SDCC 2018: James Gunn Fired From Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3

 

Old Tweets may have unraveled the plans for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 4.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn has been fired after extreme right-wing website The Daily Caller dredged up old Twitter posts Gunn made in 2008 and 2009 referring to pedophilia and rape. The site called upon its readers at Comic-Con International: San Diego to bring these tweets up at Gunn’s planned appearance during Sony’s film presentation later tonight.
While Gunn has been a critic of the current president, he identifies himself as “socially progressive fiscal conservative.”
But no matter what he may believe politically, he will no longer be making Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as The Walt Disney Company has announced Gunn’s contract has been terminated over the offensive remarks. “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,” Disney chairman Alan Horn said in a statement.
Gunn claimed his posts were made during an edgelord period in his life and “My days saying something just because it’s shocking and trying to get a reaction are over.” He nonetheless accepted responsibility for his posts and apologized to his followers.
But in a world where tables can turn quickly, Gunn’s dismissal from the film suggests more conservative elements on the internet have learned to weaponize Twitter’s platform in the way the #MeToo movement did successfully over the last year. It remains to be seen if they will turn their attention to other “socially progressive” personalities in the media.
Gunn was also set to help craft the cosmic elements of Marvel’s Phase 4. But it would seem those plans, and his appearance at Sony’s Friday evening presentation have been cancelled.