Surprise: James Gunn Is Back To Direct Guardians Of The Galaxy 3

Disney is giving James Gunn a second chance. Immediately after firing the Guardians of the Galaxy writer-director last July, the studio has right now hired him back to direct the successful Marvel franchise's anticipated third installment, reports The Hollywood Reporter.


In a statement posted directly to his social media accounts, Gunn mentioned he "deeply appreciates Disney's decision" and that he's "excited to continue making films that investigate the ties of love that bind us all."


Gunn was fired immediately after a series of old, problematic tweets were unearthed last year. Disney's swift decision sparked outrage from Guardians fans — including its own cast. Following Gunn's abrupt ousting, franchise stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Michael Rooker, and Sean Gunn penned a open letter to Disney stating that they completely support" the director. Bautista even went as far to question his own future in Guardians after the studio's "nauseating" choice to remove Gunn from Vol. 3, despite penning the script.


In the months that followed, Marvel Studios put Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on hold, and Gunn booked an exhilarating new gig... Over at DC Films and Warner Bros., Where he was tapped to write and direct his own Suicide Squad film — and production is already underway, beginning with the casting of Idris Elba as Deadshot. According to reports, Gunn will begin Guardians 3 soon after production wraps on his Suicide Squad revamp.


As for those tweets, well, Gunn already apologized for his completely failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative" last year. Although in his most recent statement, the director says he is usually learning and will continue to work at being the perfect human being I can be."