Earlier this past month, Guardians of the Galaxy 1 & 2 Writer and Director James Gunn was fired from Marvel Studios, surrounding tweets from a decade ago. Throughout 2018, a number of entertainers have come under fire over controversial and offensive tweets, whether they were recent or not. In James Gunn’s case, his tweets were brought to the light, revealing cruel and offensive jokes surrounding pedophilia.
In response, James Gunn was fired from Disney and Marvel Studios. Chairman of Walt Disney Studios Alan Horn expressed his concerns and decision making, stating that, “The offensive attitudes and statements discovered on James Gunn’s Twitter feed are indefensible and inconsistent with our studio’s values, and we have severed our business relationship with him.”
The sudden news caused outrage and debates among fans and even the Guardians of the Galaxy cast. Some have argued that something 10 years ago should not define his character, while other’s have side Marvel’s decision and that his actions should not be taken lightly. On July 19th, James Gunn tweeted his response on the subject matter.
Tweet #1. Many people who have followed my career know when I started, I viewed myself as a provocateur, making movies and telling jokes that were outrageous and taboo. As I have discussed publicly many times, as I’ve developed as a person, so has my work and my humor.
Tweet #2. It’s not to say I’m better, but I am very, very different than I was a few years ago; today I try to root my work in love and connection and less in anger. My days saying something just because it’s shocking and trying to get a reaction are over.
Tweet #3. In the past, I have apologized for humor of mine that hurt people. I truly felt sorry and meant every word of my apologies.
Tweet #4. For the record, when I made these shocking jokes, I wasn’t living them out. I know this is a weird statement to make, and seems obvious, but, still, here I am, saying it.
Tweet #5. Anyway, that’s the completely honest truth: I used to make a lot of offensive jokes. I don’t anymore. I don’t blame my past self for this, but I like myself more and feel like a more full human being and creator today. Love you to you all.
The following day on July 20th, he issued another statement, according to ABC News, stating that, “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 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 apology. Love you all.”
In response to his firing, GotG cast – Chris Pratt, Bradly Cooper, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, and Sean Gunn – signed a document regarding their views on Jame’s Gunn and his actions.
The cast has expressed various opinions about the subject matter online and in interviews. In a recent interview with Shortlist, actor Dave Bautista, aka Drax in GotG, had some choice words not just over the controversy itself, but his future with Marvel Studios.
“I spoke to Chris Pratt the day after it happened, and he’s a bit religious, so he wanted time to pray and figure it out, but I was more like: ‘f*** this. This is bullshit.’ James is one of the kindest, most decent people I’ve met… Where I’m at right now is that if [Marvel] don’t use that script, then I’m going to ask them to release me from my contract, cut me out or recast me. I’d be doing James a disservice if I didn’t.”
Despite the outcry from fans and the cast, Marvel Studios is holding its ground in their decision making. More recent news rumors that James Gunn’s script of Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 has been completely disregarded. These rumors have been based around Christopher Marc, Editor-In-Chief of Omega Underground, stating that, “Marvel Studios may have indeed tossed out James Gunn’s script for GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL.3.” That being said, multiple sources from The Hollywood Reporter suggest that Marvel Studios is still keeping the script, due to contracts and no breaches within them. While this is only a rumor, Marvel and Disney have remained silent on the subject matter. Only a matter of time will tell on what is next for the Guardians and if some of the original cast will depart from the MCU franchise.
