had Gunn's back. Most vocal was Dave Bautista, although the entire cast penned a passionate letter in Gunn's defense. Meanwhile, Horn met with Gunn to discuss Gunn's role multiple times, and the chairman found he was persuaded by Gunn's public apology to reinstate him in the third movie.

Gunn has kept himself busy in the meantime, producing the upcoming May horror film Brightburn. Additionally, he will be writing and directing DC's Suicide Squad sequel, set to come out in 2021, which Will Smith recently dropped out of. Idris Elba will replace him as Deadshot.

This is big news for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as both Guardians of the Galaxy movies were massive hits. The first film brought in $773 million, while Vol. 2 raked in $863 million and helped expand the MCU by telling stories that took place in the cosmos. However, don't expect Vol. 3 any time soon. With Suicide Squad 2 expected to begin production later this year, we probably won't see Vol. 3 until 2022.