Marvel filmmakers have reacted to the news of Disney rehiring James Gunn as the director of Guardians of the Galaxy 3.
Gunn was fired in July 2018 after his old tweets, which made light of paedophilia and rape, were resurfaced by conservative personalities online. The director apologised for his jokes, saying: “My words of nearly a decade ago were, at the time, totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative.”
It was revealed on Friday (March 15) that Gunn had been rehired as director. Walt Disney Studios president Alan Horn reportedly met with Gunn several times over the course of the past year and has since been persuaded, by Gunn’s public apology and handling of the aftermath, to rehire him.
Read more: Guardians Of The Galaxy 3: what we know so far about the next chapter in the Marvel series
Now, Marvel directors Taika Waititi, Peyton Reed and Scott Derrickson have reacted to the decision.
“Welcome back, James” Reed tweeted.
Welcome back, James. pic.twitter.com/UeFv45LSM9
— Peyton Reed (@MrPeytonReed) March 15, 2019
“What the hell?? I thought I was going to do it!!” Thor: Ragnorok director Waititi teased, while Doctor Strange‘s Scott Derrickson tweeted “G L O R Y H A L L E L U J A” alongside an article about the rehire.
What the hell?? I thought I was going to do it!! https://t.co/Emdfiw6Opa
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) March 15, 2019
https://twitter.com/scottderrickson/status/110662147746018099
Pratt was among a number of other cast members including Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper and Dave Bautista who penned an open letter in July 2018 calling for Gunn’s reinstatement. In an Instagram post with a copy of the letter, Pratt commented: “Although I don’t support James Gunn’s inappropriate jokes from years ago, he is a good man.”
Marvel boss Kevin Feige said they intended to complete the film but have not yet announced an official release date. Gunn, however, has previously stated that the movie would open in 2020.